Global Security Leadership, M.A.
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.
About the 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.
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:
- Professionals working in national security, intelligence, defense, homeland security, or risk management who are preparing to move into leadership or strategic roles within their organizations.
- Early- and mid-career professionals seeking to build expertise in global security strategy, intelligence analysis, and cybersecurity policy while advancing their careers in government, military, or the private sector.
- Individuals interested in strengthening their ability to analyze global security challenges and develop informed policy or strategic responses in complex international environments.
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Program Information
Degree
M.A. in Global Security Leadership
Required Credit Hours
30
Program Type
Master's Program
Program Location
School
Who should join the M.A. in Global Security Leadership 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:
- Analyze global and regional security threats.
- Apply intelligence principles to real-world challenges.
- Develop strategic plans and policy recommendations.
- Lead organizations in complex security environments.
- Navigate ethical and operational issues in national and global security work.
Benefits of the M.A. in Global Security Leadership
Online M.A. in Global Security Leadership Curriculum
The MA in Global Security Leadership requires 30 credit hours.
Students complete:
- 6 credit hours of core coursework
- 21 credit hours of electives
- 3 credit hours of an applied graduate project
- Students may also earn a certificate in a concentration area by completing 12 credit hours within that specialization.
Core Courses
- The National Security Structure and Process
- Creative Organizational Leadership
Concentration 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.
Careers in Global Security Leadership
- Intelligence and security agencies
- Defense and military strategy organizations
- Homeland security and emergency management
- Private-sector security and consulting
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?