They could very well be fluid about changing degree programs...I really don't know. I was just curious as to how you had that option at this point. Just my opinion, but between the two I would go with the SPS over the IA IPS specialization. IA/IR has really turned into a popular pursuit the past couple of years, especially this year from everything I've read. In a couple years, that could leave you competing with lots of other people who have the more generic sounding MA in IA/IR. If you want a master's in security policy/studies, it seems like GT and GW are the two best places to do it. More narrow focus, more specialized career options later. Not discounting SAIS at all, but their strategic studies program has a much more military inclination than these two. Then again, if you think you might develop some other interests in IR, the IA degree might be the better option. As I've read someone on here say, that's just my .02.
As far as language study goes, you can apply up to 6 units of language classes as part your electives toward the IA degree. So, while not required, you can still use these classes as part of your degree program. That's good for tuition purposes, as you wouldn't be paying in excess of the total 40 unit amount to take a coulpe foreign languages courses. For the SPS, you can only apply 1 unit of language study toward your total of 40 units. Obviously not required either. You can also go the econ tool route, and avoid language study altogether, but it seems like you want to avoid too much of that. When I asked Professor Spear what students in the SPS do regarding additional language study, her response was that she recommends students take language courses at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Grad School. Classes are $375 each, as opposed to $3,195 for a 3-credit class at GW that's outside of your degree program. She also mentioned that the synagogue on campus offers free Arabic classes that are open to everyone.
On a final note, as I was composing this post, I received an email from GWU thanking me for my deposit and stating that registration info will be sent out on May 14th.