M.A. Global & International Studies Interagency Studies Program (ISP)
The Master of Arts in Interagency Studies (ISP) at KU is a professionally focused graduate program for military officers and civilian professionals working in complex global security environments. Established in 2010, the ISP—also known as the Interagency track in GIST—is a 10‑month program designed primarily for officers completing Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at the Command and General Staff College (CGSC). The curriculum delivers rigorous, interdisciplinary training in security studies with a strong emphasis on Russia and China as key actors in today’s strategic competition. The ISP MA centers on the political, military, and strategic challenges that define 21st-century security. While the program features dedicated coursework on Chinese and Russian foreign and security policy, its foundation is broader and interdisciplinary.
Core thematic courses provide formal instruction in:
- Conflict, Peace, and Security
- Authoritarian Regimes and Political Stability
- Contemporary Issues in Global Security
- Strategy, Institutions, and National Security in Russia and China
Students are admitted to KU through the Center for Global and International Studies. Upon completing the program, graduates earn a Master of Arts in Global and International Studies with a Concentration in Interagency Studies.
The ISP curriculum consists of a total of 30 credit hours.
CGSC Intermediate Level Education (ILE) credit reduction (6 hours):
KU grants a 6-credit hour reduction to students who successfully complete Intermediate Level Education (ILE) core coursework.
ISP Coursework:
Faculty across the program provide regional and thematic expertise that allows students to pursue research aligned with their assignments or career goals. Graduates gain the tools to assess authoritarian regimes, evaluate strategic competition, analyze conflict dynamics, and contribute effectively to policy discussions at operational and strategic levels.
Final paper & presentation:
Although the program highlights Russia and China, students are not limited to those regions in their research or professional development.
Students complete a culminating research paper that allows them to:
- Analyze any region of the world
- Focus on functional security issues (e.g., cybersecurity, hybrid warfare, energy security, alliances, sanctions, irregular conflict)
- Engage policy-relevant or theoretically grounded questions
Course Schedule:
The program is completed in 10 months. Students take 4 courses during both the fall and spring semesters. The evening classes run the length of the academic year: 4 courses August-December and 4 courses January-May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose KU for my Global & International Studies graduate degree?
What can I do with a degree in Global & International Studies?
How long will it take for an application to be reviewed?
Where are classes taught?
What is the cost of the program?
How do I apply for Military TA or GI Bill?
Is there a Graduation Ceremony?
Why choose KU for my Global & International Studies graduate degree?
The ISP MA is intentionally designed to complement and enhance professional military education while remaining academically rigorous and incorporating learning relevant to the civilian sector.
For military officers, the program strengthens strategic‑level thinking, builds regionally focused expertise for advancement, sharpens analytical writing and policy evaluation skills, and aligns with current defense priorities centered on great‑power competition.
Those in the civilian sector the program builds skills that translate well to civilian careers, provides deep expertise in global security and authoritarian systems, strengthens qualifications for federal, intelligence, defense‑contracting, and policy roles, and develops research, briefing, and analytical abilities valued across government and private‑sector security fields.
What differentiates the ISP MA is its structure:
- A clear security studies identity
- Strategic emphasis on Russia and China
- Interdisciplinary analytical training
- Flexible, research-driven culminating experience
- Faculty capable of advising across regions and issue areas
The result is a program that is competitive with peer professional military education offerings while also meeting the needs of civilian security professionals.
What can I do with a degree in Global & International Studies?
The ISP MA prepares students for leadership and analytical roles in military, government, and civilian careers by developing practical skills in strategy, security, communication, and geopolitical analysis.
For Military Officers
The program complements Professional Military Education (PME) by strengthening:
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Regional expertise on Russia, China, and global security issues
- Analytical writing and briefing skills
- Understanding of conflict, political instability, and interagency coordination
These skills support promotion competitiveness, staff and planning assignments, joint operations, and strategic-level leadership roles across the armed forces and Combatant Commands.
