The Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional) is designed for professionals with five to seven years of relevant work experience. The curriculum provides a comprehensive study of the theory and practice of foreign and national security policy and strategy, including both historical and contemporary perspectives. This program covers all of the elements of statecraft and how they must be integrated into national strategy.
What I like most about IWP is its personalized education. The curriculum has been adapted to match my career goals.
—Dr. Zak Allal (’18), Algerian medical doctor, Silicon Valley biotech entrepreneur, former ambassador of Google University to France, and a Carnegie Hall pianist and composer
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.
Curriculum
Required courses
- 606 Ideas and Values in International Politics (2 credits)
- 608 Sources of American Political Thought (2 credits)
- 615 Western Moral and Political Thought (2 credits)
- 620 Contemporary Politics and Diplomacy (4 credits)
- 627 International Relations, Statecraft and Integrated Strategy (4 credits)
- 634 Geography and Strategy (2 credits)
- 642 Economics for Foreign Policy Makers (2 credits)
- 799 Capstone Course (2 credits)
Two Courses in Statecraft (4 credits each)
- 601 National Security Policy Process
- 605 Intelligence and Policy
- 609 Economic Statecraft and Conflict
- 625 Peace, Strategy and Conflict Resolution
- 628 Military Strategy: Theory and Practice
- 631 Foreign Propaganda, Perceptions and Policy OR 637 Public Diplomacy
Two Courses in Choice of Specialization (4 credits each)
- American Foreign Policy
- Comparative Political Culture
- Homeland Security
- Intelligence
- International Politics
- National Security and Defense Studies
- Public Diplomacy and Strategic Influence
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.
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.