International Security Studies

Course Overview

This program is designed to expose future decision makers and analysts to existing and prospective security challenges faced by the United States and the world community. As contemporary security goes beyond military capacity and force, the program seeks to address challenges related to demographic, environmental, developmental, and social trends. Courses are designed to review the principal features of international security both empirically and conceptually. They cover a wide variety of topics, including armed conflict, terrorism, foreign policy, and the environment, and also cover a number of regions around the globe, including Europe, the Middle East, Eurasia, Russia, the United States and East Asia. This degree program is designed for both military and civilian personnel seeking careers across a wide range of security-related fields, including intelligence, foreign policy analysis, foreign service, and military careers. The program is also useful for those seeking a career in government, the private sector, and nongovernmental organizations with interests in international affairs. All courses are taught by Arizona faculty members, and have been designed specifically for the ISS program. Courses are all eight-weeks long, to accommodate students working full-time or part-time while engaging with the ISS program. For those seeking to gain knowledge of international security, but who do not wish a full graduate degree, a Certificate in International Security Studies is also available. Our Mission Statement, The mission of the ISS program is to educate a next generation of analysts, scholars, and practitioners in the security problems faced by governments in today's international environment. The program is tailored to students who work full-time and need a flexible curriculum that offers a wide range of courses designed for a variety of practical and intellectual interests. The program is fully online, with courses taught by University of Arizona faculty with expertise in international security-related topics. The program therefore provides a highly flexible professional curriculum taught by experts in their field. Courses are designed to be rigorous and demanding, and to give students the skills and background to seek a career in governmental, non-government, corporate, and academic fields.