The U.S. Intelligence Community fights its greatest battles in the digital space. With new threats emerging hourly, there’s no time to waste. The Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies (MAISS) degree from Augusta University Online prepares you with the future-ready skills to lead cyber defense strategy.
During your time in the program, you’ll learn to create intelligence and security policies that address war, terrorism, propaganda and misinformation. You’ll gain the skills to enhance, bolster and critique current U.S. strategy based on academic research, leading to better outcomes that protect people and infrastructure.
Whether you’re looking to start or advance your career in the DOD, NSA, U.S. Army Cyber Command, private intelligence organizations or research institutions, our program can help you get there. Plus, at just $236 per credit hour, your degree could be fully funded by your military education stipend.
Next Application Deadline: December 13
AU Online
Summerville Campus
Suite 210
706-770-6046
The Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies prepares students to become industry leaders who tackle the intelligence and security challenges of our highly interconnected world. During your time in the program, you’ll learn about:
This asynchronous concentration focuses on theoretical and technical aspects of intelligence and security studies analysis, including areas like social media analysis, counterintelligence, and open-source intelligence.
The synchronous social influence concentration allows you to focus your learning on the ins-and-outs of persuasion in data collection and information warfare.
If you want to tailor your degree to your unique interests without a concentration, this synchronous option allows you to take the electives that interest you as you complete your degree.
As national security threats continue to rise, so does the demand for professionals who can combat them. Our graduates go on to work in organizations such as the DOD, NSA, U.S. Army Cyber Command, and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a massive 32 percent growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2022 and 2032. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for critical roles, such as:
Cryptographer**
Median Annual Salary: $145,400
Computer and Information Research Scientist*
Median Annual Salary: $136,620
Computer Security Specialist*
Median Annual Salary: $112,500
Information Security Analyst*
Median Annual Salary: $112,000
Business Intelligence Analyst*
Median Annual Salary: $73,700
*Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Salary data from Payscale
Earning a graduate degree is about more than career advancement — it’s about developing the skills to live a better, more stable life. With affordable graduate programs, we rank in the top 5 percent for increased economic mobility for low- and moderate-income students, according to the Economic Mobility Index, a tool created by the Third Way think tank.
*30 credit hours applies only to the Technical concentration, the Social Influence and General are both 36 credit hours.
Learn More About Financing Your Degree
"Our program is one of a kind because it is student-centered with the three central themes of the program: intelligence; strategic cybersecurity; and security studies. When you are admitted into MAISS, you are admitted into my extended family and I work to make sure your academic plan will help you reach your future goals!"
Augusta University is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Our professors have robust experience working for top intelligence and security organizations, offering an unmatched level of first-hand understanding.
The MAISS degree is tailored to facilitate intelligence career growth, focusing on skills for high-level reporting, briefing and strategic analysis. And at just 30 credits, the program can be completed in as little as 10.5 months.
Thanks to its proximity to and relationships with military bases, our military-friendly program connects military peers, instructors and community partners for a world-class, rigorous learning experience.
To be considered for admission to the online MAISS program, the following items must be submitted along with your application: