Overview

The International Security programme at George Mason University provides students with a sophisticated understanding of the complex safety challenges facing the modern world. This Master of Science degree integrates theoretical knowledge with practical policy application to prepare graduates for high-level roles in global affairs. By examining the roles of international organisations and national defense, the curriculum ensures a multi-dimensional perspective on contemporary conflict and stability.

Why International Security at George Mason University?

George Mason University is ranked 4th in the United States for Homeland Security studies, reflecting its significant influence in the field. Students benefit from the university's strategic location near Washington, D.C., providing unparalleled access to the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security. The faculty includes world-renowned practitioners, such as retired generals and former ambassadors, who bring real-world intelligence and diplomatic experience directly into the classroom. This supportive environment fosters professional mentorship and connects students with elite networks in the public and private sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 41124 per year
National fee: USD 41124 per year
Local fee: USD 18060 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of twelve courses designed to build expertise in strategic analysis and policy formulation. Modules may include:

International Relations
Politics and Practice of International Security Policy
Ethics and the Use of Force
International Security
National Security Technology and Policy
Grand Strategy

Careers with International Security

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after by government agencies, international bodies, and private consultancies. Recent alumni have secured positions at prestigious organisations including the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Department of Defence. In the private sector, graduates frequently work for major firms such as Deloitte Consulting, Booz Allen Hamilton, and BAE Systems. The degree prepares individuals for diverse roles in threat analysis, conflict resolution, and national security policy, with a significant percentage of graduates entering federal government or private consulting roles.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Grand Strategy

Ethics and the Use of Force

Politics and Practice of International Security Policy

International Relations

International Security

National Security Technology and Policy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Fairfax, United States
Arlington, United States

Disciplines

International Relations Terrorism & Security View 161 other Masters in Terrorism & Security in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Graduate application and fee
750-1,000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
Current resume
Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable)
Two letters of recommendation. At least one recommendation should be from an individual who is qualified to attest to the candidate’s academic potential
Valid GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores (taken within 5 years prior to the date of applying). Applicants may waive the exam if they have a cumulative final GPA of 3.60 or higher (on the 4.00 scale) at the undergraduate level, or have a conferred graduate degree from a U.S. institution of higher education.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Out-of-State

41124 USD / year

≈ 41124 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

18060 USD / year

≈ 18060 USD / year

Living costs

Fairfax

United States

1330 - 2300 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Security.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Fairfax

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners