Unlike with other fields such as law, medicine, or engineering, there is no established pathway for students pursuing degrees in international affairs to begin a career in foreign and national security policy. In light of this, the New Lines Institute has launched the Master of Arts in Strategy and Policy Program as a professionally focused and intensive training regimen. This program is specifically designed to equip aspiring policy professionals with the tradecraft and outlook they need to launch successful careers in international affairs.
The immersive program combines traditional master’s-level academic instruction with applied research and analysis by fellows under the supervision of our scholars and specialists. Working as student fellows in the institute, participants will conduct strategic analysis, craft policy papers, effectively communicate their work to different audiences through various media, and learn how to engage in policy as global citizens in a rapidly evolving world.
Unlike typical graduate degrees or internship tracks, the New Lines Master of Arts in Strategy and Policy is an intensive 12-month fellowship program that goes beyond traditional study, imparting students with sharp analytical skills based on a methodology drawn from a variety of disciplines. They will produce a portfolio of professional grade writing and acquire the skills to disseminate it.
The next cohort of fellows will join in late June 2026. Tuition will not be charged but the selection process and workload are rigorous. All applicants must earn a bachelor’s degree by June 15th, 2026, to be eligible for this program. The degree must be earned from an accredited US program, or international equivalent. All degree fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants must demonstrate a passion for foreign policy and excellent academic performance in their application including written essays, transcripts, and references.
