Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security
LEAD AT THE INTERSECTIONS BETWEEN FORCE AND STATECRAFT
Prepare to lead at the intersection of diplomacy, international affairs, and global security. Hawaiʻi Pacific University's Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security (MADGS) develops the analytical, leadership, and communication skills needed to understand complex global challenges and support decision-making across government, defense, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific, HPU's interdisciplinary program combines international relations, diplomacy, security studies, foreign policy, history, political science, and regional studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of today's global environment. Students learn from experienced diplomats, military leaders, intelligence professionals, and internationally recognized faculty while tailoring their degree through more than 40 elective courses that align with their professional interests and career goals.
At A Glance
Class Settings
- On Campus / Evening
Start Dates
- Fall Entry: August
- Spring Entry: January
- Summer Entry: May
COURSE INFORMATION
- 33 Credits
- Complete in 18 Months Full Time
TUITION
- All costs can be found at hpu.edu/costs.
- Discounted tuition rates for partners
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- $55 app fee
- Official transcript/s (bachelor’s degree or higher)
- One (1) letter of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher outside of the U.S. are required to demonstrate their English proficiency. Additional details can be accessed on the website hpu.edu/gradintl
Request Info
Discover rewarding careers in civilian, military, and government sectors
40+ elective courses across six disciplines
Faculty include diplomats, military leaders, & intelligence professionals
Generous transfer credit for graduates of U.S. military colleges and universities
Learn By Doing With Skills-Based Learning
Diplomacy and global security require more than an understanding of international affairs—they require the ability to analyze complex challenges, evaluate competing interests, and make informed decisions in dynamic environments. HPU's Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security emphasizes applied learning that prepares students to address contemporary political, security, and diplomatic issues.
Through case studies, policy analysis, research projects, simulations, and interdisciplinary coursework, students develop practical skills in international relations, foreign policy analysis, strategic communication, conflict resolution, intelligence analysis, and cross-cultural engagement. Guided by faculty with experience in diplomacy, military leadership, intelligence, and international affairs, students learn to evaluate global challenges from multiple perspectives and apply their knowledge to real-world policy and security issues.
Skills You'll Develop
- Analyze international political and security challenges
- Evaluate foreign policy and strategic decision-making
- Conduct policy and intelligence research
- Communicate effectively across cultures and organizations
- Assess geopolitical risks and emerging global issues
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for government, defense, nonprofit, and international organizations
CURRICULUM & COURSES TAILORED TO CAREER PATHWAYS
The MA in Diplomacy and Global Security has a national and international reputation and is one of HPU’s flagship academic programs. It is distinguished by its strong international/global focus and interdisciplinary approach. The program is intellectually challenging, yet highly rewarding. Students are able to balance a broad survey of topics with the ability to specialize through concentrations and certificates. This structure helps build both foundational understanding and deep subject matter expertise.
The program attracts international, civilian, and military students alike, creating a student body that facilitates comprehending the complexities of contemporary security and diplomatic challenges. Our faculty are accessible, passionate, and intentional in their teaching methods. Students praise our faculty's deep knowledge, industry experience, and personal investment in student success. The course catalog is both distinctive and relevant, offering specialized courses that students have encountered in more generic political science or international relations programs. Topics also include civil resistance, propaganda, regional diplomacy, and human rights.
HPU offers flexible course scheduling, which makes this program ideal for adult learners. Students may choose full or part-time study, and classes are offered evenings, hybrid, and online during the fall, spring, and summer. The program accommodates full-time professionals, military families, and students managing personal commitments. Students also have the option to move off-island without disrupting academic progress. Small class sizes contribute to a close-knit academic community, strong relationships with faculty, and lively classroom discussion which creates a culture of collaboration and shared purpose.
