Professional Master of Science in Global and National Security (PMS-GNS)

The GNSPI Professional Master of Science in Global and National Security (PMS-GNS) is an interdisciplinary graduate degree taught by expert UNM faculty and security practitioner-scholars.  

The mission of the graduate program is to serve those who serve our global & national security needs by developing the next generation of leaders in security policy to solve problems analytically, think critically, act ethically, and communicate persuasively to produce effective policy that will address our world's many security needs. 

The curriculum features an intensive (most courses are 8-weeks), rigorous, and flexible curriculum built for working professionals. The program can be completed entirely online--with some in-person options for local students. Students can take as many or as few courses at a time that meets their needs. The curriculum covers a wide range of security topics, organized into three focus areas: 

  • Critical & Emerging Technology Policy (e.g., cybersecurity, directed energy, AI, nuclear security)
  • National Security Policy & Strategy (e.g., US national security policy, nuclear security, non-proliferation, deterrence, regional security studies)
  • Transnational Security Policy (e.g., global health security, energy security, food & water security, cross-border terrorism)

Beyond knowledge building of critical areas, students learn how to analyze policy and write various ways to effectively communicate new policy ideas to maximize their influence.  

APPLY HERE

PMS-GNS Requirements:

Successful completion of 33 credit hours (see advising sheet [coming soon])

Required course — 1 course (3 credit hours):

  • GLNS 500 Intro to Global & National Security Policy

Foundational courses — 4 courses (12 credit hours) from this list:

  • GLNS 502 Ethics of AI in Autonomous Systems
  • GLNS 505 Ethics for National Security & Intelligence Professionals
  • GLNS 515 National Security and Intelligence Analysis
  • GLNS 520 Human Decision Making
  • GLNS 540 Globalization & National Security
  • GLNS 570 Fundamentals of National Security Law
  • GLNS 580 Amer Natl Sec Policy & Procedure

Examples of elective courses — 6 courses (18 credit hours):

  • GLNS 504 Design of Human-Centered AI in Autonomous Systems 
  • GLNS 510 Cyber & National Security
  • GLNS 511 Intro Directed Energy
  • GLNS 513 Cyber Risk, Ethics, and Law
  • GLNS 530 Environmental Security: Energy
  • GLNS 531 Environmental Security: Food & Water
  • GLNS 560 Global Nuclear Security
  • GLNS 561 Nuclear Safeguards & Nonproliferation
  • GLNS 564 Deterrence and Global Security
  • GLNS 575 Global Health Security: Threats, Policies, and Politics 
  • GLNS 576 Global Health Security: Climate, Disease, and Public Health
  • GLNS 581 Issues in American National Security
  • GLNS 590 U.S.-Latin America Strategic Partnership
  • GLNS 595 Topics: Indo-Pacific Security and Strategy
  • GLNS 595 Topics: Bio-Terrorism and Global Security
  • GLNS 595 Topics: Astrostrategic Policy and the History of Space Conflict
  • GLNS 595 Topics in Global & National Security
  • GLNS 597 GNSPI Capstone: Communication for Policy Professionals

Course Descriptions 

Application Deadlines

Fall Admittance

  • Regular admissions deadlines: June 15 for early decision; July 15 final deadline.
  • No deadline for alternative admissions*

Spring Admittance

  • Regular admissions deadline: October 15
  • No deadline for alternative admissions*

*Alternative applicants waive the letters of recommendation, deadline, and pre-admissions review. In their place, students undergo their official review based on scholastic performance after completing the GLNS500: Intro to Global & National Security Policy course in their first semester. 

 

APPLY HERE

For more information please contact us at gnspi@unm.edu