M.A. Global & International Studies Interagency Studies Program (ISP)

The ISP curriculum consists of a total of 30 credit hours.

Intermediate Level Education (ILE) courses (6 hours):

KU grants 6 hours of credit for Intermediate Level Education (ILE).

Other courses taught by KU faculty (24 hours):

These are taught in the evening at Ft. Leavenworth.

Final paper & presentation:

The program culminates with a final research paper and presentation demonstrating the application of program knowledge to a military issue (preferably an interagency one). Students are encouraged to submit their research to relevant journal outlets in military studies.

Schedule:

The program is completed in 10 months. Students take 3 courses during both the fall and spring semesters and 2 courses during the summer semester. The evening classes run the length of the academic year: 3 courses August-December, 3 courses January-April, and 2 courses May-June.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose KU for my Global and International Studies graduate degree?
What can I do with an M.A. in GIST?
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 Army Tuition Assistance?
Is there an orientation?

Why choose KU for my Global and International Studies graduate degree?

The degree offers a broad, integrative approach for students to gain a deep understanding of a global and international issues and to explore the history and context of conflicts that cross national borders and affect the work of governments, corporations, and interagency communication. Our students develop a significant awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by entities connected to the international arena. The objective of the Interagency Studies Program, or ISP, is to prepare military officers for working in interagency environments by expanding their abilities to conceptualize and address issue beyond their military training. The program offers coursework from multiple disciplines with an array of theoretical frameworks. The culmination of the program is a final paper;which will include a review of the scholarly literature (the state of the field) on the issue, your research contribution to the current discussion on the topic or issue, your substantiated argument, and a conclusion​.  

What can I do with an M.A. in GIST?

The degree allows students to gain a deep understanding of a world region of interest and to explore the history and context of issues that cross national borders and affect the work of governments, corporations, and service organizations. Our students develop a significant awareness of the opportunities and challenges faced by any entity connected to the international arena. As a result, a master's degree in international studies, together with relevant work experience and language training, can be a valuable asset for military officers.

How long will it take for an application to be reviewed?

Application review turnaround times generally take place within a few weeks. We recommend students apply as early as possible once they receive their CGSC orders. Since the program operates as a cohort model, classes start at the beginning of August and run through the middle of June each year. 

Where are classes taught? 

Most of our classes are taught by KU faculty on-location at CGSC in Ft. Leavenworth. All courses in the GIST ISP degree include a live interactive classroom component. Some of our classes have hybrid online or in person elements, and one or two of our classes are fully online—like the research project support course in the spring (GIST 810). Program meetings related to orientation and enrollment are conducted online through Zoom. Final defenses are conducted on Zoom or in Lawrence, and graduation ceremonies will be held at the Lawrence campus. 

What is the cost of the program? 

Costs can be estimated by using KU's Tuition and Fee Schedule (students are charged Kansas resident tuition)—i.e. $445/per credit hour, inclusive of all fees.​

How do I apply for Army Tuition Assistance? ​

Students must enroll in classes and then submit their schedule each semester to be eligible for tuition assistance. Tuition assistance is submitted through the Army IgnitED website.

Is there an orientation?

Yes, there is an online orientation via Zoom at the end of July or early August for newly admitted students. The orientation covers enrollment information, tuition assistance, available resources, immunization requirements, etc. 

Michael Wuthrich
Associate Director, Center for Global & International Studies
Director, Interagency Studies Program
mwuthrich@ku.edu
Blake Hall, 522

Ashley Urban
Advisor, Interagency Studies Program
Coordinator, Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (ICCAE)
ashleylu@ku.edu
785-864-1057
Strong Hall, 222

Timeline & General Info

We admit students as a cohort for the fall semester. We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024. The priority admission deadline is July 31, but applications will be considered through August 16. The application for entrance into the program for students in the ILE program at Fort Leavenworth is free, but applicants will need to fill out this Fee Waiver form. If you have any questions, please contact our graduate advisor, Ashley Urban. You might also find additional helpful information at the How to Apply website on KU's Graduate Studies page. It is a resource for application-related logistical questions.

Admission Criteria

To be considered for admission to the GIST-ISP MA program at KU, applicants must provide proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor's degree requirements. For additional information on university 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:

1. A KU Graduate Application submitted online. There is no fee for submitting an application to the Interagency Studies Program, but you will need to submit this Fee Waiver form
2. Official Transcript sent directly from your degree-granting undergraduate institution. (If you transferred in significant coursework from another institution toward your undergraduate degree, you will likely need to submit a transcript from that institution.) If you have earned any graduate degrees, this official transcript must be included as well. Per KU's transcript policy, copies of official transcripts may be evaluated for admission decisions, but official transcripts will be required if admitted. Digital copies of official transcripts are recommended and may be emailed directly from the degree-granting institution to graduateadm@ku.edu. Official paper copies of transcripts may be submitted to KU Graduate Admissions, 1502 Iowa Street, Lawrence, KS 66045. Once we receive your transcript, we will upload it to your application.
3. Official Record Brief or Resume: only one of these is needed. If submitting an ORB, attach it in the "Resume" spot of the application.
4. 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.
5. The last three copies of your Official Evaluation Report. These can be submitted as one PDF with your ORB under the "Resume" link. If you do not have these, please contact Ashley Urban to determine an equivalent.