MIP Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of International Policy degree is a professional master’s program that offers concentration in energy security, strategic trade, and human security. The program is jointly administered by UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) and the Benson-Bertsch Center for International Trade and Security (BBCITS).

Yes. While it has concentrations, it is ultimately a degree in international affairs. It is conferred by the Department of International Affairs within SPIA.

More specifically, it is the applied, professional degree in international affairs. The skillset from the program includes things like writing for decision makers, presenting information confidently to policy makers, and competent data management and presentation. It offers skills that are distinct from a traditional MA in Political Science because the career outcomes are geared towards application and not scholarship.

No. The MIP is an in-person, full-time graduate degree located in Athens, GA.

Traditional post-undergraduate students take 2 years (22 months start to finish) to complete the degree. Undergraduate students at the University of Georgia who are accepted into the Double Dawg program can complete the MIP one year after completing their bachelor’s degree and applying to the Graduate School. The MIP does not offer a part-time curriculum.

MIP students take courses in international policy, international relations, statecraft, history, trade, security, nuclear technology, and energy policy.

The MIP cohort is hand-picked every year to be a concise and high-achieving group of practical scholars. Class sizes rarely exceed 25, and most classes have a cohort, group discussion atmosphere.

No, all traditional MIP students will begin with the Fall semester. Some Double Dawg students will begin in the Spring, however.

Yes, MIP students can get research assistantships and research fellowships. Preference for these roles is given to students whose applications are completed by December 1^st. Veterans or active military servicemembers also have funds and fellowships available specifically for them.

UGA is a top-ranked destination for service members, and there are award-winning programs. Specific to the MIP, there is the SPIA Public Trust Military Service Fund and the Pryles U.S. Military Veteran Graduate Fellowships. There is also the UGA Service to Service Initiative that directs military individuals complete SPIA degrees in Public Service.

All programs of study are welcome to apply. Many of our students are political science or international affairs majors, but every cohort is a unique blend of business, liberal arts, foreign language, engineering, and social science students. A successful MIP applicant doesn’t have a specific major, but rather a clear vision of how this program will get them to their ideal career.

Our graduates find career success in

• Federal agencies like Energy, State, and Defense
• Intelligence agencies
• Mulitnational corporations
• Defense contractors
• Energy companies
• Consultancy firms
• Big four firms

Terminal degree means a graduate is considered fully qualified and prepared to begin work in that field. Some MIP students choose to continue their studies with PhD or Law programs.

Yes, all traditional MIP Applicants should take the GRE and submit their scores. Students in the UGA Double Dawg Program do not have to take the GRE.

The MIP concludes with a Capstone Project. This is an opportunity for students to work with faculty and apply their interests and expertise. The final product will create something current and applicable to the current state of the field. This will be discussed in detail before your final semester.

• $75 Application Fee
• Unofficial Transcript (you can access this from your undergraduate institution)
• Official GRE Score Report
• Personal Statement
• Resume or CV
• Three Letters of Recommendation

• December 1: deadline for applicants who want to be considered for an assistantship
• March 1: International student application deadline
• May 15: Final application deadline
• June: Rolling decisions for acceptance
• August: Classes Begin

Start Your MIP Application

If you have further questions, you can reach out to the MIP Student Services Coordinator, Philip Anderson, at [email protected]