Master of Arts in International Security

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

George Mason University

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in International Security at George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government prepares students to address traditional and emerging global security challenges. The program combines international relations, strategic studies, security policy, intelligence, and analytical training, making it suitable for students pursuing careers in government, defence, intelligence agencies, international organisations, and security consulting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students establish a foundation through International Relations (GOVT 540), International Security (GOVT 745), Politics and Practice of International Security Policy (PUBP 505), and Ethics and the Use of Force (PUBP 506). They also study Grand Strategy (PUBP 504) and National Security Technology and Policy (BIOD 760).

Year 2: Students develop specialised expertise through electives in Intelligence, Peace Operations, or Transnational Challenges. Courses include Examining Terrorist Groups (BIOD 722), Cyber Conflict and International Security (POGO 741), International Conflict and Crisis Response (PUBP 650), and Transnational Crime and Corruption (POGO 764).

Degree requirement: 36 credits (12 courses), including six core courses and 15 elective credits. Full-time students typically complete the traditional pathway in two academic years; an accelerated one-year pathway is also available.

Focus Areas

International Security, Intelligence Studies, Peace Operations, Transnational Challenges, Counterterrorism, Cybersecurity, National Security Policy, Strategic Studies, Conflict Resolution.

Learning Outcomes

Analyse international security threats, evaluate national security policies, understand intelligence operations, assess terrorism and transnational crime, examine international conflicts, apply strategic analysis, evaluate the ethics of military intervention, develop evidence-based security policies.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered through George Mason University's Schar School of Policy and Government. No separate program-specific professional accreditation is stated.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

George Mason University consistently ranks highly in employability, with recent QS rankings placing it among the top universities for graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical exposure to international security through crisis simulations, policy discussions, research activities and engagement with experienced security practitioners. The Schar School's location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area provides access to government institutions, defence organizations, intelligence professionals and policy research centres. Students can also explore internships and research opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world security challenges.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Crisis Simulation and Wargaming: Participate in simulations organized by the Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS), where students work in teams representing different countries, assess international crises, negotiate strategies and make policy decisions.
Internships: Explore professional placements with federal agencies, defence organizations, intelligence institutions, think tanks and international organizations. International Security students have secured opportunities such as internships with the Federal Railroad Administration and NATO Science and Technology Organization.
Michael V. Hayden Center: Engage with the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security through expert discussions, public events and research-oriented programming on intelligence and national security.
Center for Security Policy Studies: Participate in policy conferences, workshops, strategic simulations and security research activities.
Research Opportunities: Explore faculty-led research and activities through Schar School research centres and institutions.
Study Abroad: Students in the accelerated one-year pathway participate in a short-term study abroad experience.
Practitioner Engagement: Learn from faculty and guest experts with professional backgrounds in intelligence, defence, diplomacy and national security.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Arts in International Security are prepared for careers involving intelligence, defence policy, international security analysis, risk assessment and strategic consulting. The program's combination of policy expertise, analytical training and exposure to security practitioners supports opportunities across federal government agencies, international organizations, NGOs and private-sector consulting firms.

Potential career opportunities:

Intelligence Analyst
National Security Policy Analyst
International Security Consultant
Defence and Risk Analyst

Career development and employment opportunities:

Career Services: Schar School's in-house Career Services team provides individualized career guidance, internship and job-search assistance, resume and cover-letter development, and professional development support.
Employment Statistics: According to the university's 2022–23 graduate employment data, 35% of recent graduates worked in the federal government, 35% in private-sector consulting, 14% in NGOs/nonprofits, 14% in general private-sector roles and 2% in multilateral/international organizations.
Industry Connections: Recent graduate employers include BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte Consulting, Leidos, SAIC, the CIA, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
Internship Opportunities: The university reports that George Mason ranks No. 1 in Virginia for internships according to U.S. News & World Report. Its Washington, D.C. location provides access to federal agencies, Congress, think tanks, nonprofits and private organizations.
Professional Exposure: The Hayden Center and Center for Security Policy Studies connect students with intelligence professionals, policymakers, researchers and security practitioners.
Salary Information: The university does not publish a specific salary range or median salary for graduates of the MA in International Security.
Accreditation Value: The university does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree; its value is supported by the Schar School's security studies reputation and practitioner-focused academic environment.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in International Security, graduates can consider doctoral studies in Political Science, International Relations, Security Studies, Public Policy or related fields. They may also pursue further research in intelligence studies, strategic affairs, international conflict, defence policy, cybersecurity and global governance, depending on their academic interests and the admission requirements of the institution.