The George Washington University - Elliott School Of International Affairs
Master of International Policy and Practice
Washington, USA
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Key Summary
The Elliott School’s Master of International Policy and Practice (M.I.P.P.) is an advanced professional degree for mid-career practitioners. Combining rigorous academic training with the development of valuable career-enhancing skills, the program prepares students for leadership roles in international public policy.
The M.I.P.P. program is anchored by foundation courses in international policy and economics and features flexible self-designed specializations that draw on the resources of a world-class university.
What You'll Study
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.
To earn your Master of International Policy and Practice you must successfully complete our 27 credit program which includes 9 credits in core courses and 18 credits of electives which should constitute a coherent specialization, addressing one or two overarching functional or regional areas of study.
Core Courses
Students will take three core courses (9 credits):
- IAFF 6211 MIPP Leadership Practicum
- A Foundation Course in International Policy
- A course in Economics.
Self Designed Specialization
The self-designed specialization should address one or two overarching functional or regional areas of study. Courses are selected in consultation with an advisor and the Program Director and are tailored to meet the individual student’s intellectual and professional objectives.
These 18 credits may include up to three credits of one-credit skills-based workshops. Courses are grouped to assist students in finding related courses in particular areas. The list of courses below is intended to be suggestive but not exhaustive.
The specialization may include courses from the following fields, as well as other courses offered at the George Washington University:
- Asia
- Conflict and Conflict Resolution
- Cyber Security
- Environmental and Energy Policy
- Global Communication
- Global Gender Policy
- Global Health
- Intelligence Studies
- International Affairs and Development
- International Economic Affairs
- International Education
- International Law and Organizations
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Russia and Eurasia
- Security Policy
- Technology Policy and International Affairs
- U.S. Foreign Policy
- Western, Central, and Eastern Europe
Prerequisites
Experience
Applicants must possess eight or more years of full-time professional experience or already possess an advanced degree (e.g. M.A., M.S., J.D., L.L.M., Ph.D.) to qualify for the MIPP program.
International Policy and Practice Online
The Elliott School’s Master of International Policy and Practice Online is an advanced degree combining the same rigorous coursework of an on-campus program with a dynamic and interactive online environment.
Through the combination of independent coursework and live sessions, students benefit from the flexibility of an online program while engaging with distinguished faculty and building meaningful relationships with peers.
Students in this program will develop an exceptional understanding of the complex international policy environment, possess robust analytical, writing, and communication skills, and will be able to utilize lateral and hierarchical leadership skills.
Engage
MIPP Online students engage with professors and peers via live weekly classroom sessions. Outside of the classroom, students will collaborate with peers, attend virtual office hours, and be able to view many of the Elliott School’s 370+ yearly events online.
Explore
With course offerings in security, development, and peace, MIPP Online allows students to explore different topics of interest and create a self-designed specialization.
Experience
MIPP Online students are fully integrated members of the Elliott School community and have access to career services provided by Graduate Student Services, have connections to the Foggy Bottom campus, GW libraries, and the Elliott School’s vast alumni network.
Students develop analytical and leadership skills to formulate and implement international public policy, along with the ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively in cross-cultural settings.
Where You'll Go
Our graduates continue to pursue a wide variety of exciting careers in diplomacy and public service, business, security, conflict resolution, development and public health. For 2016 graduates, the top employers included:
- U.S. Department of the Army
- U.S. Embassy in Niger
- EastWest Institute
- Global Partnership for Education
While you study with us and even once you leave, we'll provide you with resources and support to help you get the job you've always wanted post-graduation. From career counseling, workshops, site visits and information sessions, The Graduate Student Career Development Center has a variety of tools and tips to get you to where you want to be.