For DoD and Federal Careers
Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- Defense and intelligence analysis
- Strategic planning and policy
- Homeland security and interagency coordination
- Defense contracting and consulting
Students develop skills directly relevant to organizations such as the Department of Defense, Department of State, Homeland Security, Combatant Commands, and the broader national security community.
The program also provides strong preparation for careers with defense and consulting firms such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Deloitte Government & Public Services, and similar organizations operating in security and policy environments.
For Civilian Careers
The degree builds transferable skills valued across the private and nonprofit sectors, including:
- Research and analytical problem-solving
- Professional communication and briefing
- Geopolitical and risk analysis
- Cross-cultural and international awareness
Graduates pursue careers in consulting, international business, nonprofit organizations, policy research, corporate security, and geopolitical risk analysis.
A Professionally Relevant Degree
The ISP MA combines regional expertise, interdisciplinary training, and practical analytical skills to prepare students for careers shaped by global competition, security challenges, and international affairs.
How long will it take for an application to be reviewed?
Application reviews typically take a 1-3 weeks, so students should apply as soon as they receive their CGSC orders.
Where are classes taught?
Classes are taught by KU faculty on-site at CGSC. All GIST ISP courses are in a hybrid format (face-to-face instruction with online learning). Final defenses take place on Teams.
What is the cost of the program?
The GIST‑ISP program costs $445 per credit hour, inclusive of all fees. For CGSC students, the 24‑credit program totals $10,680 before any outside funding is applied. For those in the 30-credit program, the cost totals $13,350.
How do I apply for Military TA or GI Bill?
Please reach out to the KU Leavenworth Program Director, Sarah Weygand, for more information about applying for and utilizing Military TA or GI Bill. She can be reached by email at sweygand@ku.edu or by phone at 913-897-8557. You may also visit the KU Leavenworth office at 120 Dickman Ave., Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Is there a Graduation Ceremony?
Yes, graduation ceremonies will be held at the Lawrence campus.
Brittnee Carter
Associate Professor, Political Science
Associate Director, Center for Global & International Studies
Director, Interagency Studies Program
bcarter2@ku.edu
Ashley Urban
Advisor, Interagency Studies Program
Program Manager, Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (ICCAE)
ashleylu@ku.edu
785-864-1057
Strong Hall, 222
Timeline & General Info
Students are admitted in a cohort for the fall semester. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026 with a deadline of August 13.
If you have any questions, please contact our graduate advisor, Ashley Urban. Additional helpful information can be found at the How to Apply website on KU's Graduate Studies page.
Admission Criteria
Applicants must provide proof of a bachelor’s degree (and any post‑bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent foreign university. For full details on KU’s graduate admission requirements, please visit Admission to Graduate Study.
Application Materials
All application materials must be received before your application for admission can be evaluated. A completed application consists of the following:
- A KU Graduate Application submitted online. There is a $65 application fee that can be waived by submitting the following Fee Waiver form.
An official transcript must be sent directly from your degree‑granting undergraduate institution. If you transferred significant coursework, you may also need transcripts from those schools. Official transcripts for any graduate degree must be included as well. KU can review copies of official transcripts, but official transcripts are required to be sent to KU before the spring semester.
Digital official transcripts should be sent via the electronic transcript portal your prior institution prefers (for example, Parchment). Paper transcripts may be mailed to KU Graduate Admissions, 1502 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS 66045. Once received, they will be uploaded to your application.
- Official Soldier Talent Profile (STP) or Resume: only one of these is needed. If submitting an STP, attach it in the "Resume" spot of the application.
- A 200-500 word Statement of Purpose describing your academic qualifications and how the Interagency Studies track of the M.A. in Global & International Studies will help you meet your academic and professional goals.
- The last three copies of your Official Evaluation Report. These can be submitted as one PDF with your Soldier Talent Profile (STP) under the "Resume" link. If you do not have these, please contact Ashley Urban to determine an equivalent.
Take the next step
Request information to learn more about KU’s Global and International Studies-Interagency, including admissions requirements, curriculum details, and upcoming start dates. Our team is here to help you decide if this program is the right fit for your goals.