Georgia Tech’s one-year Master’s in International Security focuses on security studies and related issues.
Students in this program learn to use data analytics, modeling, simulations, and large language models to understand international security challenges and develop skills to communicate them to a variety of stakeholders.
The program also offers a flexible, fully online option with the same faculty and curriculum.
Classes cover topics such as great power relations, defense policy, peacekeeping, terrorism, arms control, nuclear policy, transatlantic security, military gaming, intelligence, crisis decision-making, geopolitics of energy, cross-cultural negotiations, and cyber warfare. With seven electives in the curriculum, students can tailor courses to their future career goals.
The M.S. in International Security prepares students for careers in the defense sector, policymaking, consulting, think tanks, and the intelligence community — roles where they can help advance new technologies and provide decision makers with the analysis they need to make the right call. Many students also use this degree to advance their military careers.
“The Ivan Allen College does a wonderful job of teaching students soft skills and technical skills. The team that hired me picked up my resume because of my ability to code and perform other types of data analysis beyond statistics. I also find that once I am hired for a job, the ability to translate between the tech and policy worlds has earned me competitive assignments despite being early in my career.”
— Taylor Poole, B.S. International Affairs and M.S. International Security
Curriculum
The one-year M.S. in International Security is a 10-course, 30-credit-hour degree program. It can be completed on campus or online — learn about the remote option on the Georgia Tech School of Professional Education website. There are no prerequisites, and no thesis is required.
The M.S. in International Security requires three core courses, three international security electives, and four free electives. Read descriptions in the Georgia Tech Course Catalog.
Core Courses
All three of these courses are required.
International Relations Theory
Empirical Research Methods
International Security
International Security Electives (Choose 3)
- Energy and Security
- Technology and Military Organizations
- Pacific Security Issues
- European Security Issues
- Data Analytics and Security
- Scenario Writing and Pathgaming
Free Electives
Free electives allow students to pursue interests and build on international affairs topics and skills through courses offered across the Institute. We also offer independent study with faculty members to explore areas of interest through self-directed work.
Apply by Jan. 15 for priority admissions and to be considered for assistantships and fellowships. International students also must apply by Jan. 15. Applications received after Jan. 15 will be considered on a rolling and space-available admissions basis through Apr. 1.