Master of Arts in Security Studies - Intelligence

The Security Studies Program's mission is to teach a new generation of analysts, policymakers, and scholars to think critically and act responsibly in the face of the 21st century's most pressing national and international security problems. At SSP we offer a multidisciplinary master's degree designed to prepare graduates for positions within the defense and security fields, and our curriculum is designed to give students a broad array of course options addressing numerous areas of study. Through their study at SSP, young professionals are able to apply their recent theoretical undergraduate education to practical policy applications. Meanwhile, students with mid- to long-term experience in the military, intelligence, and defense contracting sectors enhance their practical knowledge with critical thinking, analytical writing, and theory-based solutions. Class sizes are kept small, allowing students to learn not only from their professors, but also from their peers. SSP recognizes the benefit of having students who are currently working or interning in the security field. As such, we not only accommodate but encourage part-time students. All but a small number of SSP courses take place in the evening, as do many of our social and academic events.

In this concentration, students acquire an understanding of the practical dimensions of intelligence, including the intelligence cycle, the intelligence disciplines, problems of intelligence collection and analysis, covert action, and the intelligence-policy nexus. Attention is also focused on domestic intelligence, military intelligence, and the intelligence operations and cultures of other countries. Students consider major conceptual issues such as the appropriate role of intelligence in a democracy, issues of oversight and accountability, the intelligence budget as part of the overall defense budget, and the complexities of secrecy. This concentration addresses intelligence issues in the military, government agencies, or in government-related industries.

Resume or CV (No page limit)
Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose is not to exceed 500 words and should address your intellectual interests and professional and academic goals. The statement of purpose is a critical component of the SSP application. Please carefully explain how SSP specifically fits into your future academic and professional plans.
Optional Statement: As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals, or how your background (e.g., first generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.
Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
Letters of recommendation from three (3) individuals who can assess the applicant's qualifications and preparation for graduate study in security studies. Letters of recommendation are to be submitted electronically using the online application system. Personal letters of recommendation, such as those from colleagues, coaches, and family friends, are not accepted.
If your undergraduate degree is from an institution where English was the primary language of instruction, submit either:
Official GRE scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). See below for additional information on standardized testing.
OR

Supplemental Analytical Writing Sample: Please answer the following prompt in no more than 600 words: Discuss a security challenge facing the US or the international system and identify potential solutions.
If your undergraduate degree is from an institution where English was not the primary language of instruction, submit either:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
TOEFL: 100 on the Internet Based Test (iBT), 250 on the Computer-Based Test, 600 on the paper-based exam.
IELTS: 7.5