This online degree is designed for professionals with five to seven years of relevant work experience in the national security community. It provides a comprehensive study of the theory and practice of national security policy, process, and implementation, both in historical and contemporary perspectives. Significant attention is directed toward vital current policy issues as well as understanding foreign cultures and the practices of foreign powers.
Students in this program may be enrolled full-time (9 or more credit hours per semester) or part-time (less than 9 credit hours per semester), but must complete the degree in five calendar years or less. After successful completion of all coursework, each student will be required to pass a one-hour oral examination and a three-hour written comprehensive examination.
All courses listed below will be conducted entirely online using asynchronous, previously-produced material (such as recorded lectures or interviews).
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic terms, concepts, historical facts, theories, and geography related to foreign and national security policy and strategy.
- Integrate the various instruments of statecraft, with special consideration of geopolitical and economic factors as they apply to U.S. national strategy.
- Make an informed assessment of the statecraft of foreign powers as well as the main geopolitical and ideological currents that contribute to the political and military struggles of the modern era and their impact on U.S. and foreign behavior.
- Appreciate the principles of the American founding and the Western moral tradition as applied to national security and foreign policy.
- Exhibit detailed knowledge on a U.S. national security or foreign affairs specialization.
Requirements
Core Curriculum
(28 credits required)
Core Courses (all required; 20 credits)
- IWPO 606 Ideas and Values in International Politics (2 credits)
- IWPO 608 Sources of American Political Thought (2 credits)
- IWPO 615 Western Moral and Political Thought (2 credits)
- IWPO 620 Contemporary Politics and Diplomacy (4 credits)
- IWPO 627 International Relations, Statecraft, and Integrated Strategy (4 credits)
- IWPO 634 Geography and Strategy (2 credits)
- IWPO 642 Economics for Foreign Policy Makers (2 credits)
- IWPO 799 Capstone Course (2 credits)
Statecraft Classes (8 credits)
- IWPO 601 National Security Policy Process (4 credits)
- IWPO 605 Intelligence and Policy (4 credits) (Required for the intelligence specialization)
- IWPO 609 Economic Statecraft and Conflict (4 credits)
- IWPO 628 Military Strategy: Theory and Practice (4 credits)
- IWPO 631 Foreign Propaganda, Perceptions, and Policy (4 credits)
- IWPO 636 The Art of Diplomacy (4 credits)
- IWPO 637 Public Diplomacy (4 credits)
Specializations
In addition to the Core Curriculum, students in this degree program must also select one of the following specializations:
Specialization in Intelligence (8 credits from the following; must also have taken Intelligence and Policy)
- IWPO 610 Counterintelligence in a Democratic Society (4 credits)
- IWPO 652 Estimative Intelligence Analysis and Epistemology (4 credits)
- IWPO 656 Intelligence Collection (4 credits)
- IWPO 678 Covert Action and National Security (4 credits)
Specialization in Defense and National Security Studies (8 credits from the following)
- IWPO 601 National Security Policy Process (4 credits)
- IWPO 616 U.S. National Security Strategy and Emerging Threats (4 credits)
- IWPO 628 Military Strategy: Theory and Practice (4 credits)
- IWPO 679 Defense Strategy, Planning, and Budgeting (4 credits)
Specialization in Non-Military Conflict (8 credits from the following)
- IWPO 641 Political Warfare: Past, Present, and Future (4 credits) (Required)
- IWPO 609 Economic Statecraft and Conflict (4 credits)
- IWPO 631 Foreign Propaganda, Perceptions, and Policy (4 credits)
- IWPO 637 Public Diplomacy and Strategic Influence (4 credits)
- IWPO 678 Covert Action and National Security (4 credits)
Admissions Criteria
The Admissions Committee evaluates each application for this degree with a focus on professional experience and leadership, ultimately assessing how your professional experiences have given you an extensive understanding of one of the elements of statecraft. This includes your individual and unique qualifications in the following:
Professional Background
The breadth and depth of your professional experience, your level of management responsibilities (e.g., strategy, operations, etc.), career progression and demonstrated leadership. The Professional MA applicant must have 5-7 years of relevant experience.
Integrated Intellectual Capabilities
Your potential to succeed academically as demonstrated through your academic record, letters of recommendation, professional experience, and understanding of intelligence, national security, or international affairs at an integrated, strategic level.
The Admissions Committee seeks candidates who are considered high-potential leaders who have the desire to enhance the formulation and conduct of American national security policy.
The Institute of World Politics has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
