Global cybersecurity addresses digital threats that impact national security, international aid efforts and private-sector groups around the world. In this program, you'll examine the challenges posed by various threat actors, from state-sponsored hackers to decentralized criminal networks. You’ll also explore how cyber strategy, policy and defence mechanisms evolve and respond.
Courses are taught by leading experts from ASU’s Center on the Future of War and D.C.-based think tank New America, including former U.S. Cyber Command leadership and internationally recognized scholars. Case studies and policy exercises are grounded in real-world scenarios. These depict current cybersecurity trends, legal frameworks and strategic decision-making at the high levels.
Throughout the program, you’ll learn to:
- Analyze global cyber threats, including infrastructure risks, cybercrime and digital espionage.
- Examine the roles of government, private industry and international actors in cybersecurity strategy.
- Navigate policy development, legal frameworks and ethical considerations in cyber defense.
- Understand deterrence, attribution and resiliency in response to evolving digital threats.
Choosing the right global security master’s program for you
This program offers the flexibility to align your studies with your career goals by choosing from three tracks:
- Cybersecurity concentration: Focuses on cyber threats, digital infrastructure and the intersection of technology and security policy.
- Ideal for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity policy, government agencies, defense contracting and tech-sector security roles.
- Global security (general track): Presents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to global conflict, cooperation and security.
- Ideal for careers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, international organizations, journalism and public policy.
- Irregular warfare concentration: Emphasizes nontraditional conflict, insurgency, terrorism and counterterrorism. Ideal for military professionals, veterans, security analysts and those working in national defense, intelligence or international conflict response.
Digital threats are reshaping global power, policy and conflict. Arizona State University’s online Master of Arts in global security with a concentration in cybersecurity prepares you to confront these threats and today’s most complex challenges in international cyber defense. You’ll explore topics such as cyberwar, infrastructure vulnerabilities and global cybercrime while building strategies to protect systems, influence policy and respond to digital threats around the world.
Current events may inform the following topics and course content, along with inspiration from the annual Global Security Forum, CFW Sprint Speaker Series and events hosted by the International Security Program from New America. Available classes are regularly expanding. Options currently include:
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars
- Guggenheim Fellows
- MacArthur Fellows
- Nobel laureates
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
Applicants to the Master of Arts in global security program who wish to complete the cybersecurity concentration must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript.
All applicants must submit:
- A personal statement.
- CV or resume.
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Official transcripts.
Applicants whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency. If you do not meet these requirements, we still encourage you to apply or speak with a rep from the college to learn more about opportunities with this program.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”