Frequently Asked Questions

What are the upcoming application deadlines?

What makes IWP unique from other graduate schools of international affairs or national security?

• The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be effective leaders in statecraft, national security, and foreign policy – particularly in detecting, preventing, managing, mitigating and resolving international conflicts, and effectively matching the ends and means of policy.
• IWP teaches all the instruments of power – including those that are systematically neglected elsewhere – and how these instruments are integrated at the level of grand strategy. These include: diplomacy, military strategy, opinion formation, public diplomacy, intelligence, counterintelligence, economic strategy, and the principles of leadership.
• The curriculum emphasizes the strategic role of ideas, values and belief systems in world politics and the role of American founding principles in U.S. foreign policy.
• IWP courses examine the actual practices of foreign powers that go beyond diplomatic norms.
• Almost all IWP professors are scholar-practitioners with both academic credentials and high-level experience in the subjects they teach. Being in Washington, the Institute has established a vast network of current and former senior officials in all branches of government who are included as guest lecturers in all its courses.
• The Institute's student body includes recent college and university graduates and a mix of mid-career professionals from government, the armed forces, industry and foreign embassies and governments whose various perspectives enrich the classroom experience.
• The student-professor ratio is a low 8:1.
• The approachability and availability of the staff and faculty make the educational experience here a personal one.

What are the backgrounds of IWP’s students?

While many of our students have studied political science, international relations, or history at the undergraduate level, we welcome students from other academic backgrounds who have a definitive interest in pursuing a professional career in the fields of intelligence, national security, and foreign affairs. Currently, the average age of IWP’s students is 29, but there has been a noticeable increase in the number of students who are recent graduates or have only a couple of years of professional experience.

Are there international students at IWP?

Yes. We have a number of students, including diplomats, from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.

How long will it take me to earn my Master’s degree?

The Master’s degree consists of 52 credit hours (12 four-credit courses plus 2 two-credit courses), which can be easily completed in two academic years for full-time students (3-4 courses per semester). Completion times will vary for part-time students. Some students may also be required to take the writing and research seminar. Please see the Catalog for details.

What is the current tuition?

The tuition charge for the fall 2007, spring 2008 and summer 2008 semesters is $975 per credit hour ($3,900 per four-credit course; $1,950 per two-credit course). Financial aid is available for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Where do IWP students purchase their books?

Students utilize the Institute’s on-line bookstore for their textbook purchases. This bookstore is updated approximately one month before the start of each semester. Additional reading materials for class, such as course readers, are made available for purchase on the first night of class.

What type of library facility does the Institute offer its students?

The Institute’s library, located in Bently Hall, currently contains more than 25,000 volumes. In June 2002, the Institute was privileged to receive the private library of William J. Casey, the former Director of Central Intelligence. In addition to a basic collection of foreign affairs periodicals and reference works, the IWP library has several specialized resources. These include collections of book in U.S. foreign policy, U.S. intelligence and counterintelligence; and primary-source Cold War materials in Soviet/Russian/East European affairs and U.S. internal security. The library also features a computer lab with high-speed Internet access, as well as a printer and photocopier.

I’m from out of town. Where can I find a place to live around Washington, D.C.?

The Institute does not have on-campus dormitories. However, we publish a list of apartment locating services and classified sections of local newspapers on our Housing page. Of course, students may simply speak to any of our staff or students for housing suggestions.

Is there parking around the Institute?

Limited on-street parking exists around the Institute during business hours. A parking lot nearby opens up to the public at 6:00 p.m. The nearest Metro stop is Dupont Circle (on the Red Line), approximately a ten-minute walk from IWP.

For what sort of jobs can I expect to compete when I graduate?

Upon graduation, you will be a competitive applicant for jobs in intelligence, national security, diplomacy, and homeland security in both the public and private sectors. The employment of our students and graduates attests to their success. The Institute also holds several career workshops throughout the year to help prepare students in the job-seeking process and for a professional career.

Is financial aid available? What about federal student loans such as Perkins or Stafford Loans?

The Institute offers a variety of tuition assistance and scholarship opportunities to eligible applicants, covering partial to full tuition. Please visit Student Services to read a description of the financial aid that is available. Students may also apply to become teaching assistants, as well as library assistants. Both are additional ways of reducing tuition cost. Even though the Institute is currently not eligible to accept federal student loans or grants, it is applying for eligibility to receive VA educational assistance, such as the GI Bill. Private education loans are available from several lending partners.  For more information about private education loans, please download this document:

 Private Loans for IWP Students

I work full-time. Do you have classes offered in the evening?

Yes. In fact, most of our classes are currently offered in the evening from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. to accommodate our students who work full-time. Additionally, we have some afternoon classes available from 2:30 – 5:30 p.m., as well as Saturday morning classes.

Are your professors experienced in the fields in which they teach?

Our professors are scholar-practitioners and have been selected because of their practical knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. We strive to ensure that our students are presented with both the theoretical and practical aspects of their chosen fields of study.

Can I take classes at the Institute of World Politics without applying for the Master’s program?

Yes. We offer both Certificate and Continuing Education programs, which have application processes that are less comprehensive than the M.A. program. Please click on Certificate of Graduate Study or Continuing Education Program and Auditors for details on those programs.

Do I need to learn a foreign language to graduate?

Only those students enrolled in the Statecraft and World Politics degree are required to pass a proficiency exam before the comprehensive exams. However, students who are enrolled in continuing education or certificate programs, as well as the M.A. in Statecraft and National Security Affairs, are encouraged to enroll in language classes to help enhance their academic and professional credentials.

Can I pay my tuition in monthly payments?

Yes. The Institute offers students the option of paying their tuition and fees in three monthly payments, through an arrangement with Higher Education Services. The only cost to enroll is a $100 application fee per semester, and the monthly payment plan does not carry an interest charges. Please click here if you wish to complete the online application now. To read and print the informational brochure please click here:

 HES Monthly Payment Plan. 

Is there a thesis option?

The Institute offers the M.A. thesis option in its curriculum. It is offered to currently-enrolled students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement. Please contact the Office of Student Affairs for details.