The 36-credit MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime (MSGSCC), offered by the NYU SPS Center for Global Affairs, is a STEM graduate degree that provides a unique perspective and a competitive advantage by focusing on cyber conflict through the lens of the social sciences. The program prepares you to enter the fast-changing world of international security and explores the fields of cyber espionage, cyber criminology, cyber warfare, and intelligence analysis, affording you the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of cyber security policy, while acquiring the skills to develop and execute cyber security and risk management strategies. It provides the benefits, resources, and prestige of earning your degree at NYU, while learning from top thought leaders in the field.
Master's (MSGSCC) in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime
100% Online, On-site, and Hybrid Study Options
Degree Advantage
- 36 credits
- 100% online, on-site, and hybrid degree options available
- Core curriculum that focuses in the areas of cyber law, global security, infrastructure security and resilience, and mission assurance
- Electives that let students explore topics at the intersection of cyber strategy, cyber policy, and cyber technology
- Faculty members who are experts in their fields
- Three specialty tracks in: Strategy, Planning & Policy; Intelligence & Analysis; and Global Security & Conflict
- Consulting practicums that provide experience in helping organizations analyze and address challenges
- STEM degree, which may qualify students holding F-1 visas for a STEM OPT extension of 24 months
- Flexible full- or part-time study options
- Can be completed in as little as 12-16 months
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
You can find the full curriculum details for this program on this page of the University Bulletin. All other content, including this web page is for informational purposes only.
Discover NYU SPS: Graduate Admissions Information Sessions
Join an online session to learn more about our graduate degree programs, including the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime. Our admissions team will give you insights into the NYU SPS experience, share details about the application process, and offer tips for creating a successful application. Current students will also share their personal experiences, providing a firsthand perspective on life as an SPS student.
Who Should Consider Earning the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime?
The MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime is designed for those who wish to prepare for cyber-related careers in a job market that exhibits accelerating demand across the public and private sectors, and non-governmental organizations. It readies individuals from non-technical, technical, and military backgrounds to become knowledgeable and reliable cybersecurity pros across industries.
While this degree program is offered as an on-site study option in NYC, students will be able to complete the program fully online as of Fall 2022.
DEGREE OVERVIEW VIDEO
Learn From Top Global Security and Cyber Crime Experts
MSGSCC faculty members are thought leaders in their fields and have deep, hands-on experience in their areas of speciality. They have served in the military, have managed large-scale cyber security operations for corporations and organizations around the world, and are experts in the dark web, disinformation and propaganda, organized cyber crime, transnational cyber crime and terrorism, and risk management.
Develop Sought-After Skills in One of Three Specialty Tracks
The MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime offers tracks in three areas of specialization—Strategy, Planning, & Policy; Intelligence & Analysis; and Global Security & Conflict. These tracks afford students the opportunity to gain highly sought-after knowledge and skills while defining their career path. They provide the competitive edge in this emerging and growing field.
Transition From the Military to an In-demand Civilian Career
As a veteran, you understand the crucial need to thwart cyber adversaries and make quick decisions in dynamic situations in order to defend our country. You are also well-positioned to transition into the growing and critical field of cyber leadership, planning, and policy. Through the Yellow Ribbon Program of which NYU is a part, you can aquire the financial assistance you need to help pay for your degree. Get started today using your Post 911 GI Bill benefits.
Internships and Job Opportunities
There is a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals, which is predicted to reach 1.8 million unfilled jobs by 2022. Our goal is to help fill those positions by building an educated cohort of technically aware strategists, leaders, policy makers, and analysts. To help you jump start your career in cyberspace, we have partnered with the EC-Council, offering students an opportunity to become certified in cyber. Through the Center for Global Affairs and the NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development at NYU SPS our graduates have secured jobs at:
- New York City Cyber Command
- Blackstone
- Internet Security Alliance
- Adaptika
Meet Our Alumni!
CGA is proud to service bright individuals and prepare them for a meaningful career in Global Affairs. Get to know some of our Alumni and see where their degree has led them to.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How are global security, conflict, and cyber crime related?
Until recently, global security was looked upon as a means to prevent transnational conflict, and was governed by military organizations. Today, with the heightened security risks we face, it is necessary for government agencies, corporations, and organizations at all levels to also be involved. As global conflict has increased and technology has changed, national security and assets, as well as those in public and private domains must be protected, however, the rules, methods, and tools to do so have evolved. It now takes an integrated approach to address the interrelated aspects of global security, conflict, and cyber crime. Global security and conflict explore WHAT is happening in these distinct but related areas, while cyber explores HOW it is being executed.
How does this degree prepare me to develop effective cybersecurity strategies and policies?
The MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime curriculum is designed for students who want to understand the cyber world from a human perspective and through the social sciences This is not a technical program. We teach key concepts related to threat actors, their motivations, and their use of the various technologies to impact, influence, and undermine people and companies at local, national, and global levels.
How does this degree integrate cyber risk management and cyberlaw?
All organizations with an Internet connection are susceptible to cyber related attacks and/or intrusions. It’s no longer a question of “if” one experiences a cyber intrusion, it’s “when.” By understanding how to evaluate the risks related to the internal operations of an organization, and the laws that govern incident responses related to those risks, graduates of the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime can launch or advance their careers with the ability to minimize the impact of any cyber threat that comes their way.
How do the three degree tracks help to build in-demand skills?
While the core curriculum of the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime serves as the foundational base for all students, its career tracks are designed to give students a broader skill set to align with their personal interests and with global security jobs. Students come from a variety of professional backgrounds and will advance into a broad range of careers including those involving the identification and eradication of disinformation, cryptocurrency security, national defense, and policymaking. The valuable knowledge they acquire will enable them to stand out as uniquely skilled job applicants, and will equip them to contribute to and/or lead the operational tasks related to a wide range of security and cyber-related careers.
What value does the STEM designation add to this degree?
Students who hold STEM-designated degrees are coveted by high-level organizations across industry sectors. Having a cross-disciplinary understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields through a human lens and using cyber as a tool, gives students a unique perspective that enables them to create innovative solutions, which help to solve complex cyber problems. STEM provides the “big picture” thinking that enables graduates to address the complexities of new technology and a changing world.
What careers are available in international cyber security and how will this degree help me prepare?
The world has gone online, and yet, few people understand how this paradigm shift relates to broader global and economic issues. Whether you wish to work in public policy or at Google, there will be a vast range of career opportunities open to you by earning this degree. Graduates pursue careers in policy, business development, intelligence, big tech, and data analysis.
Is a technical background needed to apply for the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime?
Because the MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber Crime takes a social sciences approach to cybersecurity, a technical background is not a requirement for admission. However, a basic understanding of technical language and skills are a component of the core curriculum. Students should possess a passion and enthusiasm to learn the base level nuances and terminology of different technologies and attacks.