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Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence (MASCI)

  • Campus: Washington DC
  • Program Duration: One Year; Full-Time
  • Application Deadline: November 1, January 7
  • Credits: 40 Credits

Overview

The Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence (MASCI) is a one-year degree that will prepare future leaders and operators for sound decision-making at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels, by enabling them to task, parse, and prepare a wide range of data and raw intelligence.

Become an Expert

Gain expertise in major strategy and intelligence topics such as terrorism, extremism, cybersecurity, disinformation, political warfare, covert operations, sanctions, special operations, and economic espionage. Build the skills to work effectively in careers in the US Department of Defense, US Intelligence Community, and the related private and nonprofit sectors.

What Your Schedule Will Look Like

Through the MASCI degree, you will develop the knowledge to address the intersection between intelligence and the formation of national strategy.

Pre-Term

Begin your studies with a Strategy and Intelligence Boot-Camp designed to offer you a high-level overview of strategic studies, intelligence studies and investigative research and analysis methods through experiential learning opportunities.

Curriculum

Boot Camp

Duration

One week in August and two Saturdays in the fall semester

Fall Term

Gain an in-depth understanding of the field of strategic studies and the discipline of intelligence through lectures, discussions, study trips and practical exercises. Continue to build your expertise by choosing two electives that focus on specific areas of strategy and intelligence.

Curriculum

  • Strategy I
  • Intelligence I
  • Elective
  • Elective

Duration

September – December

Intersession

Through the intersession seminar, you will develop strong research skills that will prepare you for either capstone option, thesis or brief and provide you with the skills to become effective consumers and producers of applied research in the field of strategic studies.

Curriculum

Capstone Research Seminar

Duration

January

Spring Term

You will explore both the theory and practice of strategy in greater depth and examine case studies to discuss strategic decision making in a range of settings. Build your expertise by exploring the transition into a new technological environment in the 21st century. Choose two electives to further enhance your knowledge and complement your studies.

Curriculum

  • Strategy II
  • Intelligence II
  • Elective
  • Elective

Duration

January – May

Capstone

Culminate your studies by selecting one of two capstone options, either a thesis or a brief focused on strategic intelligence and national security issues.

Curriculum

Capstone

Duration

June-July

LEARN FROM THE BEST

Study with world-class experts who are renowned for their scholarship, influence, and networks.

Thomas Rid

Director of the Alperovitch Institute for Cybersecurity Studies, Professor of Strategic Studies

Thomas Mahnken

Professor of Practice, Co-Director, Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence

John McLaughlin

Professor of Practice



Advance Your Career

From consultants to entrepreneurs, leaders of nongovernmental organizations to policymakers, Johns Hopkins SAIS graduates put their degrees to work.

100% of the one-year Master of Arts in Strategy, Cybersecurity, and Intelligence Class of 2023 were employed, pursuing fellowships or internships, or had gone on for further study within six months of graduation.

Recent Employers

  • Allianz
  • GLOBSEC
  • MITRE Corporation
  • Rhombus Power, Inc.
  • Ridge Global
  • Russian International Affairs Council
  • TD International
  • Two Six Technologies
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury

*Based on results of a survey of students who graduated in August and December 2022. MASCI survey participation rate was 80%. 

Beyond the Classroom

Through study treks, research projects, staff rides, and more you will gain practical, hands-on experience.

World-Class Events

The school regularly hosts discussions with expert policymakers, CEOs, heads of state, and scholars. Students are encouraged to explore topics of interest by joining lectures, presentations, and special programming.

Networking Events

Network with alumni and professionals and organize student-led events exploring your area of interest's challenges and opportunities outside the classroom.