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

 SPSSPS Online
DegreeMA in Security Policy StudiesMA in Security Policy Studies
Credits4040
Admission requirementsGRE/GMAT test-optional, two reference letters, statement of purpose, academic transcripts, essay, resume, and proof of English language proficiencyGRE/GMAT test-optional, two reference letters, statement of purpose, academic transcripts, essay, resume, and proof of English language proficiency
Graduation Requirements Overview40 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 courses40 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)
  • IAFF 6161 International Security
  • IAFF 6162 Security Policy Analysis
  • IAFF 6898 Capstone Workshop
  • IAFF 6899 Capstone Seminar
  • IAFF 6161 International Security
  • IAFF 6162 Security Policy Analysis
  • IAFF 6898 Capstone Workshop
  • IAFF 6899 Capstone Seminar
Research Tool / Stats / or Language (3 credits)

Students may choose either a language or a relevant course to fulfill the tool requirement, example:

  • IAFF 6501 Quant Methods
  • (IAFF 6216 Economic Tools)
  • IAFF 6118 Qual Methods

Students may choose either a language or a relevant course to fulfill the tool requirement, example:

  • IAFF 6501 Quant Methods
  • (IAFF 6216 Economic Tools)
  • IAFF 6118 Qual Methods
Concentration Fields (15 credits)

Four Options:

  • United States National Security
  • Transnational Security
  • Science and Technology
  • Conflict Resolution

Students choose 4 courses to meet concentration requirements from a large selection of in-person and online courses.

One Option:

  • United States National Security

Required course: IAFF 6186 U.S. National Security

Students choose 4 courses to meet concentration requirements:

  • IAFF 6222 U.S. Foreign Policy
  • IAFF 6186 Understanding US Special Operations
  • IAFF 6163 Transnational Security
  • IAFF 6173 Security and Development
  • IAFF 6186 NATO's Strategic Challenges
  • IAFF 6186 Emerging Threats
  • IAFF 6186 Cybersecurity
  • IAFF 6186 Russia and International Security
  • IAFF 6186 Terrorism Today 
  • IAFF 6186 Political Risk Analysis
  • IAFF 6186 Insurgency and Counterinsurgency
  • IAFF 6186 US Grand Strategy
  • IAFF 6186 Cyber Threats and Policy
  • IAFF 6186 Fundamentals of Intelligence
  • IAFF 6186 Transnational Organized Crime
  • IAFF 6186 China’s Military
Skills Courses (3 credits)Large selection (in-person and online)
  • IAFF 6502 Political Risk Analysis
  • IAFF 6502 Monitoring & Evaluation
  • IAFF 6502 Intro to R
  • IAFF 6502 Introduction to GIS
  • IAFF 6502 Data Visualization Using R
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)

  • IAFF 6222 U.S. Foreign Policy
  • IAFF 6186 Understanding US Special Operations
  • IAFF 6163 Transnational Security
  • IAFF 6186 NATO's Strategic Challenges
  • IAFF 6186 US Grand Strategy
  • IAFF 6186 Emerging Threats
  • IAFF 6186 Cybersecurity
  • IAFF 6186 Russia and International Security
  • IAFF 6186 Fundamentals of Intelligence
  • IAFF 6186 Transnational Organized Crime
  • IAFF 6173 Security and Development
  • IAFF 6186 Terrorism Today
  • IAFF 6186 Political Risk Analysis
  • IAFF 6108 International Development Policy
  • IAFF 6138 Bottom-Up Development
  • IAFF 6138 Gender and Development
  • IAFF 6171 Introduction to Conflict Resolution
  • IAFF 6222 Monitoring & Evaluation
  • Other online courses offered through other GW units and schools.

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