Global Security (Intelligence Studies), MA
Designed and taught by experts and practitioners, this program blends academic rigor with applied learning, giving you the tools to navigate complex threats, harness emerging technologies, and produce insights that shape national and global security decisions.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Global Security (Intelligence Studies) program description
The Master of Arts program in global security with a concentration in intelligence studies prepares you to analyze and address contemporary intelligence challenges at the intersection of global security and policymaking. This program equips you with advanced skills in critical thinking, research and analysis across multiple intelligence domains including open-source intelligence, technology-driven change, decision making under uncertainty, and the human dimensions of intelligence. Emphasizing both theory and practice, the program engages you in case studies, simulations and applied exercises designed to reflect the real-world demands of intelligence work. You emerge with the knowledge and analytical capabilities necessary to contribute effectively to the U.S. intelligence community, defense sector, and private industry roles concerned with security and risk.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Why study global security (intelligence studies) at ASU?
Learn from courses that weave together the perspectives of scholars and seasoned practitioners across intelligence, defense, diplomacy, journalism and public policy, all connected to the broader resources and networks of ASU's Future Security Initiative.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (GSC 550)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Concentration (12 credit hours) Electives or Research (12 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
GSC 501 War, Conflict and Security (3)
GSC 581 Intelligence and National Security Decision-Making (3)
GSC 582 Intelligence and Technology (3)
GSC 585 Covert Action (3)
GSC 586 Open-source Intelligence (3)
GSC 550 Capstone (3)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = ''A'') in an applicable master's degree program. Applicants are required to submit: Additional Application Information Applicants should provide a two- to three-page personal statement describing their educational background, their interest in the program, and highlight any significant experiences that have led to their interest in the subject area.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 07/25 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 12/11 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | Online | 04/18 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this global security (intelligence studies) master's degree prepares you for
Graduates of the intelligence studies concentration can seek employment in careers across the U.S. intelligence community's agencies, the Department of Defense, and other federal departments with intelligence elements.
Career roles in the private sector include:
- consultant
- corporate security specialist
- intelligence analyst
- operations research specialist
- policy analyst
- risk analyst
- security analyst
- think tank researcher
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
COOR 6797
spgs@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
