Security Policy Studies Master of Arts

You’ve seen conflict in the US or abroad and more than most people, you understand the threats and risks we face. Terrorism, climate change, hostile states, pandemics — all of our most pressing global security issues need leaders who can face these complex challenges with the confidence, training, and skills to make a difference.

Maybe you’ve recently graduated and you want to learn more about what’s possible in the security field, or perhaps you already know you want to advance your current career with a master’s degree and security clearance. Wherever you’re at today, the Security Policy Studies Master of Arts (SPS) degree from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University unlocks career options that other master’s degrees cannot. 

Read more about the SPS program and take a program preview with you today — it has even more information about the lifelong value of this degree.

A Master’s in Security Studies Built for Real-World Issues and Graduate Success

Learn to Analyze, Design, and Execute Policy-Based Initiatives

The unique policy focus of the SPS program will equip you for security work with the broadest and deepest influence. Choose from one of four policy concentrations in the SPS program: US national security, transnational security, conflict resolution, or science and technology. You’ll gain an understanding of the historical context for our biggest security threats and risks — and how to respond through policy that has a significant impact.

Leverage Our Network as You Extend Your Own

The Elliott School reputation and our respected security faculty will connect you with the best opportunities as a student and beyond graduation. Our faculty are real-world security policy practitioners and leading researchers. They have the insights and inroads to where the real work is done in our thriving global security policy hub: Washington D.C.

Let Us Show You What's Possible

Many new students don’t understand just how large the international security landscape really is. The US intelligence community alone is composed of 18 organizations, and they all have specialized security needs. Our faculty and career coaches will help you take it all in and find the perfect path for your goals and interests.

Not long ago, these students were right where you are now. Listen to what they’ve already gained in the program and how they’ve been able to apply it.

A Master's Degree with the Flexibility for Your Priorities and Obligations

You’re busy and driven and need a degree that works with everything else in your life. 

From application to graduation, you’ll find that the SPS program experience has been crafted and refined to maximize flexibility for our students.

Choose Your Pace

Complete the SPS degree in two years as a full-time student or take up to five years as a part-time student.

Start Date Options

We accept rolling admissions for the SPS program and even have a robust summer course offering (around 12 different courses). Start your degree in the spring, summer, or fall. View the latest application deadlines.

A Variety of Course Formats

From traditional, 14-week courses to independent studies you design to a Capstone course where you’ll work collaboratively to develop a complete policy proposal for a real-world client facing a real-world security challenge, you’ll have options with the SPS program. We also offer nearly 40 specialized skills courses that put the theory you’ll learn into action. Many of these one-credit courses can be completed over a long weekend.

Keep Your Career Moving

Our evening classes open up more opportunities for you to pursue internships, or attend exclusive networking sessions and other Elliott School events. You won’t need to put the rest of your life on hold to complete this degree.

An Investment that Pays Off from Enrollment to Retirement

During our regular information sessions, we have the space to answer many questions about tuition, scholarships, and financial aid. Along with the costs of the program, we also help prospective students like you understand the true value of the SPS degree, which begins immediately and lasts your entire career.

As a student …

Your program director will coordinate with a career coach and an academic advisor as a team to provide you with a clear sense of career options and ways to optimize your program of study to prepare you for success. 

You’ll be invited to the 370+ events the Elliott School sponsors each year, including exclusive networking events, lectures and Q & A sessions with global security leaders, and other unique opportunities.

As a graduate …

You will continue to have lifetime invitations to Elliott School events, including special opportunities especially for alumni, as well as access to our Graduate Career Development office. If you ever decide to change careers, our staff will be here to help you and connect you with resources like Handshake, GW’s career database with job, internship, and co-op opportunities from more than 9,000 employers.