Program Profile
WMD Nonproliferation, Nuclear Policy and Global Security is the first Russian-American master’s program at MGIMO, taught by leading academics and practitioners from Russia, the United States, and other countries.
The Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS), Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), and PIR Center have partnered to develop the Dual Degree in Nonproliferation Studies.
Our Aim
The program prepares students for professional careers in the nonproliferation field in national governments, international organizations, academia, think tanks, and the private sector. The interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on global security, history, science and technology, area studies, public policy, and research methods—with a particular emphasis on practical skills.
Intended Outcomes
- The program will provide students with essential competencies:
- advanced knowledge of WMD nonproliferation regimes, both global and regional
- knowledge about peaceful uses of nuclear energy and how to minimize potential proliferation risks
- familiarity with best practices in nuclear and WMD security
- knowledge of arms control and disarmament
- knowledge of terrorism and tools for countering it
- quantitative analysis skills
- foreign language skills
- strong practical skills from internship opportunities in Moscow, Monterey, Washington, D. C., Geneva, and Vienna
Unique Courses and Program Structure
Students will take classes at MGIMO in Moscow in the fall semester of the first year. They will take classes at MIIS in Monterey in the second and third semesters (spring of the first year and fall of the second year). The fourth and final semester will be devoted to an internship and thesis preparation, with the student’s location determined on a case-by-case basis. The total workload of the program is 120 ECTS credits (60 U. S. credits), including classes and internships, as well as preparation and defense of a master’s thesis. All courses are delivered in English. However, native English speakers will also study Russian or another language.
Dual Degree
The graduates are awarded two master’s degrees: one from the Middlebury Institute with a degree in nonproliferation and terrorism studies (MANPTS) and the other from MGIMO University with a degree in international affairs.
Internship Opportunities
Students may spend their fourth semester in the United States, Russia, or another location. They are expected to do an internship of at least 12-weeks duration. MGIMO, MIIS, and PIR Center will assist with internship placement, including the possibility of intern positions in government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks. Possible international organizations for internship placement include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
Careers in Nonproliferation, Nuclear Energy and Security
Students will gain skills they can apply immediately, while you are still going to school. When students graduate from two key universities in international studies, they become part of the worldwide networks of MIIS and MGIMO alumni that will open doors wherever they go.
They pursue careers in governments, non-government organizations (NGOs), and international organizations committed to nonproliferation and counter-terrorism. Others who have an interest in an academic career go on to obtain doctorates at major research universities.
Academic advisors:
Dr. Alexander Nikitin (from MGIMO)
Dr. Vladimir Orlov (from PIR Center)
News story about dual degree on MIIS web site.
The MIIS web page describing the dual degree program with MGIMO and how to apply.
Contacts:
masters@inno.mgimo.ru
+7 495 234-58-42
CONTACTS
