Online Master of Arts in Global Security – Cybersecurity

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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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What is global cybersecurity?

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.
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Will my degree say 'online'?

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.”

Global security and cybersecurity master’s courses

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:


The jobs in cybersecurity you’ll be prepared for

This program prepares you to work in diplomacy, international development, the military or the private sector. You can consider roles in cybersecurity, law enforcement, management, intelligence or other fields. Some careers you might pursue include:

Learn from the leading experts in global security

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

Learn from the leading experts in global security

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

How to apply

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.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

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.

31,572


students enrolled as of fall 2024

$161 million


in research expenditures in FY23

21


interdisciplinary schools and departments

100+


undergraduate degrees

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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