In our efforts to continue in the tradition of equipping our students with the essential skills and background to manage today’s increasingly complex global problems, it is with pleasure that I introduce the expanded two year MA degree in international policy studies and welcome the new program’s inaugural class.

Based on input from IPS alumni, students and faculty, we have crafted a curriculum that will better integrate the program into Stanford’s international policy research centers and provide greater opportunities to take courses in Stanford’s other professional programs. The two year international policy studies program includes extended coursework in core public policy skills, new international core courses, special seminars focused on writing and rhetoric for policy audiences, new policy specializations linked to Stanford’s international policy research centers and programs, and a group based practicum involving real world problem solving.

To further enhance student learning, we are excited to begin offering annual global study trips, internship stipends, student-led conferences, and regular lecture series. The study trips and internship stipends will allow students to extend their knowledge beyond the classroom to experience how real world policy analysis and problem solving happens. Students will also have the opportunity to tailor the program to directly fit their interests by organizing and leading the global study trips and conferences.

Along with the changed curriculum, however, some things remain constant. The IPS program continues to be a small program, which we hope to grow to about 60 students, and will remain international with a third to half of our students from outside the United States.