Global Security (Cybersecurity), MA
Learn from world-class faculty with expertise in a variety of security-related fields and explore how cyber threats shape governments, critical infrastructure, military operations, business and society.
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.
Degree description
Global Security (Cybersecurity) master's description
The Master of Arts program in global security with a concentration in cybersecurity prepares you for a rapidly expanding field, with a focus on the complex relationship between cybersecurity and global politics. You learn from top faculty, including global thought leaders, seasoned scholars and skilled practitioners. Classes integrate case studies, policy exercises and critical thinking to prepare you for career advancement.
The cybersecurity concentration is a distinct element within the MA program in global security, engaging cyber issues from an interdisciplinary perspective with a focus on global security.
This nontechnical program provides you with relevant and continually updated coursework, enabling you to understand the complex risks, threats and modes of protection and response associated with cybersecurity. This program is more theoretical in nature and uses practical, relevant examples. You may progress at a variety of paces and can pursue the degree while working full time or part time.
Why specialize in global security (cybersecurity) at ASU?
You engage with practitioner-informed case studies, expert interviews and content developed through ASU's expert faculty. Optional networking opportunities, public events, and program receptions provide additional engagement.
Connect with your community beyond the classroom through an annual spring reception for graduating students on ASU's Tempe campus, along with an annual Washington, D.C. reception for current students and alumni.
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) Additional Curriculum Information
GSC 501 War, Conflict and Security (3)
GSC 560 Overview of Cybersecurity (3)
GSC 561 Cybersecurity Threats and Trends (3)
GSC 562 Cybersecurity, Global Politics and Resiliency (3)
GSC 563 Cybersecurity Planning and Strategy (3)
GSC 550 Capstone (3)
For electives, students take coursework from a restricted list, for a total of 12 credit hours. Students should contact the academic unit for the approved course list. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate emerging patterns in cybersecurity to explain changes in the global security environment.
- Evaluate a contemporary case and explain challenges and dilemmas in cybersecurity.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to contemporary issues in cybersecurity.
Evaluate emerging patterns in cybersecurity to explain changes in the global security environment.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 must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field 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 The application requires a two- to three-page personal statement.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
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.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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 recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this global security (cybersecurity) master's degree prepares you for
Graduates have the grounded and relevant understanding of major global trends and critical analytic skills that enhance their capacity to succeed in multiple career paths related to domestic and international security.
Example career areas include:
- conflict zone and postwar reconstruction
- consulting
- global security intelligence (public and private sector)
- humanitarian and human rights advocacy
- policy analysis
- regional affairs
- risk assessment (public and private sector)
- U.S. military advancement
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 6801
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.
