Online Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies
Make Your Master’s Degree Count
Address Today’s Critical Intelligence and Security Challenges
The U.S. Intelligence Community fights its greatest battles in the digital space. With new threats emerging hourly, there’s no time to waste. The Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) degree from Augusta University Online prepares you with the future-ready skills to lead cyber defense strategy.
During your time in the program, you’ll learn to create intelligence and security policies that address war, terrorism, propaganda and misinformation. You’ll gain the skills to enhance, bolster and critique current U.S. strategy based on academic research, leading to better outcomes that protect people and infrastructure.
Whether you’re looking to start or advance your career in the DOD, NSA, U.S. Army Cyber Command, private intelligence organizations or research institutions, our program can help you get there. Plus, at just $236 per credit hour, your degree could be fully funded by your military education stipend.
Next Application Deadline: December 12
Contact Us
AU Online
Health Sciences Campus
Suite 2300
706-770-6046
What You’ll Learn
The Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies prepares students to become industry leaders who tackle the intelligence and security challenges of our highly interconnected world. During your time in the program, you’ll learn about:
- The causes and effects of interstate and intrastate conflict
- Terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies
- Capabilities and roles of the U.S. Intelligence Community
- National, regional and global strategic security and cybersecurity threats
- Social media analysis through open source intelligence
Concentrations
Technical Intelligence Analysis
This asynchronous concentration focuses on theoretical and technical aspects of intelligence and security studies analysis, including areas like social media analysis, counterintelligence, and open-source intelligence.
Social Influence
The synchronous social influence concentration allows you to focus your learning on the ins-and-outs of persuasion in data collection and information warfare.
General
If you want to tailor your degree to your unique interests without a concentration, this synchronous option allows you to take the electives that interest you as you complete your degree.
Career Outlook for Intelligence and Security Studies Graduates
As national security threats continue to rise, so does the demand for professionals who can combat them. Our graduates go on to work in organizations such as the DOD, NSA, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a massive 32 percent growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2022 and 2032. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for critical roles, such as:
Cryptographer**
Median Annual Salary: $145,400
Computer and Information Research Scientist*
Median Annual Salary: $136,620
Computer Security Specialist*
Median Annual Salary: $112,500
Information Security Analyst*
Median Annual Salary: $112,000
Business Intelligence Analyst*
Median Annual Salary: $73,700
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary data from Payscale
The Cost of Your Intelligence and Security Studies Degree
$236 per credit*
30 credits**
Financial aid available
Earning a graduate degree is about more than career advancement — it’s about developing the skills to live a better, more stable life. With affordable graduate programs, we rank in the top 5 percent for increased economic mobility for low- and moderate-income students, according to the Economic Mobility Index, a tool created by the Third Way think tank.
*The cost per credit for in-state tuition is $236, while out-of-state tuition is $822 per credit and out-of-country tuition is $838 per credit. Waivers may be available for students who do not meet the qualifications for a Georgia-resident status. Visit the Tuition Classification & Waiver Information page to see if you are eligible for in-state tuition and fees.
**30 credit hours applies only to the Technical concentration, the Social Influence and General are both 36 credit hours.
Learn More About Financing Your Degree
National Recognition for Augusta's MAISS Program
Augusta University's MAISS program is now affiliated with the prestigious Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society and the International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE). These distinctions recognize our commitment to excellence in homeland security and intelligence education.
These partnerships give students access to national networks, recognition and leadership opportunities, reinforcing Augusta University's role as a leader in national defense education.
Meet the Program Director
"Our program is one of a kind because it is student-centered with the three central themes of the program: intelligence; strategic cybersecurity; and security studies. When you are admitted into MAISS, you are admitted into my extended family and I work to make sure your academic plan will help you reach your future goals!"
What Sets Our MA in Intelligence and Security Studies Program Apart
Recognized Excellence
Augusta University is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Unrivaled Faculty
Our professors have robust experience working for top intelligence and security organizations, offering an unmatched level of first-hand understanding.
Focused Career Growth
The MAISS degree is tailored to facilitate intelligence career growth, focusing on skills for high-level reporting, briefing and strategic analysis. And at just 30 credits, the program can be completed in as little as 10.5 months.
Military Connections
Thanks to its proximity to and relationships with military bases, our military-friendly program connects military peers, instructors and community partners for a world-class, rigorous learning experience.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online MAISS program, the following items must be submitted along with your application:
- Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended, showing that you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university, with a GPA above 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
- Three formal letters of recommendation
- Resume/CV
- Proof of Lawful Presence: In accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6, all applicants for admission to Augusta University are required to provide validation
of lawful presence in the U.S.
- Acceptance to Augusta University is conditional until lawful presence is verified.
- ALL applicants who are U.S. citizens must submit documentation that verifies their lawful presence in the U.S. at the time of application to admissions@augusta.edu.
About Augusta University Online
Augusta University Online brings the tight-knit community experience found on campus to students across the country. Small class sizes, engaged professors, strong relationships with a multitude of professional organizations and valuable input from subject matter experts across industries allow our graduate degrees to provide students with individualized attention and practical, real-world skills. One of the country’s top universities for improving economic outcomes for low- and moderate-income graduates, Augusta University Online gives students a truly transformative degree experience that allows them to make a profound impact on their lives.
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