Program of Study

The MIP program has four overarching learning objectives: mastery of scholarship, research proficiency, comprehension of the policy process, and enhancement of professional practices. Although individual courses may focus on specific topic and issue areas, each course is designed with an eye toward these overarching objectives. The MIP program is also structured into three thematically designed tracks: an International Security and Nonproliferation (ISN) track a Human Security track and an Energy Security track.   This structure is designed to assist students with developing in-depth knowledge of an international security issue and marketable expertise. The following are a few examples of courses offered by the MIP:

 Core Courses:

• Foundations of International Policy
• Research Methods in International Policy
• Pre-seminar in International Relations
• Data Analytics and Presentation for International Policy Professionals

International Security and Nonproliferation Track

The ISN track focuses on threats to states and the mitigation of threats posed by the technology and materials that underlie weapons of mass destruction.  Students enrolling in the ISN track will develop an understanding of the policies underlying national and international nonproliferation efforts, technical aspects of weapons of mass destruction programs, and the fundamentals of strategic trade management.

International Security and Nonproliferation Courses:

• Technical Background for WMD Non-proliferation Policy Practitioners
• Nuclear History and Security Policy
• Politics of Trade and Security
• International Perspectives on Nuclear Non-proliferation
• Stability and Instability in Nuclear Politics
• Deterrence Policy (Forthcoming)
• International Security and Nonproliferation Lab (Forthcoming)

Human Security Track

Students electing the Human Security track will focus on issues related to the protection and empowerment of individuals, the various means by which human rights may be either violated or protected, and the consequences of both military and civilian interventions on human security outcomes.

Human Security Courses:

• International Intervention and Human Security 
• Human Rights
• Terrorism
• Counterterrorism
• Advanced Data Analysis for Human Security Practitioners
• War and Human Security (Forthcoming)
• Human Security Lab

Energy Security Track

Energy policy is central to animating the economy, confronting climate change, and achieving national security objectives.  The Energy Security track examines the resources, technologies, policies, and institutions that determine energy policy as well as how nation-states use energy as an instrument of power to influence others.  The energy security track is a collaboration between SPIA and the College of Engineering.

Energy Security Courses

• Technical Foundations for Energy Policy Professionals
• Energy Systems Security and Policy
• Energy Statecraft
• Energy Lab (Forthcoming)

UGA’s Double Dawg programs permit select, qualified students to earn an undergraduate and graduate degree within a five-year timeframe.  Acceptance is competitive.  There are currently two approved Double Dawg programs for the MIP:

• International Affairs AB/International Policy MIP (non-thesis)
• Political Science AB/International Policy MIP (non-thesis).

Students with undergraduate majors in other fields should consult the SPIA undergraduate advising office and the Political Science & International Affairs Graduate Advisor to find out more about creating a new Double Dawgs program specific to their interests.

Information Sessions

Each semester the MIP director hosts an in-person information session for students interested in participating in one of the MIP double dawg programs.  The Fall 2023 sessions are scheduled for Monday, September 11th at 4:00 and Tuesday, September 12th at 4:00 in CITS Conference Room at the Bank of America Building..  The information sessions will last approximately 45 minutes and will discuss the MIP program, how to apply, and application materials.  Additionally, representatives from SPIA’s undergraduate and graduate advising will be present to answer student questions.

Deadline to Submit Pathway Application Materials

The deadline to submit MIP Double Dawg Pathway Application materials for students intending to enroll in graduate courses for Spring 2023 is Thursday, October 27^th.  Students will be notified via Athena of their acceptance or denial to the pathway prior to registration but no later than Tuesday, November 1st.

How to Apply

The Double Dawg program has two distinct application phases.  Phase I is applying for acceptance to the Pathway.  Acceptance to the pathway permits students to register for MIP graduate courses.  If students successfully complete graduate coursework in the pathway, they may progress to Phase II, applying for admission to the Graduate School and formally matriculating into the MIP program.

Phase I:  Applying for Acceptance to the Pathway 

Step 1:  Log-in to Athena and select “apply” for the appropriate pathway.

Step 2:  Complete the SPIA Double Dawg Pathway Application form and submit to your respective undergraduate advisor to confirm eligibility and sign.    Following are the minimum requirements for applying to the pathway:

-Minimum 3.5 UGA GPA

-Minimum 60 hours in-progress with at least 30 hours of UGA coursework (excluding AP,

IB, or transfer credits)

-9 hours of major coursework completed or in-progress

*Note:  Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the pathway.   There are limited seats for pathway students and acceptance is competitive.

Step 2:  Meet with your undergraduate and graduate advisor to develop a personal program of study.  The personal program of study outlines the specific courses and number of hours that the student plans to take each semester to successfully complete the Double Dawg program.

Step 3:  Draft a resume and personal statement.  Your personal statement should be no longer than two pages and should address the following three topics.  First, briefly discuss your career aspirations, for example, where do you aspire to work after graduation (an international organization, federal government, or industry), what are your long-term professional goals, et cetera?  Second, please discuss how you envision UGA’s Master of International Policy (MIP) program assisting you with achieving your career goals.  For example, what knowledge and skills do you hope to gain, are you primarily interested in energy security, human security, or nonproliferation issues, are there particular classes in which you hope to enroll, or professors you would like to work with, et cetera?  Finally, expound on any education, work experiences, language skills, et cetera, that are exceptionally relevant to or have informed your career goals.

Step 4:  Submit all application materials to Dr. Joshua Massey ([email protected]) prior to the semester deadline for review by the admissions committee.  A full application includes applying via Athena and submission of the the following materials:

-Signed Double Dawg Pathway Application

-Signed Personal Program of Study

-Resume

-Personal Statement

Phase II:  Applying to the Graduate School and Master of International Policy (MIP) program

Upon successful completion of graduate coursework while in the pathway, students may apply to formally matriculate into the Master of International Policy program.  Students typically spend two semesters in the pathway prior to applying for admission to the Graduate School, however, the number of semesters spent in the pathway may vary.  Application instructions for the Graduate School and the MIP are located here.  Please note, students participating in the Double Dawg pathway are not required to submit a GRE score for admission to the Graduate School.  Additionally, Double Dawg students may matriculate in either the Spring or Fall semester.

For more information on the Double Dawg pathway, please contact Dr. Joshua Massey.

MIP Graduate Student Manual

Personal Program of Study Form

POLS 9200 Independent Studies approval form

Student Health Insurance

Foreign Student Information

Tuition

Information Request

UGA Graduate School