What we do

Weill Hall

Promoting interdisciplinary research, global education & experiential learning

The International Policy Center (IPC) serves as the Ford School's hub for interdisciplinary research and education on pressing global issues. To carry out its mandate, IPC manages a suite of activities and funding opportunities to advance essential international policy work.

Interdisciplinary research

IPC organizes research workshops and seminars, including the Ford Security Seminar and Economic Development Seminar. IPC funds Research Scholar awards for Ford School PhD students conducting research on international trade, finance, and development; international security; and international human rights. IPC also supports Ford BA and MPA/MPP students to build essential research skills through extended research project awards.

Global education

The Ford School offers curricular opportunities for students who have a keen interest in international policy / affairs. Among the Ford School's international policy-focused courses, IPC administers three overseas courses, including Introduction to Chinese Policy, the International Economic Development Program, and the BA Global Engagement Seminar. The Ford School also offers Master of Public Policy (MPP) concentrations in International Policy and International Economic Development.

Experiential learning

IPC offers an array of funding opportunities to Ford School students pursuing experiential learning, including our student-initiated project awards.