Master of International Policy (MIP)
An accelerated master's for experienced international affairs professionalsThe MIP is built for mid-career professionals ready to deepen their expertise in global affairs. Sharpen your ability to navigate complex international problems and build on the experience you already bring from the field, alongside a cohort of accomplished peers and a faculty of scholars and practitioners.
Program at a Glance
- Credential
Master of International Policy (MIP)
- Credit Hours
30 (10 courses), non-thesis
- Duration
11 months to 2 years (full-time/part-time options vary on location)
- Format
In residence at College Station or the Washington, D.C. teaching site, with up to 6 credit hours available online
- Experience Required
Minimum 4 years of professional experience in international affairs
- Structure
2 core courses, a chosen track, and electives (no capstone, internship, or language requirement)
About the Program
The Master of International Policy educates those who have already established careers in international affairs. Designed for mid-career professionals with at least four years of field experience, the MIP strengthens your ability to understand and act on complex global problems and builds on the operational knowledge you bring. Students come with backgrounds across diplomacy, intelligence, nuclear and cyber security, grand strategy, conflict and development, international economic development, and regional studies, and they learn alongside a faculty of scholars and seasoned practitioners.
Curriculum
The MIP is a 30-credit, non-thesis program of ten courses. Every student takes two foundational core courses, concentrates in one of two tracks, and rounds out the degree with electives. Unlike the longer professional master’s degrees, the MIP has no capstone, internship, or language requirement, your professional experience is the foundation the program builds on.
Core Courses
Two required courses in the theory and practice of international politics and the fundamentals of the global economy.
Track
Five courses within a selected track concentration.
Electives
Three additional courses selected to focus your studies and professional development.
Schedule
With full-time and part-time course scheduling, students could complete their degree in as little as 11 months to 2 years.
Tracks
MIP students concentrate on one track, taking at least fifteen credit hours within their chosen area.
Career Track National Security & Diplomacy (NSD) For careers in security, intelligence, defense, and diplomacy.
Develop the knowledge and analytical skills to contribute to national and international security, including threat assessment and intelligence, strategy and the use of force, diplomacy, counterterrorism, and international organizations.
Career Track International Development & Economic Policy (IDEP) For careers in development, humanitarian work, and economic policy.
Build the theory, practice, and analytical skills for careers in international development and economic policy, spanning migration, humanitarian aid, globalization, trade, governance, conflict, and state-building.
CAREER TRACK National Security, Intelligence & Regional Studies (DC ONLY) For careers in security, intelligence, defense, and diplomacy.
Develop the knowledge and analytical skills to contribute to national and international security, including threat assessment and intelligence, strategy and the use of force, diplomacy, counterterrorism, and international organizations.
Where & How You’ll Study
The MIP is offered at two locations. The degree and core are the same at both, while the setting, scheduling, and elective emphasis differ. Each location admits and enrolls students independently, so apply to the location where you intend to study.
College Station
At College Station, the MIP runs as a full-time, eleven-month intensive on the Texas A&M campus, with the two-track structure above.
Washington, D.C.
At the Bush School’s Washington, D.C. teaching site, you study in the heart of the national security and policy community. The DC location offers a part-time option with evening classes and electives centered on national security, intelligence, and Regional Studies. Explore the DC experience, faculty, and community on the Bush School DC site.
Online Flexibility
At either location, up to six credit hours may be taken online, with at least twenty-four hours completed in residence.
Explore Further
Faculty
The MIP is taught by scholars and seasoned practitioners across international affairs. Explore their backgrounds and research.
Explore the Faculty DirectoryCareers & Outcomes
The MIP helps experienced professionals advance and pivot across diplomacy, security, intelligence, and policy. For outcomes, see Careers & Outcomes.
Explore Careers & OutcomesCost & Funding
The Cost & Funding overview and the MIP Cost page cover tuition and aid for the program.
Explore Cost & FundingReady to Apply?
The MIP admits at each location independently, with fall and spring entry options. See deadlines and requirements on the admissions page.
How to Apply