Institute for World Politics

What you'll study

The curriculum develops knowledge of key concepts, historical facts, theories, geography and the integration of geopolitical and economic factors into U.S. national strategy. Graduates are expected to exhibit detailed knowledge in a chosen U.S. national security or foreign affairs specialization.

• Core courses (examples and credit weight): Ideas and Values in International Politics (2), Sources of American Political Thought (2), Western Moral and Political Thought (2), Contemporary Politics and Diplomacy (4), International Relations, Statecraft and Integrated Strategy (4), Geography and Strategy (2), Economics for Foreign Policy Makers (2), Capstone Course (2).
• Statecraft options (choose two, 4 credits each): National Security Policy Process; Intelligence and Policy; Economic Statecraft and Conflict; Peace, Strategy and Conflict Resolution; Military Strategy: Theory and Practice; Foreign Propaganda, Perceptions and Policy OR Public Diplomacy.
• Specialization options (choose two, 4 credits each): American Foreign Policy; Comparative Political Culture; Homeland Security; Intelligence; International Politics; National Security and Defense Studies; Public Diplomacy and Strategic Influence.

Entry requirements

The program is aimed at applicants with five to seven years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated leadership. Admissions evaluation emphasizes the breadth and depth of professional background, level of management or strategic responsibility, career progression, letters of recommendation, academic record, and evidence of integrated understanding of intelligence, national security or international affairs. Candidates are assessed for potential as high-potential leaders who seek to influence American national security policy formulation and conduct.

Career prospects

Graduates typically use the program to strengthen credentials for strategic, policy, analytic, leadership or senior professional roles in national security, government, intelligence, defense, diplomacy, think tanks, international organizations or security-related private sector positions. The curriculum is built to prepare students to assess foreign statecraft, ideological and geopolitical currents, and to integrate multiple instruments of state power into strategy.

Scholarships & funding angle

The course page does not specify scholarships. Prospective applicants should contact the school's admissions or financial aid office to inquire about institutional scholarships, assistantships, employer sponsorship, or external fellowships that support mid-career graduate study.