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. 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 online Master’s degree program.
Application requirements for the online M.A. program
2. Current Resume (which is to be uploaded to the application). 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 must be mailed or emailed directly to the IWP Admissions Office (admissions@iwp.edu) from your home institution(s). A minimum of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required.
International Applicants: International transcripts must be official copies. Transcripts that are not in English must be translated into English using a professional service. Also, international transcripts must be certified by a transcript evaluation service approved by NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services). View the full list of approved members: https://www.naces.org/members.
4. Personal Statement (which is to be uploaded to the application): Please describe (1) your reasons for applying to the Institute and what you hope to accomplish with your studies here; (2) your intended program of study; and (3) your short and long-term career goals. (250-500 words)
5. Admissions Essay (which is to be uploaded to the application): In your opinion, what are the top three national security threats and/or foreign policy challenges that the U.S. currently faces? Citations may be used but are not required. Preferred length: 500-750 words (2-3 pages, double-spaced)
6. Three recommendations: Academic Recommendation, Academic or Professional Recommendation, and a Character Recommendation. Recommenders must send letters directly to admissions@iwp.edu. Individuals writing letters on your behalf should have known you for at least one year. The Academic Recommendation should be one of your current or former professors, while the Character Recommendation cannot be from a family member.
7. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are not required. However, applicants may submit the results of the GRE if they believe their scores will help improve their application and scholarship chances. LSAT scores may also be submitted. IWP’s GRE institutional code is 5474. See the GRE website more information about the exam.
8. Government-issued ID or Passport. A copy of your government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license) or passport is required and must be uploaded in your application. PDF or JPEG formats are preferred.
9. TOEFL scores (for international applicants only). The results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language are required from students whose first 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. IWP may also accept results from the IELTS exam.
The Application for Admission and supporting documents must be in English and received no later than the posted deadlines. As a general rule, incomplete applications will not be processed (rare exceptions may be made, depending on which element of the application is missing). Late applications may be processed according to the ability of the Admissions Committee.
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.
Application Deadlines
Students may apply for admission to any semester (fall, spring, or summer).
View our Application Deadlines
Contact
Mr. Jason Johnsrud, Dean of Students, Senior Vice President, and Admissions Coordinator
E-mail: admissions@iwp.edu; Phone: 202-462-2101