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.
Global security work today reaches across borders, governments, and industries. From developing policy and strategy to analyzing emerging threats and geopolitical challenges, 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.
The program supports both early-career professionals seeking entry into security fields and mid-career professionals preparing for leadership and strategic roles.
Our program is ideal for:
M.A. in Global Security Leadership
30
Master's Program
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.
Graduates leave the program prepared to:
Here are a few of the core courses for a Global Security Leadership Master's. Students must choose a concentration in any four areas by completing 12 elective courses in that concentration.
GR
3 credits
This course introduces students to the essential elements of the U.S. nationalsecurity framework, including its structure, key stakeholders, and the processof crafting national security strategy. It provides an in-depth overview of theU.S. national security system, emphasizing strategic planning, decision-making,and interagency collaboration.
GR
3 credits
This course is designed to cultivate leadership skills, focusing on innovation,adaptability, and change management within the dynamic, high-stakes field ofnational security. Students will explore key aspects of strategic leadership,including organizational dynamics, ethical decision-making, team-building, andeffective communication.
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 taking a full course load can finish in as little as one year.
The program is delivered fully online in accelerated 8-week course blocks, which allows students to balance graduate study with full-time employment, deployment, or family obligations.
Yes. All coursework is delivered online, with no required campus residencies. This makes the program accessible to active-duty military, federal employees stationed away from Oxford, and working professionals nationwide.
MAGSL is designed for:
Applicants must apply through the University Graduate School and submit:
MAGSL has rolling admission with new cohorts multiple times per year:
Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your intended start to allow for transcript review and admission processing.
Yes, you can find the handbook here.
You can calculate tuition using the tuition calculator. Select Graduate Professional Online Degree Program.
Contact our graduate program coordinator if you have any questions or need assistance.
Instructional Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?