Fall Entry
Year 1 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- PSCI 6601 - Diplomacy & International Relations
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 1 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- HIST 6002 – Diplomatic & Military History
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 2 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- DGS 7601 - Research Methods in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 2 Spring Semester (6 credits)
- DGS 7602 - Research & Writing in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
Spring Entry
Year 1 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- HIST 6002 – Diplomatic & Military History
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 1 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- PSCI 6601 - Diplomacy & International Relations
- DGS 7601 - Research Methods in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
Year 2 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 2 Fall Semester (6 credits)
- DGS 7602 - Research & Writing in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
Summer Entry
Year 1 Summer Semester (9 credits)
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 1 Fall Semester (9 credits)
- PSCI 6601 - Diplomacy & International Relations
- DGS 7601 - Research Methods in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
Year 2 Spring Semester (9 credits)
- HIST 6002 - Diplomatic & Military History
- Program Elective
- Program Elective
Year 2 Summer Semester (6 credits)
- DGS 7602 - Research & Writing in Diplomacy & Global Security
- Program Elective
Open elective courses can be selected from among the following disciplines (HIST, PSCI, INTR, ANTH, ARTH, PHIL, STSS, SUST)
Graduate Certificates (12 credits):
- National Security and Strategic Studies
- Sustainability and Security Studies
UNLOCK THE DOOR TO REWARDING CAREER POSSIBILITIES
HPU's MADGS provides you with an interdisciplinary view of the role of diplomacy and military force in world affairs from both a contemporary and historical perspective. To acquaint you with different methodologies and approaches to understanding statecraft and the military, the program combines courses in history, political science, international relations, strategic studies, and sustainability. From attending policy events and conferences to customized learning experiences, students are able to make an impact with hands-on opportunities. Faculty also brings in current case studies, practical assignments, and professional insights from their own careers in diplomacy and security.
Diplomacy and the military have always played a pivotal role in significant political, social, and economic development around the world. To be an effective leader of the future, it is therefore important to have a solid understanding of how diplomacy and the military impact politics and society.
Explore HPU's Graduate Certificates
National Security and Strategic Studies
The Graduate Certificate in National Security & Strategic Studies addresses the increasing global, regional, and local concern about contemporary security and strategic issues. It provides tools to help individuals understand contemporary national and international security issues as well as appreciate processes and themes at the cornerstone of strategic planning and decision-making. The program seeks to enhance students’ understanding of the complexity and nature of contemporary security challenges and the range of possible responses to such threats. It thus combines study of theories, strategies, and doctrines related to the causes, conduct, and resolution of conflicts as well as the maintenance of peace.
Sustainability and Security Studies
The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Security Studies addresses the increasing global, regional, national and local concern about sustainable security. It provides tools to help individuals better understand contemporary intersections between sustainability and security concerns. The program seeks to enhance student’s understanding of the highly complex intersections between contemporary sustainability and security challenges as well as examine various possible responses to such threats. It thus combines studies of theories, strategies, approaches, and actions related to the causes, conduct and resolution of sustainable security challenges.
Captain Carl Schuster
HPU instructor, Captain Carl Schuster was interviewed by National Public Radio (NPR) about intelligence gathering and high altitude balloons. Captain Schuster teaches in the Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security (MADGS) program at HPU, and teaches the Security Studies Certificate as well. He has been teaching at the University since 2000.
Captain Schuster served in a variety of U.S. and international posts both at sea and ashore before his retirement in 1999. He was a qualified Joint Staff Officer, Foreign Area Officer and Strategic Planner at retirement.
JOIN HPU'S STRONG ALUMNI NETWORK
The MADGS program has an impressive career placement track record. Recent grads have gone on to careers that include:
- Chief of Staff, Minister of Public Administration, Government of Slovenia
- Exercise Planner, US Pacific Fleet
- Senior Analyst, Booz Allen Hamilton Corporation
- Advisor to the Minister of National Defence, Ministry of National Defence of Republic of Lithuania
- Attaché for Francophone Representation with the Permanent French Representative to the UN General Assembly, New York City
- Indonesia Country Specialist, Amnesty International
- Asia and Southwest Oceania Expert for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Staff, French St. Cyr Special Military School
- Research Fellow, Pacific Forum Center for Strategic Studies, Honolulu, Hawai’i
- Assistant to Afghan Minster of Defense
- Director for Reform and Development of the Afghan National Army Air Corps, Afghanistan
- Director for The US Army Pacific Training and Exercises Programs, Hawai’i
- Program Manager, Camber Corporation International Civil-Military Group
- Warfare Requirements Officer/Commander-in-Chief Liaison, U.S. Naval Forces Europe,
- Commanding Officer, Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, Ford Island, Hawai’i
- Commanding Officer/Professor of Naval Science ,Naval ROTC, Auburn University-Tuskegee University Consortium, Alabama
- Chief of Staff, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Hawai’i
- Professor, National Defense Intelligence College, School for Science and
- Technology Intelligence, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C
- Operational Planner, U.S. Pacific Fleet Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i
- Professor, U.S. Military Academy, West Point
They challenged us to produce something that is academically worthy and that brings value not just to academia, but to us personally. You get an opportunity to straddle a line between academics and what you may want to do next from a military perspective. If I could do it all over again, I would.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security?
A: A Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Global Security is an interdisciplinary graduate degree that examines international relations, diplomacy, foreign policy, global security, and strategic studies. Students develop the analytical, research, and leadership skills needed to understand complex global issues and support decision-making in government, defense, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Q: What can I do with a Master's in Diplomacy and Global Security?
A: Graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, government, defense, intelligence, public policy, international organizations, nonprofit leadership, research, and higher education. Common career paths include Foreign Service Officer, Intelligence Analyst, Policy Analyst, International Affairs Specialist, Security Analyst, Program Manager, and Research Associate.
Q: How is Diplomacy and Global Security different from International Relations?
A: While International Relations broadly examines relationships between nations and global institutions, Diplomacy and Global Security places additional emphasis on international security, foreign policy, conflict, strategic studies, and diplomacy. HPU's program integrates these disciplines to prepare graduates to address today's political and security challenges.
Q: Do I need a background in political science or international relations to enroll?
A: No. The program welcomes students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, including business, communications, education, military service, public service, nonprofit organizations, and other fields. Diverse perspectives strengthen classroom discussion and prepare graduates to address complex global challenges.
Q: Can I complete the degree while working full-time?
A: Yes. The program is designed with working professionals in mind and offers flexible scheduling with evening, hybrid, and online course options. Students may enroll full-time or part-time while balancing professional, military, and personal commitments.
Q: What skills will I develop in HPU's MADGS program?
A: Students develop skills in policy analysis, diplomatic communication, international affairs research, critical thinking, geopolitical analysis, conflict resolution, strategic decision-making, and cross-cultural communication. These competencies prepare graduates to evaluate global issues and contribute to informed decision-making across a variety of organizations.
Q: What makes HPU's MADGS program unique?
A: HPU's program combines diplomacy, global security, and international relations within the unique context of Hawaiʻi and the Indo-Pacific region. Students benefit from an interdisciplinary curriculum, flexible degree options, and instruction from faculty with professional experience in diplomacy, military service, intelligence, and international affairs.
Q: Why study Diplomacy and Global Security in Hawaiʻi?
A: Hawaiʻi's location at the crossroads of the Indo-Pacific provides a distinctive perspective on international affairs, defense, diplomacy, and regional security. Students examine global challenges from a region that plays an important role in international cooperation, military strategy, and economic engagement.
Q: Can this degree prepare me for doctoral or professional study?
A: Yes. The program provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in pursuing doctoral degrees or professional study in law, political science, history, international relations, public policy, security studies, and related disciplines.
Q: Why should I earn a Master's in Diplomacy and Global Security?
A: A master's degree in Diplomacy and Global Security prepares graduates to understand international affairs, evaluate complex global challenges, and lead across government, defense, nonprofit organizations, and international institutions. As global issues become increasingly interconnected, organizations value professionals who can analyze policy, manage risk, and develop strategic solutions in a rapidly changing world.
Apply to Earn your MADGS at Hawaiʻi Pacific University
Individuals wishing to apply to the MADGS degree program at HPU are required to submit the following:
- Application
- Transcripts
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- $55 Application Fee
- No GRE required
Students from a variety of backgrounds are attracted to this degree program. Therefore, to ensure that each student is adequately prepared for the academic rigors of a graduate-level program, the following courses must be satisfactorily completed as a foundation for graduate studies:
- One HIST 3XXX/4XXX Upper Division course
- INTR 3000 International Relations
OR:
6 undergraduate Upper Division credits in Military and/or Diplomatic History, Political Science, International Relations, Strategic Studies, and Security Studies.
And/Or:
a combination of experience in diplomatic, security, or military affairs