Dr. Melissa Will

Associate Professor

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Biography

Melissa Will is an Associate Professor of Practice and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Purdue University, where she also serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Her research focuses on the evolution of the U.S. intelligence community and its role in shaping U.S. foreign policy. She is dedicated to educating students about national security and teaches courses on intelligence, foreign policy, terrorism, and international relations. Prior to her tenure at Purdue, Dr. Will worked for a decade as an analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where her expertise centered on failed states, civil conflict, and governance, and she spent significant time in Afghanistan. She was involved extensively in the intelligence process, from data collection to the provision of finished intelligence for policymakers. Dr. Will has received several teaching awards, including the Kenneth T. Kofmehl Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award and the College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor Practice

2017-08-01 — Present

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

Associate Professor Practice in the Department of Political Science, specializing in international security and foreign policy.

Awards

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Kenneth T. Kofmehl Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award

2023-05-01
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Purdue University’s Teaching for Fellowship Award

2024-05-01
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Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award

2022-05-01
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Professor of the Year Award

2020-05-01
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Professor of the Year Award

2019-05-01

Requirements for Purdue University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:7
Reading
Required:7
Writing
Required:7
Speaking
Required:7
Overall
Required:7.5
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:135
Overall
Required:135
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in CS or related field Foundational concepts of computer science Data structures Computer architecture Operating systems Mathematics through differential equations Linear and matrix algebra
Application Checklist
  • Official Transcripts
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • Resume
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • CS Supplementary Form
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required.