International Policy and Practice

Elliott School of International Affairs

Master of International Policy and Practice (M.I.P.P.)
Location(s): Foggy Bottom - Main Campus, Online Learning

Program Overview

The demands of globalization are dramatically changing career and employment practices for individuals and organizations in international affairs. Professionals who want to excel in the international arena must have knowledge of international economic, political, and social trends. They must possess the analytical and management skills necessary to formulate and advocate policies on key international issues, as well as the ability to negotiate and work effectively in cross-cultural settings.

The International Policy and Practice Program enhances the capacities of mid-career students to lead change and take on the challenges of the 21st century by providing them with the tools and insights of cutting-edge scholarship.

The program's interdisciplinary curriculum combines three foundation courses with a wide variety of course options that are selected to suit the student's professional goals and intellectual interests. Most courses are offered in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate student work schedules, making it ideal for working professionals. Cohort events throughout the year provide additional venues for professional networking with other students, faculty, and guest speakers.

Students in the MIPP program also benefit from the events and programs sponsored by the Elliott School's exceptional research centers and institutes. The Elliott School's active calendar of lectures, conferences, and workshops feature leading scholars and practitioners from the national and international policy communities.

Admission Requirements

Admission deadlines:
Fall – February 1 (M.A. applicants: to be considered for fellowship support, applications must be submitted by January 7.)
Spring – October 1
Standardized test scores:

GRE/GMAT test- optional

Recommendations required:

Two (2) letters of recommendation, preferably from supervisors or employers.

Prior academic records:

Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.  Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application.  Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.

If academic records are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided.  The English translations alone should be uploaded into the online application.  Official transcripts and certified English translations will be required of applicants who are offered admission.

Statement of purpose:

Two 500-word essays are required:

  1. In the first essay, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at the Elliott School of International Affairs and describe your academic and research interests. You should emphasize the specific ways in which the program will advance your future career goals.
  2. The second essay should address one of the following topics:
    • Identify a specific leadership challenge that you personally would like to tackle within the next five years. How will your education in the MIPP program help you succeed in this task?
    • Assess the impact of globalization on your organization, indicating both the challenges and opportunities that globalization produces.
Additional requirements: 

A resumé or curriculum vitae is required. Applicants should have at least eight (8) years of professional international affairs experience or already possess an advanced degree (M.A., M.S., J.D., L.L.M., Ph.D.) and have completed two (2) semesters for introductory economics (one semester of micro- and macroeconomics).

International applicants only:

Please review International Applicant Information carefully for details on required documents, earlier deadlines for applicants requiring an I-20 or DS-2019 from GW, and English language requirements.

  • International applicants for the MIPP Online program must meet the following English language requirements at the time of application: 
IELTS
7.0 Overall Score
 
(No individual band score below 6.5)
 
TOEFL
105 (Internet Based Test/IBT)
 
650 (Paper Based Test)
 
PTE 72

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Office of Graduate Admissions
The Elliott School of International Affairs
The George Washington University
1957 E Street, NW, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052

Contact for questions:
[email protected] ~ 202.994.7050 ~ 202.994.9537 (fax)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

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