Master of Science in International Security
The single-year Master of Science in International Security (MS ISEC) offers students the opportunity to understand conceptual foundations and practical policy analysis of issues related to international security. The curriculum allows students to customize their program of study among a diverse set of subjects — including 21st-century great power rivalry; defense policy analysis and military strategy; crisis decision-making; comparative forms of statecraft; transnational terrorism; peacekeeping; regional security; geopolitics of energy; cross-cultural bargaining and negotiations; and cyber warfare. In addition to exposure to qualitative and quantitative research methods, students can acquire proficiency with tools such as data and visual analytics and modeling and simulation—in understanding ongoing international security challenges.
A 30-credit hour course load prepares graduates with the substantive knowledge and skills to distill, assess, and communicate the drivers and strategic consequences associated with emerging global security problems as experts and leaders in foreign and security policymaking, defense planning, the intelligence community, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. The International Security program is part of the Nunn School’s mission of developing global policymakers for the 21st Century.
Program information on the School website
Master of Science in International Security objectives:
- Problem solving in international security. Students will be able to use their knowledge of international security in a practical problem-solving way to address issues of immediate and future international concern. This includes knowledge of key substantive issues, familiarity with research methods to analyze and evaluate solutions, research and data collection skills to facilitate the implementation of the aforementioned methodological tools.
- Scientific analysis of international security politics. Students will be proficient in basic analytical skills and be able to formulate and scrutinize problems in international affairs, quantitatively or qualitatively, whichever is appropriate. This will also include the ability to use and implement software, process and analyze information, and deploy quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
- Professional development. Students will be able to think strategically about their career choices and to identify appropriate avenues for preparing themselves to pursue them; express their arguments clearly and effectively both in written analyses and through oral presentations; and work in small groups in a way that demonstrates respect for their colleagues and efficiency in working collaboratively towards projects and goals.