Security Studies

Preparing for the expanding security challenges of the 21st century

The Schar School is a leader in both domestic and international security studies and research, ranked number 4 in the US by US News & World Report. Schar School faculty are sought for their expertise by leaders, government agencies, and the mainstream press. The school home to several research centers dedicated to understanding the interplay of international relations, technology, trade, health, emergency management, and terrorism.

The scope of security studies continues to expand, beyond the familiar terrain of great power rivalries and changing dynamics in international politics.  In the 21st century, states grapple with ever-changing challenges from porous borders, uneven access to natural resources, and emerging technologies that are difficult to manage.  At the same time, security studies sees human security as a new conceptual frame to deal with problems such as mis/disinformation, epidemics, food security, energy dependency and climate change.

We train the next generation of policy experts to think broadly about security through a range of programs:

John O. Brennan standing with a group of Schar School undergraduate students

Former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, John O. Brennan, meets with Schar School undergraduate students before a Hayden Center event.

Degree Programs

BA International Security and Law Graduate Certificate in Illicit Trade
MS Biodefense Graduate Certificate in National Security and Public Policy
MA Global Commerce and Policy, Global Risk and Strategy Concentration Graduate Certificate in Science, Technology, and Security
MA International Security Graduate Certificate in Terrorism and Homeland Security
Master of Public Administration, Emergency Management and Homeland
Security Concentration		 PhD Biodefense
Master of Public Policy, National Security Emphasis PhD Political Science
Graduate Certificate in Biodefense PhD Public Policy
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security  
A top 5 program in national and homeland security

Our Faculty

Schar School security studies faculty include former Central Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency Director Michael Hayden, former Vice Chair of the National Intelligence Council Ellen Laipson, and former Deputy Director of the FBI Andrew McCabe.

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Michael Hunzeker writes about US policy toward conflict in the Taiwan Strait
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Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera on Mexican presidential election
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JP Singh: “AI infrastructures are a national security issue”

Research Centers

The Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security presents 10-15 public events per year, most of which attract over 500 people. Many of the audience members are themselves either national security experts, opinion leaders or journalists whose reputations and credentials match those of the experts on stage.

The Center for Security Policy Studies trains students to lead crisis simulations, policy conferences and workshops. The center advances the study and practice of strategic thinking on problems of international security by convening an annual symposium for practitioners and scholars, conducting simulations with experts from both the military and civilian communities, and publishing monographs on security challenges.

The Terrorism, Transnational Crime, and Corruption Center is the first center dedicated to research, training, and policymaking on these critical issues.

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Of the schools I considered, George Mason provided the clearest path toward working for the federal government. While every university has a political science program, George Mason went one step further and gave me, as an undergraduate, the ability to focus on security studies. I want to be a diplomat, and the Schar School’s B.A. in International Security & Law has been the perfect program to prepare me for my career.

 

Colin McAulay, International Security and Law major.

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My professors at the Schar School taught me various ways to rethink today’s national security challenges. The Schar School provided a solid foundation to launch my career at the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, where we advance policy goals and national security interests through U.S. economic sanctions.

 

Sophia Lutz, M.A. International Security 2022