Augusta University is now accepting applications for its new Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies, which will teach students how to fight a cyberwar and combat terrorism and foreign electoral intervention through intelligence gathering and policymaking.

“Programmers and hackers are not the only professionals we need to fight cyberwars and combat election meddling. We also need well-trained policymakers and the intelligence community,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “As Gov. Nathan Deal expands the number of cyber facilities in Augusta, Augusta University will continue to expand and improve our programs to help with the governor’s effort of supporting the cyber missions and workforce development needs of the State of Georgia and of our nation.”

Gov. Deal recently announced that the State of Georgia will invest $35 million on a second cyber facility in Augusta. This facility will be located in the Georgia Digital Campus – the same site that will house the 168,000-square-foot Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center. The state’s investment in cyber facilities in Augusta now totals $95 million.

To support the state’s cyber missions and efforts, Augusta University’s new Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies will offer a unique program that focuses on three core areas: intelligence, cybersecurity, and national and international security.

“When combating digital and physical threats to our national security, we need people fighting not only on the frontline but also in the background,” said Dr. Craig Albert, associate professor of political science and newly-named director of the MAISS program. “Our curriculum will give students the knowledge to protect our nation and our democracy by working behind the scenes.”

Courses offered through this degree include information security management, intelligence studies, homeland security, and terrorism and counterterrorism studies. Most classes and advising will be online.

“As a military-friendly institution, we want to help our active-duty military and veterans get an advanced degree,” Albert said. “We will adapt to the needs of our students and work with them individually from wherever they are. Even if they move away or are deployed, they will still be able to finish their degree online.”

Students admitted into the program will start in the fall 2018, shortly after the scheduled opening of the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center.