Stanford University - Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy

The Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy is a two-year, full-time graduate degree program at Stanford University. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, and students are encouraged to pursue coursework that spans academic fields at Stanford. The flexible curriculum allows MIP students to gain core policy skills as well as pursue their individual interests in one of four areas: Cyber Policy & Security; Energy, Natural Resources, & the Environment; Governance & Development; or International Security. The M.A. degree is earned through completion of core coursework, a chosen area of specialization, highly individualized elective coursework, and a capstone project.

The MIP capstone experience provides students with the know-how to tackle global policy problems and bring about change in the real world. The two-quarter course – Policy Change Studio – centers on an innovative problem-solving framework, with students working in teams with partner organizations to analyze policy problems, craft solutions, and develop context-specific implementation plans.

The MIP program is designed to have small cohort and class sizes, which foster an intimate, collaborative, and dynamic learning experience. Our size and methods offer students personalized attention and easy access to staff, and world-renowned faculty and practitioners. They also foster a strong sense of community, enabling students to form life-long connections to peers from around the world, with incredibly diverse personal, academic, and professional backgrounds.

MIP students go on to pursue careers that span the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, in fields that include international security, human rights, foreign affairs, technology, cyber policy, diplomacy, development, trade and finance, energy policy, impact investing, and more.

MIP operates out of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), which is the hub for Stanford Scholars who work across disciplines on the world's most important global issues. FSI produces world class research, engages policy makers, and trains tomorrow's leaders.