About

Welcome to the ISS Program

  • Fully online – study anywhere in the world
  • Fully accredited
  • Master's degree and graduate certificate options
  • Courses taught by renowned UA faculty
  • Flexible, 8-week courses

The Master of Arts in International Security Studies (ISS) is a fully online degree program offered by the School of Government and Public Policy at the University of Arizona. 

The program exposes future decision makers and analysts to existing and prospective security challenges faced by the United States and the world community. As contemporary security goes beyond military capacity and force, our students address challenges related to demographic, environmental, developmental, and social trends. 

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. 

All courses are taught by University of Arizona faculty members and have been designed specifically for the ISS program to review the principal features of international security both empirically and conceptually. Courses cover a wide variety of topics, including armed conflict, terrorism, foreign policy, and the environment, and also cover a number of regions around the globe, including Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, Latin America, and the United States. 

All courses are eight-weeks long, to accommodate students working full-time or part-time while engaging with the ISS program. For those seeking to gain knowledge of international security, but who do not wish a full graduate degree, a Certificate in International Security Studies is also available. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to educate the next generation of analysts, scholars, and practitioners in the security problems faced by governments in today’s international environment. We've tailored the program for students who work full-time and need a flexible curriculum that offers a wide range of courses designed for a variety of practical and intellectual interests. The program is fully online, with courses taught by University of Arizona faculty with expertise in international security-related topics. This allows for a highly flexible professional curriculum taught by experts in their field. Courses are designed to be rigorous and demanding and to give students the skills and background to seek a career in governmental, non-government, corporate, and academic fields.