Master of Arts Program

Admission into the Master's degree program is competitive. Well-qualified applicants possess a strong academic record—and often have work experience—in the field of national security and foreign affairs. Applicants without significant undergraduate coursework in international relations or related fields—such as government, history, political science, economics and philosophy—may be required to complete additional specific courses and/or additional reading. A student currently or previously enrolled at the Institute in any of its programs is not guaranteed admission to the Master's program.

Applying to the M.A. program requires the following:

1. A completed and signed
2. Current Resume. Your educational background (colleges and universities attended), work experience, and any special skills that may enhance your application credentials should be included in this resume.
3. Official academic transcripts from all institutions attended. Transcripts in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Transcripts must be mailed directly to the IWP Admissions Office from your home institution(s).
4. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. This exam must have been taken within the last five years. LSAT scores may be substituted. GRE scores are not required for students whose baccalaureate degree is from a non-English language institution. IWP’s institutional code is 5474. Go to www.gre.org for more information.
5. TOEFL scores (for international students). The results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language are required from students whose native language is not English, except for those who have completed a bachelor's degree at an accredited English language institution of higher learning or have demonstrated fluency in English in an interview at the Institute. For those taking the TOEFL, a minimum score of 600 (paper-based exam) or 95 (Internet-based exam) is required. TOEFL scores should not be more than two years old. The institutional code for The Institute of World Politics is 9022. Go to www.toefl.org for more information.
6. Three letters of recommendation: an Academic reference; a second Academic or a Professional reference; and a Character reference. Reference forms are in the application packet. Individuals writing letters on your behalf should have known you for at least one year.
7. Essay on Educational and Professional Goals. Please see the M.A. Application Addendum.
8. General Essay. Please see the M.A. Application Addendum.
9. $50 non-refundable application fee.
10. Admissions Interview. Applicants may be scheduled, as needed, for an admission interview.

M.A. Admissions Criteria

The Institute may also use the following criteria in evaluating an applicant to the Master's degree program:

• The candidate's undergraduate grade point average in the social sciences, major field of study, or junior and senior years, as opposed to his or her overall GPA;
• A demonstrated improvement in the candidate's undergraduate progression;
• Level of professional growth subsequent to the bachelor's degree;
• Demonstration of unusual hardship conditions or personal needs; and
• Demonstrated capab