The Institute of World Politics seeks a student body with diverse backgrounds, including: 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 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
In general, any well-qualified applicant may apply for admission to the Institute. Applicants for the M.A. program should have at least a 3.20 cumulative GPA at the undergraduate level and have majored in political science, international affairs, history, economics, or other related humanities fields; or have experience in foreign affairs, national security, intelligence, or related areas. Students who do not meet these standards may be admitted and assigned additional coursework.
For M.A. applicants, the Institute’s Admissions Committee also evaluates the following: a current resumé, two essays, three recommendations, and standardized test scores (for non-native English speakers).
Deadlines for Admissions and Registration
See the application deadlines for upcoming semesters.
The registration deadline ends one week after the start of the semester. For specific deadlines, please see the Academic Calendar.
Early Assurance
Students from certain partner colleges and universities may be eligible for early admittance to IWP’s programs, including Ashland University, Assumption University, Baylor University, Benedictine College, Drake University, Duke University, Elon University, Patrick Henry College, Point Park University, University of Dallas, University of Mississippi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Utah Valley University, and Villanova University.
Matriculation Fee
All students admitted to the Institute (regardless of program) must pay a non-refundable $600 matriculation fee to secure their admission. This fee is due upon acceptance of admission and is credited toward the first semester’s tuition balance.
Re-application Procedure
Applicants who are not accepted for admission may re-apply after one year if they believe that they have improved a deficient segment of their application. Applications are retained by the Admissions Office for one year. Those candidates re-applying must submit the following: 1) a letter requesting reactivation of their file; 2) an updated letter of recommendation; 3) an updated resume and Personal Statement; 4) any item that improves the application from the previous submission; and 5) a reactivation fee of $100.
Statement of Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
The Institute does not discriminate against qualified individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, 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 programs, or in permitting access to its educational facilities, services and the rights, privileges, and activities generally accorded or made available to its students.
Application Instructions by Program
Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional)
The Doctor of Statecraft and National Security is tailored towards national security professionals as opposed to those who wish to pursue a teaching career. It is the only program of its kind in the United States.
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.
Executive and Professional M.A. Programs
The Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional) is designed for professionals with five to seven years of relevant work experience, and the Executive Master of Arts in National Security Affairs is designed for professionals with seven to ten years of relevant work experience.
- Executive and Professional M.A. Admissions Process
- Executive M.A. Description
- Professional M.A. Description
M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
Admission into the online 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.
Professional M.A. in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
The Professional Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online) is designed for professionals with five to seven years of relevant work experience in the national security community.
Certificate Program (In-Person)
The Certificate Program is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies but do not need a degree, and those students who already have an advanced degree yet need additional graduate credentials. It is intended to encourage students’ continued professional growth, and to serve as a valuable indicator of achievement and knowledge for current and prospective employers and professional colleagues.
Certificate in Statecraft (Online)
The Certificate in Statecraft is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies but do not need a degree, and those students who already have an advanced degree yet need additional graduate credentials.
Continuing Education Program and Auditors
The Institute also welcomes applicants who demonstrate a serious interest in the study of statecraft and international affairs, but do not need a degree or certificate. Students have the option of enrolling in courses for credit or as auditors (non-credit).
- Admissions Process for Continuing Education and Auditors
- More information about Continuing Education and Auditors