Overview | Qualifications | Courses | Resources | Testimonials
2021-22 Calendar | MIP in DC Brochure
The Master of International Policy (MIP) educates those who have already begun their careers in the fields of international affairs and national security. Students admitted to the program will have at least four years of professional experience in those fields, broadly understood. The degree is offered in residence at the Bush School Washington, DC (with an option of taking up to 6 credit hours online).
Overview
The Master of International Policy program is a 30-credit-hour program with no capstone project requirement.
Curriculum:
Students will take courses from the National Security and Diplomacy (NSD) track. The curriculum consists of two required courses (6 credit hours) in both the theory and practice of international politics and in fundamentals of the global economy. Additional elective courses are chosen from the NSD track, with the option to concentrate in specific subject areas as the curriculum develops.
- The curriculum consists of two required courses:
- INTA 606—The Theory and Practice of International Politics (3 credit hours)
- INTA 608—Fundamentals of Global Economy (3 credit hours)
- Students take five courses (15 credit hours) in the National Security and Diplomacy track.
- The remaining three courses (9 credit hours) are electives.
Apply now for Summer 2022, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022!
The full degree can be completed either on a part-time basis or, if a student desires, over the course of a year. To complete the program as a fulltime student in a year, the student will take a regular four-course load in the fall and spring semesters and two courses via distance learning from the Bush School’s Office of Extended Education in the summer.
For information on application procedures, please contact our Admissions Office at bushschooDC@tamu.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience in the field of international affairs, broadly understood, are required. (Such experience does NOT include educational experiences like semester abroad or undergraduate internships.)
Academic Resources
Career Services:
Students will have access to dedicated one-on-one career counseling with our Director of Enrollment Management, Career and Student Services.
Writing Resources:
The Bush School DC provides writing services to help students with academic and professional writing. Appointments can be in person or online.
Bush School DC Library:
The Bush School DC provides an in-house librarian to help students with any research needs. In addition to our collection of library resources, students have access to Texas A&M’s vast digital and library collections.
Courses
The following is a tentative schedule for classes in Fall semester 2021. Students will register for classes through the Texas A&M “Howdy” portal. Registration for the spring semester begins in early November of the preceding year; registration for the fall semester (and summer semesters) begins in early April.
All classes meet in Bush School DC location – 1620 L Street, NW. All classes meet one day per week, in the 6:15 PM to 8:55 PM time slot. Note: Each individual syllabus is linked to the respective class below.
Monday
Day: Monday | Instructor: Lemon | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Examines historical and contemporary defense intelligence capabilities as part of the military decision-making environment and how multiple capabilities and organizations work in this sphere. In depth study of individual services’ intelligence capabilities, proficiencies and unique contributions.
Day: Monday | Instructor: Gentile | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Exposure to historical and contemporary defense intelligence capabilities as a part of the military decision making environment; examination of how multiple capabilities and organizations work together to inform leader; examination of the five major intelligence disciplines; exposure to a variety of scenarios involving an all source approach to intelligence; examination of the individual services’ intelligence capabilities, proficiencies and unique contributions to the Intelligence Community (IC).
Day: Monday | Instructor: Ross | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: A survey of U.S. Intelligence operations, techniques, objectives and resources, with particular emphasis on how intelligence has contributed and continues to contribute to U.S. national security.
Tuesday
Day: Tuesday | Instructor: Liu | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Provide an overview of Chinese Foreign Policy since 1949, understand the major external and domestic determinants of Chinese foreign policy, the results of domestic politics and/or international pressures, the role of ideology in Chinese foreign policy, economic interests affecting Chinese foreign policy, and what drives China’s involvement in international affairs.
Day: Tuesday | Instructor: Pino | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: An in-depth look at the causes and consequences of the Arab Spring, the impact on specific countries, and the role of regional and outside actors in the various conflicts, which the Arab uprisings have spawned. The course examines the evolution of US policy toward the Arab uprisings and the role that US intelligence plays in informing US policymakers in a time of great uncertainty.
