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2016-2017 University Catalog 
  
2016-2017 University Catalog

International Security, MA


Banner Code: PP-MA-INLS

School/Department: Schar School of Policy and Government (formerly SPGIA)  

The program trains early to mid-career professionals who seek the analytical and substantive capabilities to address the security challenges of the 21st century.  In addition to understanding the traditional military and diplomatic approaches that characterized the state-centric security framework of the last century,  the program’s core courses will provide a firm grounding with regard to public-private and international collaborative responses to emerging and unconventional threats, ranging from transnational crime, terrorism, illicit trade, proliferation of emerging technologies and WMD, and corruption to state fragility and ethnic and sectarian conflict.  Students will supplement their core courses by taking elective courses from each of three focus areas: Managing Global Risks, National Security Policies and Processes, and Regional and Transnational Security Challenges.

Admission Requirements

Please see the Graduate Admission Policies  section in this catalog for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University.  Specific information on application requirements and deadlines for the MA in International Security program may be found on the SPGIA admissions web site.

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis.  Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master’s degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Academic Policies

Students admitted to an SPGIA program will be terminated from SPGIA upon receiving one grade of F and are no longer eligible to take courses in SPGIA. Per university regulation, students are terminated from the university after accumulating grades of F in two courses or 9 credits of unsatisfactory grades in graduate courses.  The catalog contains additional information on university graduate academic policies .

Degree Requirements


The MA in International Security comprises 39 credits distributed among core courses (21 credits) and electives (18 credits).

Electives (18 credits)


Focus area courses have been selected to provide additional breadth and depth on specific security challenges or areas of policy debate. Students take six elective courses, including at least one required course (3 credits) from each of the following areas:

Managing Global Risks


National Security Policy and Processes


Additional Electives May Be Chosen From:

Regional and Transnational Security Challenges


Total: 39 credits