The Institute of World Politics seeks a student body of diverse backgrounds that is divided among four general categories: recent graduates from colleges and universities with a career interest in international affairs, intelligence, or national security; personnel from foreign affairs, intelligence, defense and commercial agencies of the U.S. government; journalists, business executives, lawyers and others with professional interests in foreign affairs; and foreign diplomats, government officials and students.
With this kind of diversity, students in the Institute's programs will be able to enrich their education by exposure to the practical concerns and experiences of members of the student body itself.
A significant part of the student body has studied international relations, history, or political science at the undergraduate and graduate level. Many students enroll in our programs while working in U.S. government agencies. The Institute also welcomes students with backgrounds in other disciplines who desire to advance their knowledge of statecraft and international affairs and to pursue a career in these fields.
The following policies, procedures and regulations apply to all applicants, except where otherwise noted.
Qualifications and Requirements for Admission
New students can be admitted in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Any well-qualified applicant with a baccalaureate degree from a recognized college or university may apply for admission to the Institute. In general, students should have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at their undergraduate institution and have had introductory studies in history, political science, international affairs, economics and other related coursework in the humanities and social sciences, or experience in foreign affairs. Students who do not meet these minimum requirements, if otherwise admissible, are assigned additional coursework in excess of degree requirements specified at the time of admission.
For M.A. applicants, the Institute's Admissions Committee also evaluates the following required elements of a complete application: the two specified essays; scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); letters of recommendation; and admission interviews (if necessary). Published writings in the field of statecraft and international affairs or professional experience in a career related to it are considered helpful credentials for a student's application.
Students who are admitted into an Institute program are expected to register for courses immediately.
Late Admissions
Students will be permitted to join classes up to one week after the beginning of the semester. A late registration fee of $100 will be charged to all students registering after the first evening of class.
Re-application Procedure
Applicants who are not accepted for admission may re-apply after two semesters if they believe that they have improved a deficient segment of their application. Applications are retained by the Admissions Office for three years. Those candidates re-applying within three years must submit the following: 1) a letter requesting reactivation of their file; 2) an updated letter of recommendation; 3) an updated Essay on Educational and Professional Goals; 4) any item that improves the application from the previous submission; and 5) a reactivation fee of $50.
Statement of Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
The Institute does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, physical disability, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income or national origin in its admissions policies, in its scholarship
