Photos of university / #gwuniversity
The master of arts in the field of security policy studies (SPS) degree program is policy-oriented, focusing on international security issues, with a particular emphasis on the security challenges for the 21st century and how to respond to them. These challenges include, but are not limited to, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, transnational threats, terrorism, changing regional power dynamics, weak and failing states, international crime, effectively linking security and development, and ensuring U.S. national security.
The curriculum provides a strong grounding in the national security and defense policy making process. Students choose two specific concentrations, which can range from transnational security issues to conflict resolution to defense analysis. Students also have the option of emphasizing a particular region, such as East Asia, the Middle East, or Latin America, by selecting a regional field as one of their two concentrations.
Prerequisite: a bachelor’s degree with coursework in international affairs or other relevant social sciences, including introductory micro- and macroeconomic principles; study of a modern foreign language is preferred.
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 12 credits in required courses, 9 credits in each of two specialized fields, a 3-credit tool requirement, and 4 credits in a capstone sequence.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| PSC 6349 | International Security Politics | |
| IAFF 6160 | Defense Policy and Program Analysis | |
| HIST 6032 | Rdg/Rsch Sem:Strategy & Policy | |
| One of the following: | ||
| ECON 6280 | Survey of International Economics | |
| ECON 6283 | Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy | |
| ECON 6284 | Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy | |
| Students are required to have undergraduate-level background coursework in microeconomics and macroeconomics before enrolling in a graduate course. Undergraduate courses will not count toward the master's degree. If you do not have prior coursework, consult with the Program Director on available options. | ||
| Tool requirement | ||
| Language Option | ||
| If the language option is selected, the student can test out either through coursework or by taking a diagnostic exam prior to their first semester. Students who test out in a language have three extra credits to apply to their concentrations. | ||
| Statistics Option | ||
| This option may be fulfilled by demonstrating proficiency, by a grade of B or better, in one of the following graduate-level statistics courses: | ||
| IAFF 6501 | Quant Analysis Int'l Aff Prac | |
| IAFF 6198 | Special Topics in International Trade and Investment Policy | |
| Skills requirement | ||
| IAFF 6502 | Professional Skills I (taken for a total of 3 credits) | |
| or IAFF 6503 | Professional Skills II | |
| Capstone sequence | ||
| IAFF 6898 | Capstone Workshop | |
| IAFF 6899 | Capstone Course | |
For more information on specializations, economics requirements, or tool requirements visit the program website.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| PSC 6349 | International Security Politics | |
| IAFF 6160 | Defense Policy and Program Analysis | |
| HIST 6032 | Rdg/Rsch Sem:Strategy & Policy | |
| Specialized Field I (9 credits): | ||
| Available fields include: | ||
| Conflict and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Defense Analysis | ||
| Energy Security | ||
| Homeland Security Policy | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Political Psychology | ||
| Regional Security | ||
| Science, Technology, and National Security Policy | ||
| Security and Development | ||
| Strategic Concepts and Military History | ||
| Transnational Security Issues | ||
| U.S. National Security Policy and Process | ||
| Weapons of Mass Destruction | ||
| Specialized Field II (9 credits): Choose from list above | ||
| Economics Requirement (3 credits): | ||
| One of the following: | ||
| ECON 6280 | Survey of International Economics | |
| ECON 6283 | Survey of International Trade Theory and Policy | |
| ECON 6284 | Survey of International Macroeconomics and Finance Theory and Policy | |
| Students are required to have undergraduate-level background coursework in microeconomics and macroeconomics before enrolling in a graduate course. Undergraduate courses will not count toward the master's degree. If you do not have prior coursework, consult with the Program Director on available options. | ||
| Tool Requirement (3 credits): | ||
| Language Option | ||
| If the language option is selected, the student can test out either through coursework or by taking a diagnostic exam prior to their first semester. Students who test out in a language have three extra credits to apply to their concentrations. | ||
| Statistics Option | ||
| This option may be fulfilled by demonstrating proficiency, by a grade of B or better, in one of the following graduate-level statistics courses. | ||
| IAFF 6501 | Quant Analysis Int'l Aff Prac | |
| IAFF 6198 | Special Topics in International Trade and Investment Policy | |
| Skills courses (3 credits): | ||
| IAFF 6502 | Professional Skills I | |
| or IAFF 6503 | Professional Skills II | |
| Capstone sequence (4 credits): | ||
| IAFF 6898 | Capstone Workshop | |
| IAFF 6899 | Capstone Course | |
- 4-Year Bachelor Degree
- Completed Online Application: With $75 non-refundable application fee.
- Current Résumé: Uploaded through the online application system.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: From professional and/or academic references.
- Statement of Career Objective: In no more than 500 words, describe your career objectives and how the program will help you meet those objectives.
- Include a photocopy of the biographic/identification page of your passport with your application.
- Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0.
- TOEFL: 600 on paper-based or 100 on Internet-based.
- PTE Academic: 68.
- Official GMAT Score or GRE Score
Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships & Assistantships
Currency
EUR
GBP
KZT
INR
RUB