Accelerated Master of International Security Studies

About the Program

The Accelerated Master's in International Security Studies program exposes future decision makers and analysts to security challenges faced by the United States and the global community. We designed the program for both military and civilian personnel seeking careers across a wide range of security-related fields, including intelligence, foreign policy analysis, foreign service, and military careers. The program is also useful for those seeking a career in government, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations with interests in international affairs. 

As contemporary security goes beyond military capacity and force, our courses cover a wide variety of topics, including armed conflict, terrorism, foreign policy, and the environment, as well as a number of regions around the globe, including Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Latin America, and the United States. 

The ISS program is fully online, and all courses are 8-weeks long to accommodate students working full-time or part-time while engaging with the ISS program. Starting semesters are only in Fall and Spring - AMP candidates cannot apply for Summer admission. 

Admissions Information

College

College of Social & Behavioral Sciences

Campus

Arizona Online - Online

Admissions Requirements

We require a 3.0 GPA, online application, statement of purpose, transcripts, and a resume. No GRE or letters of recommendation are required.

Standardized Tests

No standardized tests are required for the department, however the Graduate College requires proof of English proficiency for any international applicant born in a country where English is not the official language. Please see the Graduate College for more information. 

Funding Opportunities

The ISS program is eligible for federal financial aid and several different military programs.  Please contact the Veterans Office for further details.

Admissions Deadlines

Domestic Applicants:

• Fall: July 31st
• Spring: December 10th

Tuition and Fees

• Please refer to the UA Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for up-to-date information about tuition and fees. 
• Please refer to the UA Registrar's Office Special Course Fees for up-to-date information about special course fees. 

Additional Information

This is an Accelerated Master's Program (AMP).

The Graduate College offers exceptional undergraduate students in selected majors the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in as few as 5 years. The Accelerated Master's Program is for the top undergraduates in participating majors who plan to continue in a graduate program in the same, or closely related, UA discipline.

Programs will select from among a qualified pool, based on the following criteria. Individual programs may have more stringent or additional requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 75 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of application; a minimum of 90 undergraduate credit hours will be required at the time of entry into the AMP. If the student's GPA falls below 3.30 at the time s/he has completed 90 units, the student will not be admitted into the program. Courses taken for audit may not be included in the total number of units counted for eligibility or admission.
• Completion of at least 12 earned units of undergraduate course work in the major at the UA.
• Units still graded Incomplete, units graded Pass/Fail or units taken as audit will not count toward the requirement of the 12 undergraduate units in the major.
• Completion or near completion of general education requirements.
• Submission of a graduate application and payment of a graduate application fee.
• Demonstration of the maturity necessary for success in an accelerated, highly competitive program.
• Expectation to complete the undergraduate degree within four years. The undergraduate degree requirements must be completed before the student is eligible to have the Master's degree awarded.
• Interested students should verify departmental requirements as they may have additional or more stringent requirements than the Graduate College minimum requirements.