Master’s | Master of Arts in Global Security Leadership
Global security work today reaches across borders, governments, and industries. From intelligence and defense to homeland security and risk management, professionals in this field must analyze complex challenges and make informed decisions in fast-changing environments.
The University of Mississippi’s online Master of Arts in Global Security Leadership prepares students for leadership roles in national and global security fields through a fully online, interdisciplinary curriculum. The program combines global security studies, intelligence operations, strategic planning, cybersecurity policy, and leadership development to help students build practical, career-ready skills.
Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible scheduling and the option to complete the degree in as little as one year.
Our program is ideal for:
FORMAT
Fully Online
CREDITS
30
COURSE LENGTH
8 weeks
PROGRAM LENGTH
As few as 12 months
START TERMS
Summer, Fall, Spring
ADMISSION TYPE
Rolling
The MA in Global Security Leadership is designed for professionals seeking to advance into leadership and strategic roles within intelligence, security, defense, policy, and related sectors.
The program focuses on real-world security challenges and emphasizes analytical thinking, leadership development, and applied learning. Students explore global and regional security issues, intelligence operations, strategy formation, and cybersecurity policy while strengthening their ability to evaluate risk and develop informed responses.
Courses are taught by faculty with experience in national security, intelligence studies, applied research, and policy.
Program Format
The MA in Global Security Leadership is offered fully online.
Courses are delivered in accelerated eight-week terms with multiple start dates throughout the year. There is no cohort structure, allowing students to begin at several points and progress at a pace that fits their schedule. Students may complete the program in as little as one year by taking a full course load or extend their timeline as needed.
Students can complete the MA in Global Security Leadership in as little as one year by taking a full course load. The flexible online format and accelerated eight-week courses allow students to balance graduate study with professional responsibilities.
Courses emphasize practical application and real-world security challenges. Students build skills in intelligence analysis, global risk assessment, and strategic leadership that can be applied immediately in professional settings.
The MA in Global Security Leadership requires 30 credit hours.
Students complete:
Students may also earn a certificate in a concentration area by completing 12 credit hours within that specialization.
Core Courses
Students select elective courses from one or more of the following areas:
Focus on national security strategy and major geopolitical regions including Russia, China, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Study intelligence theory, the intelligence cycle, counterintelligence, law enforcement intelligence, and emerging technologies in intelligence work.
Examine war and conflict, terrorism, environmental and economic security, and the strategic impact of new technologies.
Explore cyber threats, cybersecurity strategy, legal frameworks, and the role of cyber capabilities in national defense.
Students complete a capstone policy proposal focused on a real-world security issue, integrating knowledge gained throughout the program.
Admission is offered on a rolling basis. Applicants must submit:
Once an application is complete, the review process typically takes 1-2 weeks. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow time for review before their desired start term.
UPCOMING ADMISSIONS DEADLINES
Spring: November 1
Summer: April 1
Fall: July 1
Graduates of the MA in Global Security Leadership pursue roles in:
The program supports both early-career professionals seeking entry into security fields and mid-career professionals preparing for leadership and strategic roles.
To learn more, contact:
Dr. Craig Morris, Instructional Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator Center for Intelligence and Security Studies at cfmorris@olemiss.edu.