Security Studies

About the Program

The Security Studies Program’s (SSP) mission is to teach a new generation of analysts, policymakers and scholars to think critically and act responsibly in the face of the 21st century’s most pressing national and international security problems.

At SSP, we offer a multidisciplinary master’s degree designed to prepare graduates for positions within the defense and security fields, and our curriculum is designed to give students a broad array of course options addressing numerous areas of study. Through their study at SSP, young professionals are able to apply their recent theoretical undergraduate education to practical policy applications. Meanwhile, students with mid- to long-term experience in the military, intelligence and defense contracting sectors enhance their practical knowledge with critical thinking, analytical writing, and theory-based solutions.

Class sizes are kept small, allowing students to learn not only from their professors, but also from their peers. SSP recognizes the benefit of having students who are currently working or interning in the security field. As such, we not only accommodate but encourage part-time students. All but a small number of SSP courses take place in the evening, as do many of our social and academic events.

Connect with Us

Program Contact: Doug Umberger – securitystudies@georgetown.edu

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Begin your application today!

Degrees Offered

• M.A.

Accelerated program (Georgetown students only)

• BSFS/M.A.

Joint degree programs

• M.A./Ph.D. (Government)
• M.A./J.D.

Admissions Requirements

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admissions’ Application Information page. Review the program’s website for additional information on program application requirements.

Application Materials required:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Application Form
• $90 Application Fee
• Resume or CV (No page limit)
• Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose is not to exceed 500 words and should address your intellectual interests and professional and academic goals. The statement of purpose is a critical component of the SSP application. Please carefully explain how SSP specifically fits into your future academic and professional plans.
• Optional Statement: As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.
• Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the Graduate School’s How to Apply webpage for additional details and FAQs.
• Letters of Recommendation from three (3) individuals who can assess the applicant’s qualifications and preparation for graduate study in security studies. Letters of recommendation are to be submitted electronically using the online application system. Personal letters of recommendation, such as those from colleagues, coaches, and family friends, are not accepted.
• If your undergraduate degree is from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, submit either:
  • Official GRE scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). See SSP website for additional information on standardized testing.
  • Supplemental Analytical Writing Sample: Please answer the following prompt in no more than 600 words – Discuss a security challenge facing the US or the international system and identify potential solutions.
• If your undergraduate degree is from an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction, submit either:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Application Deadlines

• Spring: October 1
• Fall: January 15

Degree Requirements

Students finish the program when they complete 36 hours of credit while maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The program does not accept any transfer credits.

To receive an M.A. in Security Studies, students must complete:

• Theory and Practice of Security in the first semester of the program
• Strategy/Policy/Military Operations in the first semester of the program
• The core course in the chosen area of concentration in the first year of the program
• Three additional courses in the chosen concentration
• One course from each of the following distribution categories:
  • area studies;
  • economics and security; and
  • technology and security
• Three electives of the student’s choice, approved by the program
• Students are also required to pass a three-hour written comprehensive examination given during the student’s final semester in the program.