Day: Tuesday | Instructor: Peterlin | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Focuses primarily on the process by which the President and the executive branch determine (and execute) the diplomatic priorities of the nation, and will address the role of Congress and the Courts as they relate to those dynamics.
Wednesday
Day: Wednesday | Instructor: Liu | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Examines three fundamental pillars of the global economy: international trade, international finance and foreign direct investment (FDI); appreciation for the complexities of the international environment from both theoretical and policy perspectives.
Day: Wednesday | Instructor: Weber | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: An examination of American foreign policy from 1945 to the present; focus on decisions made by American elected and appointed officials at critical moments of the Cold War and after; theory provides a framework, but the focus is on practical matters that confronted decision-makers.
Day: Wednesday | Instructor: Lemon | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Examines Russia’s policies in Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Middle East, South Asia and East Asia and the reactions of states in these regions to Russian policies. Critical evaluation of Russia as a global power through its policies in these areas.
Day: Wednesday | Instructor: Ross | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: In-depth understanding of the arcane and often misunderstood world of counterintelligence.
Thursday
Day: Thursday | Instructor: Weber | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: The effects of international politics on the competing forces of global integration and disintegration are investigated and policy implications are considered, drawing upon theories of interstate politics.
Day: Thursday | Instructor: King | Room: TBD
Syllabus: Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021
Course Description: Perform analysis in the U.S. Intelligence Community; hone writing, briefing and analytical skills; focus on fundamentals of critical thinking, the psychology of analysis and intelligence process.
Total for first semester: 9 credits
Testimonials
“Dr. Weber’s International Relations Theory course was the most challenging, rewarding, and important class I’ve ever taken. He helped me understand how the real world works, and how to look beyond the headlines and interpret current events.”
ALEXANDRA RUSSO
Project Engineer at Leidos
“America faces serious national security challenges every day. As a student at The Bush School, my professors and course work gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to take my career to the next level, meet those challenges directly and make a real difference from Day 1.”
CODY CAZARES
Senior Advisor for Congressman Michael T. McCaul
“Our students are inspirational! They choose this School and University because they want to serve their fellow citizens. They’re serious about tackling the most pressing issues facing the world today. I’ve met graduates of the Bush School all over the globe; they’re making a difference each and every day. President George H. W. Bush’s vision of preparing principled leaders for service to their community, their nation, and their world is alive and well. The Master of International Policy program will advance that vision even further!”
MARK WELSH
Dean, Bush School of Government and Public Service
Former Chief of Staff, United States Air Force
“Our students have a stellar opportunity to pursue higher education in the very heart of our nation’s capital, with a wealth of resources, along with the power and reach of a robust network of alumni to welcome students into the “Aggie” family. Carrying the name of George H.W. Bush, our nation’s 41st president, Bush School students understand and appreciate the noble calling of public service. Our faculty are real world practitioners helping prepare students to advance their careers.”
JAY SILVERIA
Executive Director
2021-22 Academic Calendar
The following changes to the Texas A&M University’s 2021-22 Academic Calendar will apply to Bush School DC. They are occasioned by different holidays in the District of Columbia that will require the closing of the teaching site.
Fall 2021 Academic Calendar
- August 30—First day of classes
- September 6—Labor Day-No classes
- October 11—Columbus Day-No classes
- November 11—Veterans’ Day-No classes
- November 25-26—Thanksgiving Break
- November 30—Last Tuesday classes
- December 7—Last Monday classes
- December 8—Last Wednesday classes
- December 9—Last Thursday classes
- December 9, 13, 15—Final exams
Spring 2022 Academic Calendar
- January 18—First day of classes
- February 21—Presidents Day-No classes
- March 14-18—Spring Break
- April 26—Last Tuesday classes
- April 27—Last Wednesday classes
- April 28—Last Thursday classes
- May 2—Last Monday classes
- May 3-5—Final exams
Summer 2022 Academic Calendar
- May 31—First day of classes
- July 4-8—Summer Break
- July 25—Last day of classes
- July 26-29—Final exams
