Master of Arts in Security Studies

Other graduate-level electives taken at UMass Lowell or at other campuses of the University of Massachusetts may also count toward electives, based on approval of the Program Director and Graduate Faculty Group.

Total courses required for the degree: 10

Total credits required for the degree: 30

Last updated 6/18/24

All programs are 30 credits consisting of 5 core courses (15 credits) and 5 electives (15 credits).

Other graduate-level electives taken at UMass Lowell or at other campuses of the University of Massachusetts may also count toward the 5 electives, based on approval of the Program Director and Graduate Faculty Group.

Total credits: 30

Last updated 4/17/25

Other graduate-level electives taken at UMass Lowell or at other campuses of the University of Massachusetts may also count toward the 5 electives, based on approval of the Program Director and Graduate Faculty Group.

Total credits: 30

Last updated 12/26/18

1. The research, critical analysis and professional communication skills required for success in a broad range of intelligence and security agencies at the federal, state and local levels, as well as in the defense and security-related private sector;
2. The ability to articulate (verbally and in writing) core theories, histories, and concepts of domestic and global security threats, from terrorism and organized crime to cybersecurity and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation;
3. The ability to apply theory and evidence toward the development of policies and strategies in response to domestic and global security threats;
4. An appreciation of the moral, ethical and legal dilemmas that must be addressed when developing and implementing security strategies and policies; and
5. The ability to adapt new technologies and scientific advances toward achieving the goals of homeland and national security strategies.

Cost Per Credit: $600
Term Registration Fee: $30

Please see online tuition and fees for more information.

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

• Application:
  • Summer 2025 - Spring 2026
  • Summer 2026 - Spring 2027
• Application Fee: $50
• Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages).
• Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants. Criminal Justice, Master of Arts (M.A.): Letters of recommendation are optional.
• Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but official transcripts are required if accepted.
• Test Scores: UMass Lowell’s school code is 3911. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Criminology and Criminal Justice and Global Studies doctoral programs. The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for the Master of Music in Music Education. Scores are accepted but not required for other programs.
• Resume: The following programs require a resume for admission:
  • Master of Music Education
  • Master of Public Administration
  • Master of Education programs (except Education Administration, M.Ed)
  • Education Specialist in Language Arts and Literacy
  • Ph.D. in Psychology applicants should submit a curriculum vitae (CV) rather than a resume to highlight academic and professional achievements.
• Writing Sample: Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs only.
• Forms: Principal's Acknowledgement Form (pdf) for Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Administration, pre-kindergarten through 12th grade (PK-12) only.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

Application Deadlines

• Global Studies Ph.D. and Psychology Ph.D.: January 15
• Criminology Ph.D.: February 1
• Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism Studies: February 15
• Leadership in Schooling Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Applications are accepted from July – October 15.

International Applicants

Transcripts must show degree completion and include a credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, such as:

• Center for Educational Documentation (CED)
• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
• World Education Services (WES)

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:  

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+ 
• TOEFL for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 90+
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
• IELTS for Leadership in Schooling Ed.D. programs: 7+
• Duolingo: 115+
• ASC English: Level 6+
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+