Master’s program

MA in Security and Defence Studies

The Master of Arts in Security and Defence Studies (MASD) is an interdisciplinary, French and English, practice-oriented degree that provides students with a comprehensive approach to security and defense. Because working in this field requires an understanding of the connections between international, national and human security, and because security and defence issues touch upon several different disciplines, the MASD will offer an interdisciplinary degree that examines the multiple dimensions of security as well as the practical challenges of preventing and responding to threats. Students will also benefit from unique opportunities to interact with Ottawa based security professionals. Students will emerge from this multi-faceted degree with an advanced understanding of contemporary issues pertaining to international, national, and human security, as well as the analytical and practical skills needed to succeed in the security and defence fields.

The MASD is a course-based master’s degree. Students will be required to complete four compulsory courses and six additional courses from a list of electives, for a total of 30 units. Fulltime students in the MASD will be expected to complete the degree requirements within 12 months. Part-time students will be expected to complete the program requirements within two years.

Essential information for the Security and Defence Studies program

General information and program requirements - Master of Arts in Security and Defence Studies

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Contact us

Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

Faculty of Social Sciences
Social Sciences Building
120 University Private, Room 6005
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5
Canada (map)

Tel.: 613-562-5689

[email protected]

Office Hours
Monday to Friday 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(June to August: closed at 3:30 p.m.)

Supervisor of Graduate Studies in Public and International Affairs

Ravi Pendakur
Social Sciences Building
Room 6027
Tel.:  613-562-5800 ext. 4162
[email protected]