Security Policy Studies

The Security Policy Studies Master’s program at The George Washington University offers a comprehensive and rigorous education designed to prepare students for leadership roles in national security, intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping graduates with the analytical skills, policy expertise, and strategic understanding required to navigate complex security challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Students have the opportunity to engage with renowned faculty members who bring extensive real-world experience in government, industry, and academia, fostering an environment of active learning and policy innovation. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics including homeland security, counterterrorism, cyber policy, intelligence analysis, defense strategy, and international security issues, ensuring that students develop a well-rounded perspective on security policy formulation and implementation. The program emphasizes critical thinking, policy analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to government agencies, think tanks, private sector firms, and international organizations. Through a combination of coursework, case studies, simulations, and research projects, students gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of security dynamics at national and global levels. The program also offers opportunities for internships and collaborations with government agencies and security organizations, providing invaluable experiential learning. Whether students aspire to serve in policy-making positions, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity leadership, or academia, the Security Policy Studies master’s program at GWU provides the foundational knowledge and professional networks necessary for a successful career in the security sector. With its location in Washington, D.C., the program uniquely positions students to connect with policymakers, security practitioners, and industry experts, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in this vital field.

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.  

For more information on specializations, economics requirements, or tool requirements visit the program website. 

• 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

The George Washington University offers various financing options for students enrolled in the Security Policy Studies program. Tuition fees are competitive within the region and vary depending on the level of study and residency status. Federal and private financial aid opportunities are available to eligible students, including federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Direct Loan programs, which can significantly offset the cost of education. The university also provides a range of scholarships specifically geared toward students in security policy and international affairs, awarded based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Graduate assistantships and research assistantships are available, providing tuition remission and stipends in exchange for teaching or research duties, which are highly competitive and require an application process. In addition, students are encouraged to explore external scholarships and fellowships offered by government agencies, private foundations, and international organizations focused on security studies.

The university's Financial Aid Office offers comprehensive advising services to help students navigate the application process for various financial aid options and develop personalized financial plans. Payment plans can be arranged to spread out tuition payments over the semester, making the financial burden more manageable. Many students also seek part-time employment opportunities through the university's career services and partnerships with local organizations to supplement their income. Loans are available through federal programs, with terms and interest rates standardized, but it is recommended that students borrow responsibly and consider future repayment implications.

International students, in particular, are advised to explore scholarships and sponsorship programs available in their home countries, as well as university-specific financial aid options. The university is committed to ensuring that students from diverse financial backgrounds have access to its Security Policy Studies program and provides dedicated resources to assist with financial planning. Overall, financing studies at The George Washington University involves a combination of federal aid, institutional scholarships, external funding, and personal financial planning, aimed at supporting students throughout their academic journey and helping them achieve their career goals in the field of security policy.

The Security Policy Studies program at The George Washington University is designed to prepare students for careers in national security, homeland security, intelligence, and related fields. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical understanding with practical application, enabling students to analyze complex security challenges and develop strategic solutions. Students have the opportunity to explore topics such as cyber security, terrorism, international security, intelligence analysis, defense policy, and crisis management. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and policy analysis, equipping graduates with the necessary tools to contribute effectively to government agencies, international organizations, and private sector security firms. Courses are often taught by faculty with extensive experience in government, military, and security sectors, providing students with current insights and real-world perspectives. The program also offers various internships, seminars, and collaboration opportunities with government agencies and security organizations, which help students build professional networks and gain practical experience. Graduates of the Security Policy Studies program have successfully entered careers in leadership roles within security agencies, policy think tanks, advisory positions, and consulting firms. The program typically requires a combination of coursework, a research paper or thesis, and practical fieldwork, offering a well-rounded education tailored to the evolving landscape of security threats and policy responses. The interdisciplinary approach ensures students understand the geopolitical, technological, and socio-economic factors that influence current security environments. The George Washington University’s strategic location in Washington, D.C., grants students unique access to policymakers, government agencies, and security institutions, enriching their academic experience and career prospects. Overall, the program aims to develop skilled security policy professionals capable of addressing contemporary and future security challenges through evidence-based policy making and strategic leadership.