International Security (MA)
Program Summary
Hybrid OR 100% Online
Credits: 36 total
Degree: MA
College/School: Schar School of Policy and Government
Start Date: 8/25/2025
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Program Description
The Master's in International Security , MA program prepares professionals to address enduring and emerging security challenges of the 21st century, by deepening conceptual knowledge of the field, learning in-depth about a range of current security issues, and mastering analytic and policy skills for a career in the field. The international security program provides strong background in theories of international relations and strategic thought, as well as electives on a wide range of topics, from great power competition to terrorism and WMD, and nontraditional threats from crime and corruption, cyberspace, food and natural resource insecurities, and more. The approach is inclusive and cross-disciplinary. Students will learn about leadership, decision-making, and the major national security institutions of defense, intelligence, and diplomacy.
Careers
In addition to university-wide resources, the Schar School has a dedicated team of student services and career development advisors to assist you in your academic and professional plans.
The Master’s in International Security program prepares students for a range of industries and roles in the public and private sectors, including with the government, think tanks, defense contractors, and NGOs. Top employers of international security graduates include the Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, Lockheed-Martin, Northrup-Grumman, BAE Systems, the Department of State, Department of Energy, SAIC, and the Brookings Institution, among others.
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the International Security, MA Program Page in the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements. This program can be completed completely online or in a hybrid format.
Details
Who should apply?
The program trains early to mid-career professionals who seek the analytical and substantive capabilities to address the security challenges of the 21st century. In addition to understanding the traditional military and diplomatic approaches that characterized the state-centric security framework of the last century, the program’s core courses will provide a firm grounding with regard to public-private and international collaborative responses to emerging and unconventional threats, ranging from transnational crime, terrorism, illicit trade, proliferation of emerging technologies and WMD, and corruption to state fragility and ethnic and sectarian conflict.
Tuition & Financial Aid
All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.
Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
For information on loans and scholarships, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding grants, tuition waivers and other merit aid, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, visit the Office of Military Services for information about Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA), a benefit for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Why choose George Mason?
With George Mason University’s prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading practitioners who are internationally recognized for their scholarship and advisory roles in the public and private sectors. These faculty bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing you with the mentorship and skillsets needed to advance in your career.
The Schar School as a whole has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members in the international security program include program director Ellen Laipson, Retired General Michael V. Hayden, Gregory Koblentz, Louise I. Shelley, Sonia Ben Ouagrham-Gormley, Michael Hunzeker, David C. Williams, Robert Dietz, Ambassador Richard Kauzlarich, and many others.
Ready to Apply?
Application Requirements
- Graduate application and fee
- 750-1,000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Current resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential
- Additional requirements for applicants with international credentials
Scholarship Requirements
The Schar School of Policy and Government awards merit-based scholarships based on an applicant’s academic achievements.
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-2280.
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Contact
Program Contact
Ellen Laipson
Email: [email protected]
Program Website:
School Contact
Schar School Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-8099
Email: [email protected]
Department Website:
