Program Information
The Master’s Program in Security Studies offers both theoretical and empirical courses, focusing on Security Studies specifically and the broader discipline of International Relations. The program aims to provide education at universal standards, fostering students' scientific analytical skills in relevant fields. The courses address key issues in both domestic and international security, evaluating contemporary academic approaches in these areas. Additionally, to enable students to analyze complex causal processes from multiple perspectives, the program includes courses on the functioning of the international system. Within the curriculum, students are also trained in both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
1. Graduates who develop analytical skills in security-related issues, focusing on the interaction dynamics among political actors at national and global levels: Can apply their acquired skills and knowledge in both public and private sector careers.
2. Can pursue academic careers, including continuing their education at the doctoral level.
3. Can take on research, implementation, and administrative roles in national and international non-governmental organizations, as well as in international and supranational institutions.
Students who successfully complete this program are awarded a Master's Degree in Security Studies.
The Security Studies program is a Master's degree program, classified as Level 7 in the Turkish Higher Education Qualifications Framework (TYYÇ).
The rules are set by the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations" and "TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Studies". For graduation, a minimum of 131 ECTS is required for the thesis-based master's program, while a minimum of 90 ECTS is required for the non-thesis master's program.
Having a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite. The "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations" and the "TOBB ETÜ Scholarship Directive for Graduate Studies" describe the general rules and procedures regarding student admissions. In addition to these, there are exam and GPA requirements determined by the TOBB ETÜ Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE), YÖK (Council of Higher Education), relevant bodies of TOBB ETÜ. Besides, the SBE acknowledges the recommendations from the Political Science and International Relations Department to set the degree-specific criteria. These conditions are regularly re-evaluated and publicly announced on the relevant webpage of the SBE for each application call.
Upon their admission to the master's program, The master's students may request exemption based on the courses taken and passed at a previously attended higher education institution, in order to meet the requirements of the doctoral program they have been accepted to at TOBB ETÜ. The student may be exempt from a course if (1) the content of the course taken at the other institution is equivalent to the content of the course offered at TOBB ETÜ and the credit transfer is approved by the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE).
Exams, assessment and evaluation are carried out in accordance with the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate Education and Examination Regulations". Students’ success in a course is determined by the relevant faculty member based on their performance in exams, participation in the course, and fulfillment of other course responsibilities. The grading system to be used is determined by the Senate. The Doctoral Qualifying Exam is planned and conducted in accordance with the "Political Science and International Relations Department Doctoral Qualifying Exams Preparation and Implementation Principles", which is prepared within the broader framework set by the "TOBB ETÜ Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences Doctoral Qualifying Exam and Thesis Monitoring Committee Rules”.
Full-time education at graduate level.
Students must meet all course and thesis requirements within the maximum period allowed by the Graduate School of Economics and Social Sciences (SBE). For graduation, at the thesis-based program, students must complete a minimum of 131 ECTS with a minimum GPA of 3. 00. For graduation, at the non-thesis program, students must complete a minimum of 90 ECTS with a minimum GPA of 2. 50.
Graduates can find employment in the public sector, particularly in institutions and organizations within the security bureaucracy. They can also work in international organizations, civil society, and research centers. By continuing their education, they may pursue careers in academia. Additionally, they can work in various departments of private sector companies.
Graduates can apply to doctoral programs.