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About Program
The graduate program is an interdisciplinary, but specialized program, reaching out to practice, over theory. It analyzes and addresses current and emerging security and Intelligence challenges and opportunities.
The program prepares students, for a professional orientation in the Intelligence specialization and even more so in information analysis framework.
The program’s curriculum standards comply with the National Qualifications Framework of the UAE Level 9, Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) international accreditation standards, and International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) education standards. The program is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education.
Perspective students are provided with specialized knowledge spectrum in elements of Intelligence and information analysis regionally and globally. Students are keen in joining a framework of education that goes hand in hand with the security resilience policy of the UAE vision 2030, to meet the national and international educational standards; to offer knowledge capacity building and continuity through the world of security and global affairs.
The Master program, is designed for early and mid-career professionals; academically qualified graduates with B.A. or other higher degrees in the following fields but not limited to : International Relations, Political Science, International Studies, Security and Strategic Studies, Law, Humanities, Crisis Management, Criminology or a closely related or inter-related fields such as Communication, and Business, with specialization to security, strategy and international affairs, among others.
To apply for the Master’s program, students should meet all requirements of admission. All degrees should be in compliance with the Ministry of Higher Education and graduates applying should reflect recognized and accredited Universities by the UAE. International Degrees, should be attested first before applying.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Define and demonstrate the theory, history and contribution of the discipline of intelligence and security.
- Appraise collected data/information using a variety of analytic techniques and methodologies to produce original and advanced research in the Security and Intelligence field.
- Contextualize the principles of Security and Intelligence to evaluate intelligence and security threats.
- Apply critical thinking and innovative problem-solving skills for analyzing and reporting Security and Intelligence issues.
- Acquire the necessary skills to manage intelligence structures, functions, processes and practices in the UAE and GCC context.
Program Structure
Course Category
Core Courses
Elective Courses
Thesis 1
Thesis 2
Total
Total Number of Courses
6
4
1
1
12
Total Number of Credit Hours
18
12
3
3
36 Credit Hours
This course introduces the students to the realm of security and strategic studies. This course adopts a multi-disciplinary approach, to examine in depth the concepts of strategy and security and, in addition, determine the current and prospective challenges in security, strategy and intelligence. This course intends to unite theory with practice and, therefore, apply the concepts of security and strategy (e.g. the interplay between state and non-state actors or the new face of transnational terrorism); increase the practical awareness of the students about the diverse strategies available to achieve any policy objectives with regards to security and strategy.
This course focuses on the conception, development and execution of the crisis communications programs for businesses and organizations – including, inter alia, public relations techniques for communication with stakeholders amidst a crisis.
This course intends to acquaint the students with the concept of homeland security and the issues with regards to this concept: the actors, institutions and processes involved in homeland security, the man-made and natural threats to homeland security and, last but not least, the scholarly and policy debates about homeland security (i.e. the legal framework, the practical challenges such as the use of finite manpower and financial resources and the political processes and cultures in each case).
This course enable students to comprehend and become critically aware of the specific scientific methods, concepts and theories in their field of studies. This course provides students with advance skills to design, conduct and publish research projects that address current challenges to international and national security, yet maintain standards of scientific inquiry. Upon completing the course students will be able to identify and implement proper ways to address and conduct research in the field of study and prepare them to publish the results of scientific inquiry in the form of MA level research project or article; prepare a comprehensive research project that bridges theoretical and academic perspectives.
The Sustainability, Growth and National Security course analyzes the interconnection among military and nonmilitary dimensions of national security, namely the interlinkage among policies and strategies aiming at sustainable growth and national security. Emphasis will be given on the sustainability dimension of economy and growth in relation to national security. Thus, the course will address issues including the need to diversify economy, especially in the case of the GCC states. In an era when many states face ballooning deficits, austerity measures, and increased financial globalization, understanding the relationship between sustainable growth and national security is more important than ever. The same is the case for countries whose economy is heavily dependent on oil, such as the case of the GCC states, whereby diversification of the economy and sustainable growth is indispensably related to national security and national interest. Related strategies and policy initiatives and measures in the GCC countries and UAE , will be evaluated and possible contributions will be considered.
The Sustainability, Growth and National Security course analyzes the interconnection among military and nonmilitary dimensions of national security, namely the interlinkage among policies and strategies aiming at sustainable growth and national security. Emphasis will be given on the sustainability dimension of economy and growth in relation to national security. Thus, the course will address issues including the need to diversify economy, especially in the case of the GCC states. In an era when many states face ballooning deficits, austerity measures, and increased financial globalization, understanding the relationship between sustainable growth and national security is more important than ever. The same is the case for countries whose economy is heavily dependent on oil, such as the case of the GCC states, whereby diversification of the economy and sustainable growth is indispensably related to national security and national interest. Related strategies and policy initiatives and measures in the GCC countries and UAE , will be evaluated and possible contributions will be considered.
