Security and Geopolitics Career Hub Landing Page
Global conflict impacts everyone. At GW’s Elliott School of International Affairs, you will gain the expertise and practical, policy-driven insight necessary to anticipate and react strategically to geopolitical challenges and global security threats.
The leaders who shape global affairs are those who can see the whole board, anticipate what comes next, and act with purpose. Here, you'll join a community of peers preparing to navigate strategic alliances, world events, and emerging conflicts to help create a safer, more secure world.
Explore Degrees in:
- Security Policy Studies
Our Security Policy Studies Master’s (SPS) degree unlocks career options that other master’s degrees cannot. With a 45-year pedigree of prestige, you will be prepared to face our most pressing global security challenges and lead with the confidence, training, and skills to make a difference.
*The US National Security concentration both online and in person.
Build skills in:
- Security risk and threat assessment
- Conflict analysis and resolution
- Policy development and implementation
Career paths may include:
- Foreign Policy Advisor
- Chief of Intelligence
- Information Security Specialist
- Middle East Studies
The Middle East, with its rich history and diverse heritage, remains a relevant focus of international affairs with pressing issues that require a deep knowledge of the region. Here you’ll not only develop a greater understanding of the region’s history, politics, and key players, but also the essential skills to make a major policy impact.
Build skills in:
- Regional political and cultural analysis
- Cross-cultural proficiency
- Diplomacy and stakeholder engagement
Career paths may include:
- Analyst (US Department of State)
- Watch Officer
- Linguist (US Navy)
- Asian Studies
It’s clear that Asia is an economic powerhouse of the 21st century— a highly critical region in economic and international affairs. Here, you will not only build your knowledge of Asia’s economy, politics, and history, but also gain the right connections, skills and experiences to assume positions of influence.
Build skills in:
- Asia-focused political and economic analysis
- Regional expertise and cultural literacy
- Research and analytical methods
Career paths may include:
- International Business Policy Associate
- Foreign Service Officer
- Research Analyst
- International Affairs
As new geopolitical, economic, and social realities reconfigure power relations among and within states, it is more important than ever for a new generation of experts to bring deep knowledge, sophisticated perspectives, and sharp insights to issues on the international agenda. Here you will gain world-class knowledge and skill that prepares you to meet global challenges that will define the world for decades to come.
Build skills in:
- Global policy analysis
- Strategic decision-making
- International problem solving
Career paths may include:
- Director of Strategic Projects
- Political Analyst
- Transportation Security Specialist
The Elliott School Offers
A Policy-First Approach
Our programs go beyond theory to focus on the actual practice of policymaking to ensure that you’re ready from Day One.
Successful Outcomes
86% of our graduates are employed in positions of influence within six months, where they’re making an impact while increasing their earning power.
Expert Faculty Practitioners
Take classes with expert faculty who are experienced, active practitioners. Gain their unique perspectives directly and learn firsthand the lessons they apply in the field.
"Everything I learned at the Elliott School hugely motivated me and supported [me] to move forward to my future target. They support students to take courses not only in their own major but also in other programs and at other universities in D.C., and to learn from a wide range of fields. In addition, career, academic, and networking events with current students and alumni gave me great opportunities to learn about D.C. and job opportunities."
Haruka Satake
Asian Studies MA, ‘23
Whether you have an exact vision of your career’s future or are still considering a shift towards international affairs, we can show you what is possible.