Dubai, UAE – Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business is set to make waves in the academic world with the introduction of its new Master’s in International Business and Policy (IBP) degree, starting in September 2025. This innovative program is designed by distinguished faculty from both the McDonough School of Business and the School of Foreign Service, combining rigorous academic standards with practical insights that have been honed over nearly a decade through the university’s existing IBP program.
The IBP degree aims to bridge the often-separated realms of business and international affairs, placing a strong emphasis on sustainable growth, innovation, and social impact. It delves into the intricate relationships between business operations and policy-making, illustrating how one influences the other and how professionals can strategically navigate the complexities of the global economy. This makes the program highly relevant for those working in both public and private sectors, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectivity of these fields.
With the IBP Dubai launch, Georgetown will introduce its second program in the Middle East, further bolstering its presence in the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa, South Asia) region. This initiative follows the success of the Executive MBA currently offered at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Academy. The launch is a testament to Georgetown’s commitment to enhancing its global footprint, particularly in a region recognized for its pivotal role in global trade, energy resources, and international diplomacy.
Graduates of this program will receive dual diplomas from the McDonough School of Business, which ranks #2 for international business according to U.S. News & World Report, and from the School of Foreign Service, noted as the #1 institution in the world by Foreign Policy magazine. Participants will also benefit from comprehensive career services offered by both schools, including personalized coaching, tailored assessments, in-class sessions, and exclusive networking opportunities. Additionally, they will become part of a prestigious alumni network comprising over 220,000 individuals worldwide, including influential leaders in government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
According to Paul Almeida, dean and William R. Berkley Chair of the McDonough School of Business, “Businesses don’t operate in isolation. They interact dynamically with policy, international relations, politics, and other fields to shape the economic and social future of countries and individuals. This is why Georgetown’s Master’s in International Business and Policy combines ideas, tools, and expertise in business and international affairs to prepare graduates to lead organizations in a complex and evolving world.” This philosophy underscores the program’s intent to prepare students not just for positions in business, but as holistic leaders capable of navigating multifaceted global challenges.
The structure of the IBP program is designed for professionals, featuring a modular format that allows participants to engage with their studies without sacrificing their current roles. Over the span of 10 months, students will attend seven in-person modules, each lasting six days, complemented by one online course. Notably, five of these modules will occur in Dubai at the DIFC Academy, while two international immersion experiences will take students to Jakarta, Indonesia, and Georgetown’s Washington, D.C., campus. This hands-on approach ensures that learning is not just theoretical but also grounded in real-world applications.
A particularly exciting aspect of the program is the capstone Social Action Project. In this initiative, participants will design and implement a project aimed at driving meaningful social change, whether that be within their local communities or on a global scale. This emphasis on social impact aligns perfectly with the program’s broader goals of fostering sustainable development and responsible leadership.
Joel Hellman, dean of the School of Foreign Service, highlights the importance of this new offering, stating, “The Master’s in International Business and Policy was created to combine the substantial expertise of the McDonough School of Business and the School of Foreign Service. Bringing the program to this dynamic region in the Global South positions us to lead in understanding the drivers of change in the global order and developing ideas that will reshape the world.” This vision for the program reflects Georgetown’s strategic focus on addressing contemporary global challenges through education.
With applications currently open for the inaugural cohort in Dubai, Georgetown is actively seeking candidates who possess a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of professional experience. Importantly, applicants do not need a background in business or policy to qualify, making this program accessible to a diverse range of professionals eager to advance their careers in the interconnected fields of business and international relations.
