MAIA Security Studies Specialization

Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) Security Studies Specialization

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Why Specialize Your MAIA in Security Studies at the Pardee School?

Looking to advance your career within the security and intelligence fields? The Master of Arts in International Affairs (MAIA) with a Specialization in Security Studies at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies promotes new skill development and accelerates your professional growth to help you meet your goals.

The Security Studies track covers a broad range of topics, ranging from the strategies of defense planning to cybersecurity to in-depth regional studies of international security. Through traditional coursework, project-based learning, and a strong emphasis on research, you gain a deeper understanding of past and present geopolitical landscapes and acquire the practical competencies to excel in the international affairs field.

Chart a new career course by earning your master’s degree in just two years of full-time study and graduate ready to create a safer, more equitable world for all.

International Security Studies Program Curriculum

At the Pardee School of Global Studies, we created our master’s in international security studies curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach. It combines political science, history, and cultural studies to prepare you for a fast-paced career in diplomacy, security, and intelligence.

In your core classes, you explore the fundamentals of international relations scholarship and become well-acquainted with quantitative research methods, the workings of the global economy, and the practice of diplomacy and negotiation. Not only do you gain an essential background on the geopolitical landscape, but you also acquire highly transferable competencies like strong communication, analytical and critical thinking skills, and practical research methodologies, all of which will inform your current or future work in the international sector.

Your specialized courses make up the majority of your required credit hours and allow you to tailor your master’s degree to your particular interests. These classes tackle key global security issues and strategies, examine regional dynamics, and explore critical themes in international affairs. From digging into comparative immigration and racial politics to learning about arms control and the proliferation of weapons, our specialized classes facilitate a comprehensive learning experience.

The MA in International Affairs degree program with a concentration in Security Studies requires you to complete a minimum of 64 credits:

  • Core global policy courses (20 credits)
  • Specialization coursework (24 credits)
  • Elective courses (20 credits)

Elective coursework can include up to two undergraduate or graduate language courses (8 credits).

Foreign Language Requirement

Before completing the master’s in international affairs program, you must demonstrate graduate-level reading proficiency in a foreign language.

The Pardee School defines graduate-level proficiency as the ability to understand newspaper and professional journal articles in the field of foreign relations accurately using standard reference materials. You must demonstrate language proficiency through a language examination offered by the Pardee School Graduate Office several times per year.

If you are a non-native English speaker who submitted a TOEFL score report as part of your application for admission, your knowledge of English fulfills this requirement.

Careers in International Security

Pursuing a master’s degree in international security studies creates a wide range of career opportunities in sectors related to diplomacy, intelligence, and defense. With the high-level expertise and practical skills you develop during your time at the Pardee School, you can tackle advanced leadership positions and enact real-world change.

Possible career paths include:

  • Consultant
  • Counterterrorism analyst
  • Educator
  • Diplomat
  • Humanitarian Aid worker
  • Intelligence analyst/officer
  • Security analyst

Past graduates of Pardee’s MAIA program have gone on to work at distinguished organizations, including:

Featured Alumni

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Admission Requirements

When applying to the Pardee School’s MAIA program, you must submit an online application and a $95 application fee, as well as the following materials:

  • Unofficial transcripts for all prior universities you attended for any period.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose.
  • A résumé or CV.

Please refer to our Graduate Application Requirements page for a comprehensive overview of admissions procedures and dates.

Tuition & Financial Aid

At the Pardee School, we strive to make our world-class education more accessible. That’s why we work hard to offer various avenues to fund your master’s degree in international affairs.

When you apply for full-time enrollment, we automatically consider you for merit-based scholarships to help cover the cost of your master’s in international affairs degree, which is $64,712 per year. If you receive a scholarship, we will notify you when issuing your admissions decision.

Connect with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Financial Aid office to learn more about available funding opportunities.

Qualify for an Internship Stipend of up to $5,000

Graduate students at the Pardee School can apply for the coveted Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund. This fund awards a stipend of up to $5,000 to selected students who embark on an unpaid summer internship in international affairs, helping them acquire career-advancing experience while also receiving additional financial support.

Learn more about the Michael T. Corgan Internship Fund, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Level Up Your Career by Specializing Your Master’s in International Security Studies

Designed to help you grow as a leader, our Master of Arts in International Affairs with a Specialization in Security Studies positions you for success. Our program maintains a keen focus on critical thinking, practical skill development, and cultivating a deep understanding of international security, ensuring you emerge ready to pursue a career in international affairs with confidence and competence.

Take the next step toward your future and apply to Boston University Pardee School’s MA in International Affairs program today! If you have questions or need more information, contact us.