Master of Arts - National Security Studies
- 2 years
- Duration
- 26,280 USD
- Price
- Rolling admission
- Start
- Rolling admission
- Deadline
- Master
- Degree
- Mixed
- Format
- Multiple Locations / USA
- Location
- Webster University
- School
Program description
The Master of Arts in National Security Studies is interdisciplinary and prepares students to work in the dynamic field of national security by providing them with the knowledge, skills, ideas, legislation, and methodologies necessary to succeed in the field.
Learning to adapt to the ever-changing challenges of national security, both at home and abroad, is a central goal of this program.
All students are required to take courses that teach them how to do research in the field and provide an understanding of the actors, institutions, settings, methods, and ethics of making decisions related to national security. Next, they choose to specialize in either international and regional security, cyber security, or criminal justice.
Program structure
Main modules
The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (MA) degree in national security studies must include the following courses:
- Introduction to National Security Studies
- Research Methods in National Security Studies
- International Security
- Capstone in National Security Studies or Thesis in National Security Studies and University Thesis Requirement
- Four courses (12 hours) from one of the available program tracks
- Two course electives (6 hours) from other tracks in the program
- Two courses (6 hours) from any graduate courses at Webster University
International, Regional, National Security Track
- International Political Economy (3 hours)
- War and Diplomacy (3 hours)
- Terrorism in World Politics (3 hours)
- US Foreign Policy (3 hours) or Comparative Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- Food and Water Security (3 hours)
- Energy Security (3 hours)
- Area Studies (3 hours)
- Middle East Area Studies (3 hours)
- Western European Area Studies (3 hours)
- Asian Area Studies (3 hours)
- African Area Studies (3 hours)
- South and Central Asia Area Studies (3 hours)
- Central and Eastern European Area Studies (3 hours)
- Latin American Area Studies (3 hours)
- National Security Policy Development (3 hours)
- National Security Decision-Making (3 hours)
- Issues in National Security Studies (3 hours)
- Internship (3-6 hours)
Cybersecurity Operations Track
- Introduction to Cybersecurity (3 hours)
- Cybersecurity Infrastructures* (3 hours)
- Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence* (3 hours)
- Cybersecurity Strategic Operations (3 hours)
- Encryption Methods and Techniques* (3 hours)
- Cybersecurity Law and Policy* (3 hours)
- Cybersecurity Threat Detection* (3 hours)
- Use and Protection of Space Assets (3 hours)
*Students completing these five courses (with one course counting as an open elective) and CSSS 5230 (also counting as an open elective) qualify for a graduate certificate in cybersecurity - threat detection, where the certificate is available. To gain the certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.
Criminal Justice Track
- Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice (3 hours)
- Policing and Law Enforcement (3 hours)
- Institutional and Community Corrections (3 hours)
- American Constitutional Law (3 hours)
Price
Fee for education is 26280.00 USD for international students
This list does not include all fees charged by Webster University.
- Application Fee (non-refundable) - $50
- Graduation Fee (non-refundable) - $100
- Transcript Fee - $15
- Study Abroad (non-refundable) - varies
NOTE: Courses in various academic programs sometimes require expendable supplies or services, and in these cases the student may be billed a class fee for such costs.
Requirements for applicants
- Applicants considered for admission to graduate studies at Webster University must hold an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution recognized by Webster University, and meet all program admission standards. Applicants who have a completed baccalaureate degree from a U.S. accredited institution must satisfy program requirements or requisites, including a 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) at their baccalaureate degree granting institution for full admission. Students who completed their university education outside the U.S. must have earned an equivalent recognized baccalaureate degree as determined by Webster University. Students who have the necessary academic preparation for admission to accredited/recognized master's-level university programs in their native system of education, providing their academic preparation was at least three years in length, will be considered for admission using Webster University admission criteria. Consideration includes a minimum, cumulative GPA as calculated by Webster University.
- A curriculum vitae (résumé) that documents prior employment and experience or an essay on a topic of the student's choice, such as a special interest, significant experience or notable achievement. Minimum 300 word count in length.
English Proficiency for international student applicants:
Successfully meeting the requirements for one of the following tests within the last two years:
- TOEFL: jBT: 80
- TOEFL: pBT: 550
- IELTS: Academic: 6.0
- Duolingo: 110
- Pearson: 53
- Cambridge Academic English: 169
- Password: 6.0
- GTEC: 1201
- jTEP: 3.7
- SAT's English-based Reading and Writing Score: 450
- ACT composite score: 23
- Completion of at least one year academic of college-level coursework for undergraduate students at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning within the last three years. It must be academic coursework that is completed; ESL coursework does not qualify.
- Completion of at least one semester of graduate-level courses with grades of B or higher at a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning within the last three years. Coursework must be academic; ESL coursework does not qualify.
- If a student has completed three or more years of study in an English-medium high school or university-level academic program in a country other than ones listed above, he/she may request a waiver.
- Successful completion of the ELS Language Center's English for Academic Purposes or ELS Language Center Level 112 (must have valid ELS 112 Certificate of Completion).
- Successful completion of the University of Central Florida's Center for Multilingual Multicultural Studies (CMMS) Intensive English Program (must have valid completion certificate).
About the university
The extraordinary history of Webster University, which was founded in 1915 by the Loretto Sisters with the goal of making higher education more accessible to all, can be traced back to that same commitment to racial equality.
The growing interconnectedness of our world has prompted us to spend the last four decades creating a global network of engaged academics and alumni who work together to create meaningful connections in their local communities and beyond.
Our Core Values
- Students - keeping small classes, personal connections with professors and staff, and a focus on the needs of individual students is one way to ensure a truly global education for every student.
- Learning - for this purpose, we aim to develop educational programs that combine theory and practice; provide an international perspective; encourage creativity; and foster a lifelong desire to learn.
- Diversity and Inclusion - Instilling in students an appreciation for diversity and an understanding of their own and others' values by creating an environment that is accessible to individuals of diverse cultures, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Global Citizenship - in order to educate and empower a wide range of people from all walks of life, as well as to protect the environment and strengthen the communities we serve.
Campuses and Locations
No matter where you live or work, our undergraduate and graduate programs are here to help you reach your professional and personal goals. We have campuses in USA, China, Greece, Austria, Switzerland and others.
