Master of Arts in Security studies in International security

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Georgetown University

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Security Studies with a concentration in International Security prepares students for careers in international security, defence policy, diplomacy, intelligence and strategic analysis. The programme examines geopolitical rivalries, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, cyber threats, climate security and global conflicts while developing the analytical and policy skills needed to address contemporary international security challenges.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students complete foundational courses including Theory and Practice of Security (SEST 5000) and Strategy, Policy, and Military Operations (SEST 5001). They begin their International Security concentration through courses examining international systems, geopolitical competition, weapons proliferation, transnational threats and security cooperation.

Year 2: Students complete advanced concentration electives covering Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping, Diplomacy, International Law and International Governance, international alliances and emerging security challenges. They also complete distribution requirements in Area Security Studies, Technology and Security, and Economics and Security, alongside approved electives and a comprehensive examination.

Focus Areas

International security, geopolitical rivalries, nuclear proliferation, weapons of mass destruction, cyber and biosecurity, climate security, terrorism, international conflicts, peacekeeping, diplomacy and global governance.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse international security threats, evaluate geopolitical developments, understand military and diplomatic strategies, assess nuclear and cyber risks, examine international conflicts, develop security policies, understand global alliances and apply strategic analysis to complex security challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

No separate professional accreditation is specified for the programme. The degree provides multidisciplinary professional preparation through Georgetown's Security Studies Program.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Foreign Policy Magazine 2024: Georgetown ranked #1 globally for International Relations master's programmes.
Employment Outcomes: 96% of graduates from the classes of 2021–2025 were employed or not seeking employment within six months of graduation.
Career Sectors: Government, defence industry, private sector, research institutions, NGOs and international organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical exposure to international security through crisis simulations, policy discussions, research activities and engagement with leading security practitioners. Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., provides access to government institutions, international organizations, defence experts and policy research communities. The program also encourages students to connect academic knowledge with real-world security challenges through conferences, guest lectures and professional networking.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Crisis Simulations: Participate in classroom-based crisis simulations that allow students to experience policymaking, evaluate international situations and develop strategic responses.
Kalaris Intelligence Conference: Attend the annual conference, which brings together intelligence professionals, researchers and policymakers to discuss contemporary intelligence and national security challenges.
Security Studies Speaker Series: Engage with guest speakers, security experts and practitioners through lectures and discussions on current international security issues.
Alumni Mentor Program: Connect with Security Studies alumni working in students' preferred security fields or organizations for career guidance, professional networking and mentorship.
Research Opportunities: Explore research and academic engagement through Georgetown's Center for Security Studies and its wider School of Foreign Service research community.
Professional Events: Participate in workshops, conferences, networking events and guest lectures that provide exposure to defence policy, intelligence, international relations and strategic affairs.
Career Development: Access Handshake, employer information sessions, industry panels, one-to-one career coaching and professional development workshops through the SFS Career Center.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MA in Security Studies with an International Security concentration can pursue careers in international security analysis, defence policy, diplomacy, geopolitical research and strategic consulting. The program develops the ability to assess international threats, understand geopolitical developments and formulate responses to complex security challenges, preparing graduates for opportunities in government, international organizations, defence industries and research institutions.

Potential career opportunities:

International Security Analyst
Foreign Policy Analyst
Defence Policy Consultant
Geopolitical Risk Analyst

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career Services: The SFS Career Center provides individual career coaching, mock interviews, resume and cover-letter assistance, employer information sessions, industry panels and access to the Handshake job and internship database.
Employment Outcomes: 96% of Security Studies graduates were employed, continuing education or not seeking employment within six months of graduation, based on five-year outcomes for the classes of 2021–2025.
Employment by Sector: Georgetown's 2024 Security Studies graduate data reports 44.7% working in the private sector, 40.8% in the public sector, 14.4% in nonprofits and 0.1% in the multilateral sector.
Industry Connections: Graduate employers include the U.S. Departments of Defense and State, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Guidehouse, RAND Corporation, Northrop Grumman, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Alumni Network: The Alumni Mentor Program connects students with experienced graduates across intelligence, defence, international security and policy organizations.
International Opportunities: Graduates pursue opportunities in U.S. and foreign governments, international organizations, research institutions and the private sector. International students should consider U.S. federal employment and security-clearance citizenship restrictions when planning their careers.
Salary Information: Georgetown does not publish a specific salary range or median salary for graduates of the International Security concentration.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Security Studies, graduates can pursue doctoral studies (Ph.D.) in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, Strategic Studies or related disciplines. Georgetown also offers a joint MA/Ph.D. pathway with its Department of Government, allowing eligible students to combine security studies coursework with doctoral-level research. Other opportunities include advanced research in international security, defence policy, intelligence, global governance and international political economy.