The Sustainability, Growth and National Security course analyzes the interconnection among military and nonmilitary dimensions of national security, namely the interlinkage among policies and strategies aiming at sustainable growth and national security. Emphasis will be given on the sustainability dimension of economy and growth in relation to national security. Thus, the course will address issues including the need to diversify economy, especially in the case of the GCC states. In an era when many states face ballooning deficits, austerity measures, and increased financial globalization, understanding the relationship between sustainable growth and national security is more important than ever. The same is the case for countries whose economy is heavily dependent on oil, such as the case of the GCC states, whereby diversification of the economy and sustainable growth is indispensably related to national security and national interest. Related strategies and policy initiatives and measures in the GCC countries and UAE , will be evaluated and possible contributions will be considered.
This course provides valuable insights into the security and politics of the Middle East – one of the most volatile regions in the world. This course examines in depth various key themes (such as democratization, radicalization, economic instability, nationalism, pan-Arabism, ethnic conflict and political Islam) and analyzes in a critical way the current crises and conflicts in the Middle East.
This course examines the intricate relationship between diplomacy and the use of force in a critical and practical way. In particular, this course will demonstrate (through lectures and specialised assignments) that diplomacy is an integral element of strategy in both war and peace and, in addition, examine how diplomacy can end a war / crisis or even avert one. In other words, this course aspires to offer the students both the knowledge about the interplay of diplomacy and military force and the practical tools to interpret, assess and implement in policy-making the various processes for the resolution of crises and conflicts through diplomacy.
This course is designed to introduce the students to the diverse and complex world order of the 21st century. Therefore, this course intends to determine the utility of foreign policy in security or strategic affairs and, in particular, evaluate the utility of the two instruments of foreign policy (negotiation and mitigation) for security or strategic issues. Similarly, the course interprets the objectives and prospects of contemporary foreign policy and examines the causes of war and peace, the security threats and challenges and the various manifestations of foreign policy (from military alliances to external armed interventions).
This course examines the history, principles, functions and methods used in collecting intelligence information. The main emphasis in this course is placed on the collection, analysis, interpretation and the use of intelligence. This course also recognizes and explores the evolving intersection between intelligence and national security. Students will use this course to build on the concepts presented to advance their understanding of and ability to conduct research within the field of study.
The course will appraise Critical infrastructures as a constituent of national security and a component of international security. Also, the course addresses issues including normative order of critical infrastructure and its protection, creating priority inventories of critical infrastructure vulnerability, resistance and redundancy as well as evaluation of scenarios and threat analysis with uncertain impact on reaching the goals of critical infrastructure.
The aim of the course is to provide students with comprehensive, highly specialized knowledge about Terrorism and Organized Crime as both an asymmetrical form of War and a strategy used in different social and political movements ever since. Students will become critically aware of new knowledge and procedures in organized crime and its connection with terrorism. They will acquire comprehensive understanding of the basic forms of modern organized crime and will formulate judgments about its security dimension.
This course represents a unique opportunity for students to apply in practice the information and skills obtained during the course of this program of studies on security and strategy. After the completion of the program’s taught courses, the students are required to undertake the internship to complete the program’s practical aspect. By serving as interns in organizations and/or institutions (specially selected on their ability to provide specialized training in the field of security and strategic studies), the students will develop or enhance their professional skills in the real security and/or strategic world.
Students in this course will work with their thesis supervisor to develop a thesis proposal and begin their distinctive, applied research project. It is meant to stimulate students in acquiring and in-depth knowledge and insight in a specific subject of interest to the students which should contribute to the discipline areas of security and strategic studies. The primary goal is for the student to practice the mechanisms of transitioning from concept to active inquiry. Depending on the nature of the subject, the student will develop a study questions, conduct a literature review, develop a methodological approach, and begin preliminary research. Students are expected to apply qualitative, quantitative, and comparative research approaches to the chosen subject.
In this course, students will continue developing their thesis project, revising techniques (if required), addressing challenges, analysing findings, and eventually articulating the complete experience. Students will build on work from the previous semester and put all of the pieces together to complete the final thesis project, following the required research process and procedures. Students will be required to provide a verbal defense as part of the assessment and fulfilment of the course.
Recommended Study Plan
Accreditations
The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation | caa.ae
Prof. Chahine A. Ghais
Professor / Dean
Prof. Dusko Tomic
Professor / Program Director - Security And Strategic Studies
Dr. Eldar Šaljić
Associate Professor / Program Director - Security Studies And Information Analysis
Dr. Mohamed El Yattioui
Assistant Professor / Program Director - Diplomacy
Graduation Requirements
For graduate degree completion, graduate students must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum CGPA of 2.00 on a scale of 4.00.
- Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
- The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
- Successfully complete the “Thesis” course.
Joining the Program
- Fall Semester
- September
- Spring Semester
- January
- Summer Semester
- May