Assumption and The Institute of World Politics Partner to Offer Opportunity for Advanced Study in National Security and International Affairs

Jan 29, 2020

Assumption and The Institute of World Politics (IWP) have partnered to offer students an opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree from Assumption and a Master of Arts from IWP in the areas of international affairs, national security, and intelligence. 

“IWP’s mission is aligned with Assumption in that it is dedicated to the pursuit of ideas and to preparing students to become effective leaders in a chosen field,” said Greg Weiner, Ph.D., provost and academic vice president of Assumption. “The unique curriculum will allow our students to complement their liberal arts education with specialized, in-depth training in the fields of international affairs. Upon graduation, they will be equipped to make a difference in fields that are of great importance to our country.”

Through this new partnership, Assumption students— and alumni– studying in a field related to international affairs, national security, or intelligence have the opportunity to apply for one of IWP’s Master of Arts in Statecraft and International Affairs; Statecraft and National Security; or Strategic Intelligence Studies programs. Assumption students in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher can apply to IWP for early acceptance into one of the master’s degree programs and receive special financial aid benefits, including a partnership scholarship, which guarantees accepted students $2,200 per semester. Students are also eligible for all other merit-based awards from IWP. 

As part of the partnership agreement, Assumption undergraduates are invited to participate in IWP’s internship program. IWP selects 15 undergraduate interns each semester for its National Security and International Affairs Research Internship, in which interns are partnered with an IWP professor for guided research in a topic related to their studies or career interests, including counterterrorism, diplomacy, intelligence, human rights, and more. Interns also tour the Pentagon, State Department, and other federal and private-sector facilities, led by IWP alumni who work at each organization. Interns may also choose one of IWP’s courses to audit during their semester. Internships are offered in spring, summer, and fall semesters. 

“Assumption’s strong emphasis on thoughtful citizenship creates a natural affinity with IWP’s mission to educate moral leaders who can think strategically,” said Danielle Shover, director of Graduate Recruitment at IWP. “IWP recognizes that Assumption students are intellectually prepared to continue the pursuit of truth and reason, both in the graduate programs at IWP, and within the fields of diplomacy, policy, national security, and statecraft. We are thrilled to embark on this partnership, and to welcome more Assumption students and alumni into the IWP community.”

IWP is dedicated to creating integrated strategic thinkers who can navigate the complex diplomatic and national security issues facing our country and the world. Courses are taught by scholar-practitioners, including ambassadors, senior intelligence officials, military officers, presidential advisers, and senior Congressional staff members. IWP educates leaders who understand global realities and the ethical conduct of statecraft.

In addition to this new partnership, Assumption has articulation agreements with a number of prestigious academic institutions across the country including Duke University, Duquesne University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, University of Notre Dame, and Washington University in St. Louis. These partnerships allow Assumption students to pursue additional degrees in areas of student such as biotechnology, chiropractic, engineering, environmental science, exercise science, health professions, history, law, marine science, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, podiatry, and regulatory and clinical research.