Institute for World Politics

What you'll study

Students complete 52 credits across three areas of study: Principles of Statecraft and Strategy (20 credits), a Functional concentration (16 credits), and a Regional concentration (16 credits). The Principles area includes four required enhanced classes (IWP 606/6060, 608/6080, 615/6150 and 6900) and two elective enhanced classes chosen from economic statecraft, military strategy, the art of diplomacy, public diplomacy, and intelligence and policy. All DSNS courses are enhanced versions of MA courses with additional readings, harder exams, longer papers, and 4–6 extra meetings with faculty. The program also incorporates thesis research courses (IWP 9900 and 9910/9920) tied to each area.

• Credit distribution: Principles of Statecraft and Strategy — 20 credits; Functional Concentration — 16 credits; Regional Concentration — 16 credits.
• Principles required classes include enhanced versions of: Ideas and Values in International Affairs (6060), Sources of American Political Thought (6080), Western Moral and Political Thought (6150), and Principles of Strategy (6900).
• Two elective enhanced classes (4 credits each) from: Economic Statecraft and Conflict (6090), Military Strategy: Theory and Practice (6280), The Art of Diplomacy (6360), Public Diplomacy (6370), and Intelligence and Policy (6050).
• Functional and Regional concentrations each require approximately 12 credits of enhanced classes plus a 4-credit thesis research course (9910 for Functional; 9920 for Regional).
• Students must produce three doctoral-level papers (one for each area) of 75 pages each and undertake thesis research credits (IWP 9900 and the area-specific 9910/9920).

Entry requirements

The program requires a prior master’s degree; candidates must complete 52 credit hours beyond that degree. Applicants are expected to demonstrate extensive knowledge of the national security field—policy, process, implementation, history, theory, and geography. Those lacking this background will be required to take IWP prerequisite courses as directed by their doctoral advisor. The Principles of Statecraft area is completed and orally defended first; passing that defense permits enrollment in Functional and Regional area courses.

Career prospects

The DSNS is aimed at preparing students for impactful national security roles rather than academic careers. Graduates are trained to employ strategic tools across instruments of statecraft in government and related professional settings, where practical integration of diplomacy, intelligence, economics, strategic influence, and military considerations is essential.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source text does not specify scholarships or funding. Prospective applicants should contact IWP admissions for current information on financial support, and plan to inquire about institutional scholarships, fellowships, employer sponsorship, or other funding avenues relevant to professional doctoral study.