New IBP Cohort Brings International Experience and Cross-Sector Expertise

The M.A. in International Business and Policy (IBP) program welcomed a new cohort of professionals this spring, bringing together students with experience across government, business, and international sectors. Offered jointly by Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and School of Foreign Service, the D.C.-based one-year interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills needed to navigate complex international challenges at the intersection of business, policy, and leadership. 

This year’s cohort surpassed gender parity, with women making up 60% of the class (up from 46% last year). A total 42% of students represent U.S. diversity and 36% identify as underrepresented minorities, contributing a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences to the classroom.

“This IBP cohort reflects the collaborative and globally-focused spirit of the program,” said Nita Swinsick, associate dean of graduate and executive degree programs admissions. “Students bring a remarkable breadth of international experience, professional expertise, and perspectives that strengthen the learning environment and prepare them to lead across industries and borders.”

A hallmark of the program, the IBP class maintains strong international representation and global expertise. Students in the class represent 20 countries of citizenship and speak 22 languages. A large majority (88%) of students have lived, worked, or studied abroad, enriching classroom discussions with firsthand international experience. 12% of students are based internationally while completing the program.

Designed for working professionals balancing career and personal commitments, the IBP program attracts students from a variety of industries and leadership backgrounds. The cohort has an average age of 31, with an average professional tenure of seven years. Nearly half (47%) serve in manager-level roles, and 17% have over 10 years of career experience. Within the class, 16% of students already hold postgraduate degrees and 16% have military experience.

The cohort represents a broad mix of sectors, including government (30%), nonprofit and social impact organizations (19%), consulting (9%), technology and new media (7%), education (7%), and international development (7%). 

Academically, students come from a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the program. Nearly half of the cohort (47%) studied political science or international relations, while others hold backgrounds in business (26%), social sciences (14%), STEM fields (7%), and humanities (7%).

The IBP program is a globally distinctive graduate program that prepares professionals to navigate the intersection of business, geopolitics, and public policy. Through a hybrid modular format featuring two global residencies, students gain firsthand insight into the forces shaping the global economy. The one-year program combines interdisciplinary coursework, experiential learning, and engagement with global leaders across government, business, and diplomacy. Designed for experienced professionals, IBP equips graduates to lead across sectors in an increasingly interconnected world. Learn more about the IBP program.