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

  • Campus: Washington DC
  • Program Duration: One Year | Full-time; Part-time is available
  • 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, cybersecurity, 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 defense and intelligence communities and related privated and nonprofit sectors.

Program-at-a-Glance

In this cohort-based program, students take a total of four MASCI core courses and four electives chosen from an approved subset of course offerings from the broader SAIS curriculum. MASCI students also participate in a mandatory Boot Camp/Orientation in late August prior to the start of Fall classes and in a credit-bearing Capstone Research Seminar during the January intersession. Students are required to submit a capstone prospectus by the end of the Spring semester and complete their capstone research project during the summer term. Students whose only pending requirement is the capstone are eligible to participate in the SAIS Commencement ceremony in May. The capstone due date is in mid-July and the degree conferral date is in late August.

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, Faculty Co-Lead, Security, Strategy, and Statecraft Focus Area

Thomas Mahnken

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

Melissa Griffith

Lecturer in Technology and National Security

John McLaughlin

Professor of Practice


In the News

Sitting Down with Mara Karlin

Mara Karlin recently returned to Johns Hopkins SAIS as Professor of Practice, interim Director of the Foreign Policy Institute, and Faculty Co-Lead for Security, Strategy, and Statecraft. An alumna with an M.A. and a PhD in Strategic Studies from SAIS, Karlin held several positions at SAIS from 2007 to 2021: adjunct professor, associate professor, and director of Strategic Studies.

Blackjack

In the Small Wars Journal, Professor Albert J. Marckwardt writes about the authorization for the use of force against Mexican cartels was introduced in Congress. 04/29/24

Q&A with SAIS’ Jonas Nahm, Co-Author of 2024 U.S. Presidential Economic Report

The breadth and depth of the Economic Report of the President…reflects the deep bench of expertise at the Council of Economic Advisers, and the federal government more broadly.

A Closer Look at the Gaza Casualty Data

Good Authority (blog), December 14, 2023. With Marc Lynch.

The Ghosts of Lebanon

Foreign Affairs, November 14, 2023.

The Political Dynamics of Disasters

Arts & Sciences Magazine, November, 2023.

No Comment

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 06/01

It’s Not Enough for Ukraine to Win. Russia Has to Lose

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 05/19

The Shortest Path to Peace

Eliot A. Cohen wrote in The Atlantic, 02/28


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.