Institute for World Politics

What you'll study

Doctoral-level coursework follows completion of the IWP Master of Arts requirements (or their equivalent transfer treatment) and then adds 20 credits of doctoral courses. Required doctoral courses are:

• IWP/O 6900: Principles of Strategy (2 credits)
• IWP/O 801: Grand Strategy and Full Spectrum Statecraft (4 credits)
• IWP/O 802: Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (4 credits)
• IWP/O 803: Advanced Research and Writing Seminar for Statecraft and National Security (4 credits)
• IWP/O 807: Thesis Writing and Advising I: Core Curriculum (2 credits)
• IWP/O 808: Thesis Writing and Advising II: First Concentration (2 credits)
• IWP/O 809: Thesis Writing and Advising III: Second Concentration (2 credits)

Students choose two areas of concentration to augment the study of statecraft; concentrations may focus on instruments of statecraft (diplomacy, economics, public diplomacy and strategic influence, intelligence, military), a geographic region, or a customized topic relevant to the field.

Degree requirements include successful completion of the required doctoral courses, passing a final written doctoral-level comprehensive exam, and completing and defending three substantive papers (each 75 pages or longer): one demonstrating mastery of the IWP core curriculum (statecraft) and one for each concentration. Faculty advisors work closely with students on these substantial papers.

Entry requirements

There are two primary tracks based on prior credentials. Full-time students without a relevant master’s follow a 72-credit track (which includes completing the 52-credit IWP M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy requirements) and typically require 3+ years. Students who already hold an IWP M.A. may transfer its credits toward the DSS and follow the 20-credit doctoral course sequence, often completed in 1+ years. Applicants with a master’s from another institution may, on a case-by-case basis, transfer up to 16 credit hours toward the IWP degree (leaving 56 credits to complete) or consider the 52-credit Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional) depending on course availability and format.

Career prospects

The program is tailored to those pursuing careers as national security professionals—roles in government policy, defense and intelligence analysis, strategic planning, diplomatic service, or positions in think tanks and NGOs that require applied expertise in statecraft and strategy. The curriculum’s emphasis on core statecraft knowledge plus two concentrations prepares graduates for senior practitioner and advisory roles where strategic integration of instruments of state power is essential.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Specific funding details are not provided here. Prospective applicants should consult the institution’s admissions or financial aid office for available scholarships, fellowships, employer sponsorships, and other funding options; many professional doctoral students also seek external fellowships, governmental support, or employer tuition assistance to finance advanced study.