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Institute of World Politics (IWP)

Launch Your National Security Career with Graduate School at IWP

The Institute of World Politics (IWP) is an independent graduate school empowering the next generation of national security, intelligence and international affairs experts. Learn from top scholar-practitioners and acquire invaluable skills to propel your career. Read more about IWP >

Students in Tiffin University’s B.A. in National Security, Intelligence & Terrorism program are invited to apply to the Institute of World Politics’ (IWP) accelerated 52-credit Master of Arts (M.A.) program. Eligible students may take up to eight graduate credits through IWP tuition-free during their senior year and may also be considered for an IWP Internship Program scholarship.

IWP Internship Program

Students in Tiffin University’s accelerated degree pathway are guaranteed a place in the Institute of World Politics internship program each spring, summer or fall semester, provided they meet the program requirements. Interns are selected using IWP’s standard criteria and participate in a hands-on experience that combines professional development with mentorship and research opportunities. Key components of the internship include:

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  • Professional Research Experience: Interns collaborate on faculty-led research projects and contribute to work in national security, international affairs and strategic intelligence. These projects complement students’ academic and administrative responsibilities and help build valuable time management and professional skills.
  • Exclusive Lectures and Networking Opportunities: Interns may attend small-group briefings and discussions led by IWP faculty and distinguished experts. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to engage directly with leaders in the field, ask questions and receive guidance on academic research and future career goals.

Financial Benefits

Eligible students may receive several financial benefits through this partnership (additional fees may apply):

  • Tuition-Free Graduate Credits: Eligible students can take up to eight online graduate credits through IWP at no cost during their senior year at Tiffin University.
  • Internship Program Scholarship: Students who successfully complete the IWP internship program may qualify for an IWP Internship Program Scholarship. Students must maintain at least part-time enrollment to receive this award.
Lacy Ellis faculty spotlight

“I am incredibly proud to announce our formal partnership with The Institute of World Politics, one of the nation’s premier graduate institutions dedicated to national security, intelligence, and international affairs. Students will experience conducting cutting-edge research alongside scholar-practitioners, receive private briefings from distinguished national security professionals, and tour some of the most iconic institutions in our nation, including the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol. For students who are serious about a future in national security and intelligence, this partnership delivers the academic rigor, professional immersion, and Washington, D.C. experience that sets our students apart.”

— Dr. Lacy Ellis, Dean, School of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences, Tiffin University

Early Assurance

Current Tiffin University BA in NIT students may apply for pre-approved admission to an Institute of World Politics graduate program. Students accepted through Early Assurance will begin their studies at IWP after successfully completing their undergraduate degree at TU and receiving formal admission to IWP. Interested students should follow these steps:

TimingTask
On or after April 30th of Junior
Year
Complete the IWP application process for admission to any MA program.
During the summer semester for
Junior Year and onward
Complete one semester (Summer) of the IWP internship program.
From application through
Graduation
Maintain good academic standing and a good record of student conduct.
After graduation from Tiffin
University
Submit an official transcript to IWP demonstrating satisfactory completion of the undergraduate program.

Eligibility

Tiffin University students are eligible to apply to the IWP program if the student:

  1. Is currently enrolled in the BA in National Security, Intelligence & Terrorism Studies program at Tiffin University.
  2. Has successfully completed the faculty panel interview/assessment at the end of their freshman year to be placed into the accelerated program.
  3. Has completed sufficient credits to be considered at least a third-year (junior) undergraduate at the time of application.
  4. Expects to graduate from Tiffin University in the next academic year.
  5. Has earned a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
  6. Intends to pursue any of IWP’s in-person 52-credit Master of Arts programs.