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.  

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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 

Tuition and Fees Information

The cost per course (3 credit hours), assuming Fall 2026 tuition rates and NM Resident Tuition, is $1,738.86.

  •  This number includes tuition ($1,058.34), mandatory fees ($202.08), and the GNSPI-specific tuition differential that funds the graduate program ($478.44).
  • Non-NM residents from Western States and Territories can get in-state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program. For more info and details on applying, please contact us at gnspi@unm.edu.

For the degree, assuming 33 credit hours (11 courses) and current tuition rates, the degree will cost $19,127.46.

  • See UNM's Tuition Calculator for the full breakdown.
  • Note: UNM tuition is subject to change annually based on Board of Regents decisions. 

Funding Information

The most common ways our students fund their studies are through their employer's tution assistance programs and military benefits. We work closely with the Veteran's & Military Researouce Center to ensure military and veteran students can apply their benefits.

Students who do not get their tuition covered by their employer or other sources can consider the following options. 

  • Assistantships 
    • GNSPI offers one half-time assistantship per year to work on research and GNSPI project-related duties, reporting to the GNSPI Director. The assistantship comes with a monthly stipend, student health insurance and a tuition benefit of 6 credit hours. 
    • Other programs on campus often hire assistantships avaialble to those outside their department. See here for more info and link to the assistantship openings. 
  • Schlolarships
    • The Graduate Student Success Scholarship (GSSS) is for graduate students with demonstrable financial need to continue or complete their degree programs. Awards range from $1,000 to $7,500. GNSPI will send instructions to apply to the student listerve at the beginning of the fall semester. See here for more information. 
    • The Graduate and Professional Student Association offers several grants and scholarships to fund grad student research, travel, professional development, and the cost of research materials. See here fore more information. 
    • The NM Higher Education Department offers a competitive scholarship for NM residents for tuition and fees (but does not cover tuition differential). See here for more information. 
    • You can learn more about scholarships through the UNM Alumni Association here. 
    • UNM Graduate Studies keeps a list of external scholarship options here. 

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. 

 

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For more information or to ask any questions about the degree or application proces, please contact us at gnspi@unm.edu.