Through curricular and experiential learning, START educates, mentors and trains the next generation of national security scholars and practitioners.

Master of Professional Studies in Security and Terrorism Studies

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Program Description Eligibility Application Information Required Coursework Meet the Faculty & Staff FAQ

 

Welcome from our Head Faculty and Program Directors

Marcus Boyd
Marcus Boyd

Director of Graduate Studies, Geospatial Research Unit (GRU) Director, START

Amy Pate
Amy Pate

START Acting Director

Liberty Day
Liberty Day

Program Director for
Education and Training, START

 

START offers a fully online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Security and Terrorism Studies through the University of Maryland's Graduate School. The program is delivered in a synchronous format using multiple online platforms provided by the University of Maryland, College Park.
 

Application Deadlines:

Fall 2024: Aug 9, 2024 (domestic/international)

Apply Here

Program Description

START's Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Security and Terrorism Studies prepares students to examine the complex social, political, economic, and psychological underpinnings of terrorist and other asymmetric security threats. Students are exposed to the theoretical and methodological skills necessary to pursue advanced research opportunities, or be successful in a professional role where analysis and critical thinking are paramount. The program is appropriate for individuals interested in (and/or currently) working in fields related to intelligence analysis, national security analysis, or analysis of other relevant topic areas, and individuals interested in (and/or currently) conducting scholarly research on terrorism and security.
 

For more information, please fill out the request form.

Eligibility

Information Sessions (Online):

Apr 10, 2024, 6pm ET

May 21, 2024, 6pm ET

Jul 11, 2024, 6pm ET

This is an opportunity to learn more about the program and to ask questions. Email education-start@umd.edu if you have any trouble registering for an info session.


Meet the Faculty Sessions (Online):

TBD

This is an opportunity to meet our faculty members and learn more about their teaching styles, learning objectives and course themes.

The admissions process for the MPS in Security and Terrorism Studies is designed to determine whether the program is a good fit for your background, education and professional development goals. 

Domestic students must have: 

  • Received at least a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale);
  • Experience, education, and/or substantial interest in terrorism and counterterrorism studies and research; and
  • GRE scores or any other standardized scores are not required for this program.

International students must have: 

  • Received at least a baccalaureate degree at a foreign university or college equivalent to that of a U.S. institution;
  • Acceptable TOEFL, IELTS or PTE scores;* and,
  • GRE scores are not required for this program.

*All International students must show evidence of acceptable scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson's (PTE), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). See information on the University of Maryland Graduate School website for specific admissions requirements, including minimum scores. Please visit the University of Maryland Graduate School website for more information regarding these courses

Note for International Graduate Students: University of Maryland is dedicated to maintaining a vibrant international graduate student community. We encourage applications from international students, however as a fully online program we are not able to sponsor any educational visa for travel to the University of Maryland. 
 

Application Information

Tuition & Fees

All students, whether they’re living in Maryland or outside the state, are charged the tuition and fee rates posted on the program’s Tuition & Fees website page.
 

University of Maryland's Graduate Application Process 

The application is available through the University of Maryland Graduate School application system. As required by the Graduate School, all application materials are to be submitted electronically:

  • Graduate application
    • In the Educational Intent section, select the following:
      • Application Type: Degree
      • Level of Study: Master's
      • Intended Program of Study: Security & Terrorism Studies (Online) (MPTS), M.P.S.
  • Within the Online Application, you will be able to upload:
    • Unofficial Transcripts for all college-level coursework outside the University of Maryland, College Park**;
    • Statement of purpose;
    • Resume/CV
  • You will also be able to pay the non-refundable application fee of $75 USD

**Official Transcripts will be requested if admitted.

Completed applications are reviewed by an admissions committee in each graduate degree program. The recommendations of the committees are submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School, who will make the final admission decision.

Deadlines (Both Domestic and International Students)

  • Fall 2024: Aug 9, 2024

Apply Here

College Students

Undergraduate Students

  • Global Terrorism Studies Minor
  • Study Abroad
  • Online Courses
  • Internships

Picture of Graduate Students

Graduate Students

  • MPS in Security & Terrorism Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
  • Study Abroad
  • Summer/Winter Courses
  • Internships

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Professional Development

  • MPS in Security & Terrorism Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
  • Online Courses
  • Training

 

Check out START's flagship internship program.