Security Policy Studies Online
The Security Policy Studies (SPS) program offers two possible options to pursue online education:
Full SPS Online Track in United States National Security
Starting in Fall 2022, the Security Policy Studies (SPS) program will offer students the option of completing their MA degree fully online with a concentration in United States National Security only. Students interested in pursuing a fully online degree would take the same course credits (40) as those pursuing an in-person degree, including the following courses: cornerstone classes (6), concentration (15), skills and tools (3-6), electives (9-12), and the Global Capstone (4). The course content for online courses will be the same as the in-person SPS program but offered in a different format (online) and consistent with the Elliott School’s Office of Online Education's pedagogy and methodology. However, the SPS online track will offer a more limited and narrower choice of electives than the in-person program.
SPS Hybrid Option
SPS students, regardless of their concentration, have the option of taking a mix of in-person and online courses during Fall, Spring and Summer sessions. Almost all SPS online courses are also offered in an in-person format, that includes discussion sections for core courses, required courses, courses that satisfy requirements for the concentration in United States National Security, tool and skills courses, as well as Capstone. With this adjustment, students can study fully online, in-person or both (hybrid).
- Can international students enroll in SPS online courses and meet U.S. student visa requirements?
Students should contact the International Services Office (ISO) or email [email protected] to understand the conditions on taking online coursework, as there may be restrictions.
- What are the advantages of taking online courses?
Increased accessibility and flexibility
Online courses provide greater flexibility for students who are unable to attend regular in-person courses. Some of the students who have traditionally benefitted from online courses include international, military, and out-of-state students.
Online methodology
All SPS online courses participate in the Elliott School’s unique online-course building process, in which professors work with our in-house GW Instructional Design team to present cutting-edge course content through innovative pedagogical approaches that ensure the courses mirror the quality and content of in-person courses. Courses are designed in accordance with the Quality Matters rubric, which is a set of standards used to evaluate the design of online and blended courses. Students are not subjected to a “one-size-fits-all” approach; rather, the courses are produced with a view to maintaining the same student experience online as they would have in in-person Elliott School classes.
Our online courses are also designed to be highly interactive. During the regular weekly course time, professors will hold live synchronous sessions giving you an opportunity to interact with both the instructor and your classmates. Students should expect that courses may vary in terms of instruction and design.
Affordability
Online classes have the same tuition cost as an in-person class. ESIA online courses are designed to provide the same level of personal interaction as on-campus classes and are taught by the same acclaimed faculty. In addition, online students have the same access to the academic advising and career coaching from our Graduate Student Services. Online courses may also be an affordable option for students whose financial constraints prevent them residing in the DMV area.
SPS Hybrid Structure and Overview
| SPS | SPS Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | MA in Security Policy Studies | MA in Security Policy Studies |
| Credits | 40 | 40 |
| Admission requirements | GRE/GMAT test-optional, two reference letters, statement of purpose, academic transcripts, essay, resume, and proof of English language proficiency | GRE/GMAT test-optional, two reference letters, statement of purpose, academic transcripts, essay, resume, and proof of English language proficiency |
| Graduation Requirements Overview | 40 credits, including 6 credits in core field courses, a 4-credit capstone sequence, choice of 3 credits in research tool courses or proof of language proficiency, 15 credits in a concentration, 3 credits in professional skills courses, and 9 to 12 credits in elective courses | 40 credits, including 6 credits in core field courses, a 4-credit capstone sequence, choice of 3 credits in research tool courses or proof of language proficiency, 15 credits in a concentration, 3 credits in professional skills courses, and 9 to 12 credits in elective courses |
| Curriculum Core Requirements (10 credits) |
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| Research Tool / Stats / or Language (3 credits) | Students may choose either a language or a relevant course to fulfill the tool requirement, example:
| Students may choose either a language or a relevant course to fulfill the tool requirement, example:
|
| Concentration Fields (15 credits) | Four Options:
Students choose 4 courses to meet concentration requirements from a large selection of in-person and online courses. | One Option:
Required course: IAFF 6186 U.S. National Security Students choose 4 courses to meet concentration requirements:
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| Skills Courses (3 credits) | Large selection (in-person and online) |
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| Electives (9-12 credits) | Large selection (in-person and online) | Note: Students can choose 3-4 courses from the list below, so long as they do not overlap with concentration courses (no double credit)
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Samples of online recorded lectures with our expert faculty
Norms in international security by Professor Martha Finnemore
Gender Analysis by Dr. Shirley Graham
Intelligence Failure by Christopher A. Kojm