Study Geography & Strategy Online
Start your career in the National Security community. The Institute of World Politics is a graduate school of national security, intelligence, and international affairs.
Study Geography & Strategy Online
Spring 2024 Application Deadline: December 1
The map is not the terrain. The Geography and Strategy course of study offered at the Institute of World Politics (IWP) presents a unique and compelling opportunity to understand the interplay between geographical factors and strategic decision-making in the realm of international politics and security. At IWP, you will gain an in-depth appreciation for the crucial role that geography plays in shaping national interests, resource allocation, and diplomatic relationships. As you develop your analytical skills and cultivate a geostrategic mindset, you will be better prepared to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities that arise in today’s interconnected world. IWP not only enriches your academic experience but also provides you with invaluable knowledge and insights that will set you apart in your future career endeavors. Your desk is waiting.
Launch Your Government Career
Our graduates are already serving at the highest levels of the State Department, Defense Department and other executive branch intelligence agencies. We provide a useful education to help you excel in your career and get the desk you deserve.
97%
of our graduates get jobs in their field of interest
7
M.A.
Programs
17
Graduate Certificates
1
Doctorate
Program
1:1
We meet with every student to map out a desired career path and strategy so you are the most competitive candidate
Where IWP Graduates Work
House of Representatives
Department of Homeland Security
Central Intelligence Agency
US Department of Defense
Department of State
Career Placement Services
Our students benefit from a dedicated Career Services team that actively works to identify and cultivate relationships with employers and organizations in your fields of study. IWP’s strong connections with government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations open doors to exclusive internships, networking events, and job opportunities, positioning students for success in their chosen fields. Our tailored career coaching and professional development resources, such as workshops, seminars, and one-on-one guidance, ensure that you are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this highly competitive job market. By choosing IWP, you will not only receive a world-class education but also gain access to an invaluable network and comprehensive support system that empowers them to launch and advance their careers with confidence.
Learn from Intelligence, Diplomatic, and National Security Professionals
IWP’s esteemed faculty, comprised of experienced professionals and subject matter experts, will guide you through a comprehensive exploration of historical and contemporary case studies, highlighting the ways in which geographic considerations have influenced military strategy, economic development, and foreign policy. With experienced diplomats, intelligence, and military professionals teaching you what it’s really like in the field, you will gain a vast array of practical knowledge to support your strong academic learning at IWP. Our courses are tailored to give you a comprehensive understanding of the current world and its complexity, by having those who have already sat at the desk you seek teach them.
"The education here provides a foundation for anything that you could possibly want to do in intelligence, national security, or the diplomatic realm."
Joshua Drusbacky (’19)
Army Officer and Analyst for the U.S. Government
Upcoming Geography & Strategy Classes
IWP / IWPO 628 | Military Strategy: Theory & Practice | Dr. Christopher Harmon
This course examines the theory and practice of strategy, the use of force and other instruments of power to achieve the goals of the state in the international system. We first look at the theorists of strategy and war, and then consider the applicability of their ideas to conflict both past and present. Case studies in the application of strategy in modern large and small wars, including insurgencies. The course concludes with a look at strategies for dealing with a resurgent Russia, a rising China, and groups such as ISIS and Hezbollah, as well as strategies for emerging modes of war such as cyber.
IWP / IWPO 634 | Geography & Strategy | Dr. Marek Chodakiewicz
This eight-week seminar demonstrates the importance of geography to international politics, economics, national security, and strategy. It introduces students to the geographic and geopolitical factors that have shaped the field of world politics. The course explores how geography has helped influence aspects of world history and how it is likely to do so in the future.
IWPO 699 | Cyber Intelligence | Prof. Paul Davis
Cyber intelligence is the acquisition and analysis of information to identify, track, and predict cyber capabilities, intentions, and activities. Students will learn how to add value to the information and to present actionable courses of action to the decision maker. They will understand the traditional intelligence tradecraft and how it is used in the cyber world to assess cyber threats.
Why IWP
The Institute’s unique courses offer specialized professional education not available anywhere else. All courses enhance your capacity to understand and address major current issues. Students frequently learn from their classmates, some of whom are officials in agencies of the U.S. and foreign governments. They often receive career advice from, and establish valuable contacts with, fellow students, their professors, and guest lecturers.
Your desk is waiting.