Master of Arts with a Major in Intelligence and Security Studies

The Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) prepares students and industry leaders to address the intelligence and security challenges in an interconnected world.

The coursework is focused on inter and intrastate conflict, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and national, regional, and global strategic security and cybersecurity threats. The program prepares students for careers in the areas of strategic security policy, intelligence analysis, and for advancement in military, law enforcement, and academia.

The program seeks to expose military members, future decision makers and analysts, and students considering a PhD to the security challenges inherent in a rapidly changing world. Our program has a special emphasis on the causes and effects of interstate and intrastate conflict, the sources of terrorism, terrorism and counterterrorism strategies, and security issues that affect national, regional, and global security.

Admissions Criteria

GPA: Recommended overall GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale at the Baccalaureate level calculated on all undergraduate work attempted,

OR

recommended overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the graduate level calculated on all graduate work attempted.

The minimum GPA requirements may be waived under special circumstances with documented justification, on a case by case basis, with a majority support from the MAISS admissions committee, recommendation of the director and then formal approval by The Graduate School.

Degree Requirement: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. To be used to satisfy degree requirement, evaluation of foreign educational transcripts must show degree(s) earned that are the U.S. equivalency of degree(s) required by the program.

Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. In the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities, an official course-by-course transcript evaluation will be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official electronic transcripts should be emailed from the issuing institution to Augusta University's Office of Graduate Admissions Operations at graduateadmissions@augusta.edu.

Alternatively, Augusta University will accept official transcripts in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope mailed from the issuing institution directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions Operations.

Unofficial Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts from US colleges/universities can be used in the admissions review process in lieu of official transcripts for this program. Neither unofficial transcripts from international colleges /universities nor unofficial transcript /credential evaluations of international transcripts can be used in the admissions review process in lieu of official transcripts or official transcript/credential evaluations. Official transcript/credential evaluations must be received before an admission decision can be made. All required application materials and documents must be received for an application to be considered complete and before an admission decision can be made.

Letters of Recommendation (3): Recommendations (which include a reference form and letter of recommendation) from three individuals are required. Referees should be individuals qualified to critically assess the applicant's prior academic (usually college professors), employment, artistic, research and/or clinical experience (clinical or research supervisor/manager) and qualifications (as applicable) as well as the applicant's potential as a graduate student in the field/program selected. At least one letter of recommendation must come from an academic mentor (professor, teacher, or military instructor, etc.) and must comment specifically on your academic potential for graduate education. For more information, please contact the program director.

Standardized Test Requirements: None are required for this program.

Transcript/Credential Evaluation of Foreign Transcripts: An official, professional course-by-course evaluation based on official transcripts and documents is required for all foreign educational transcripts and documents from one of the following three credentials evaluation services:

• Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE)
• Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., or
• World Education Services (WES)

Course-by-course transcript evaluations may also be accepted from a current National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, or NACES, member on a case-by-case basis. Official transcript evaluations based on unofficial transcripts, documents or copies will not fulfill this requirement.

English Proficiency (if applicable): English proficiency exam scores are required for applicants whose first language is not English and who do not qualify for an English proficiency exam waiver per the criteria listed below. Augusta University will accept official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test (IELTS) exam scores. Official exam scores must be taken within 2 years of the date of application. The Augusta University institution code for submission of TOEFL or IELTS scores is 5406. Please do not select a department code.

• TOEFL Minimum Overall Score: 79 internet based or 213 computer based
• IELTS Minimum Overall Band Score: 6.5

English Proficiency Exam Waiver Criteria: An English proficiency exam will be waived for applicants to graduate programs who:

• submit proof of earning a Baccalaureate, Master’s or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college/university. The requirement will be waived upon receipt of the official transcript showing proof of degree
• are citizens of countries on the approved waiver list

Please visit the International Student webpage for more information

Program Specific Requirements

Resume: Applicants must submit an updated resume and should include at a minimum the applicant’s full contact information and post-secondary academic and work histories. Resumes must be submitted within the application status portal after the application is submitted.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges