Overview

East Carolina University's Security Studies, M.Sc. program features six core courses to provide our students with a common base of knowledge about the field of security studies, combined with areas of emphasis designed to allow students to gain insights and knowledge about specific security sub-fields of interest to them. The areas of emphasis include international security, homeland security policy, science and technology security (computer science or information technology specialization), and environmental health and occupational safety.

You will study in an online environment designed to accommodate your busy schedule, while allowing you to participate extensively in your classes. Students in the MSSS program come from a variety of career fields and interests providing students with the opportunity to be exposed to different perspectives about security issues. Faculty for the program are drawn from more than 15 departments, which gives MSSS students the opportunity to learn from experts in different fields. Across all the classes, the MSSS program emphasizes the importance of thinking and writing analytically and with clarity, two skill sets that your future employers will be seeking.

ECU Advantage

East Carolina's master of science in security studies program examines security problems and responses from many different perspectives, providing students with a broad base of knowledge. Security issues are examined from the international, U.S., state and local levels. The MSSS program is also interdisciplinary, allowing students to choose classes that best suit their interests while exposing them to perspectives from a variety of different security-related disciplines.

Through the MSSS online program, students will have the opportunity to interface with not just our excellent faculty, but also other students who are engaged in different security fields, including the US Armed Services, National Guard, law enforcement, intelligence, private security, emergency management, and many more. The approach gives ECU's MSSS students a broad understanding of security issues as well as providing them with the analytical skills that are sought after by security-related employers.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Intelligence Analysis and Security Management
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Terrorism and Counterterrorism
National Security Law and Ethics
Security Risk Assessment and Management
Security Strategies and Policy
Capstone Seminar in Security Studies.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-17 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-12 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Greenville, United States

Disciplines

Management Studies Terrorism & Security Cyber Security View 164 other Masters in Terrorism & Security in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.7

GRE^®

Required

GMAT

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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

A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale

Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

A personal statement describing your goals and reasons for pursuing this program

Resume/CV

Three letters of recommendation

GRE or GMAT scores (may be waived for certain applicants)

Relevant work experience in security-related field (preferred)

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

21779 USD / year

≈ 21779 USD / year
Out-of-State

21779 USD / year

≈ 21779 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7973 USD / year

≈ 7973 USD / year

Living costs

Greenville

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

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

Financing

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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.

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Scholarships Information

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

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

ECU Advantage

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

Greenville

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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