Master of Science in Foreign Service

Academics

The MSFS curriculum is both practical and theoretical.  Practical, because most students seek a two-year master's degree as a stepping stone to professional careers.  Theoretical, because the opportunity to think conceptually about particular problems is the "value added" that the university brings to professional training.  MSFS students take small classes designed to meet their needs, taught by a faculty devoted to their development.  During orientation students also take part in Group Dynamics Exercises.

More information on Georgetown University courses and faculty is available through explore.georgetown.edu. Portions of this site are accessible by current students only. 

MSFS and other Georgetown University events are forums for MSFS students to further their exposure to important foreign policy issues and engage in dialogue with practitioners.  More information about upcoming and recent events is available here.

Currently enrolled students may access Blackboard, which serves as the bulletin for the MSFS program.

Requirements

MSFS students are required to complete sixteen three-credit courses -- four courses in each of four semesters -- with a cumulative grade point average of B (3.0) or higher. 

These courses include:

• five core courses taken during the first year
  
• six courses, including one workshop, in a chosen field of concentration
  
• five electives, which may be used to expand knowledge in another field or earn one of several certificates. 
  

Students can be granted waivers, based on previous academic work and experience, from three core courses: International Trade, International Finance, and Analytical and Statistical Skills. 

MSFS students must pass a language proficiency examination, for which course work may or may not be required, depending upon the student's level of proficiency. 

The capstone of two years at MSFS is a one-hour oral examination taken in the spring of the second year.

Sample Curriculum

First year

Fall semester

• International Finance
• International Trade
• International Relations: Theory and Practice
• Globalization of Intersocietal Relations

Spring semester

• Analytical and Statistical Skills
• Concentration Course
• Concentration Course
• Elective

Second year

Fall semester

• Workshop
• Concentration Course
• Elective
• Elective

Spring semester

• Concentration Course
• Concentration Course
• Elective
• Elective

Core Courses

The MSFS core curriculum includes four first-semester courses: International Trade, International Finance, International Relations Theory and Practice, and Globalization of Intersocietal Relations.  One course, Analytical and Statistical Skills, is taken during the second semester.  These courses lay the foundation for advanced study of specialized topics and bring together MSFS students to work and learn as a group.

Concentrations

Each student selects a concentration composed of one workshop and five other courses in one of the following fields

• Foreign Policy and International Security
  
• International Conflict Management
  
• International Development
  
• Global Commerce and Finance
• International Business-Government Relations
• Self-Designed and Regional & Comparative Studies

Optional Specializations

MSFS students have the option to develop an academic specialization that complements their concentration and reflects their background, coursework, internships, and career objectives.

Workshops

In the fall of the second year, each student takes a 3-credit workshop.  Workshops integrate academic course-work with practical experience related to the student's concentration, using techniques such as policy briefings, risk assessments, budget analyses and simulations.  All workshops are taught by scholar-practitioners who have experience in the designated field.

Elective Courses

In addition to core courses and courses taken in their chosen concentration, MSFS students take at least five electives from among the graduate courses offered by Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.  Additional graduate courses offered by Georgetown University in the fields of law, business, public policy and other fields are open to MSFS students on a space-available basis.  Class schedules for Georgetown University classes are available at http://schedule.georgetown.edu.

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English and one other language is a requirement for the MSFS degree.  Background in English and a second language are important criteria for admission to the program.  Non-native speakers of English must present English as their second language.  Native speakers of English must demonstrate proficiency in a second language of their choice.

Final Oral Examination

Successful completion of a one-hour oral examination, conducted in English and judged by a panel of three examiners, is a graduation requirement for the MSFS Program.  The oral exam, taken in the spring of the second year, tests the student's ability to make a formal presentation on a topic of his or her choice, to analyze and discuss a wide range of subjects in the field of international affairs, and to integrate and apply knowledge to practical problems and current events.

Students in the MSFS program may pursue solely the MSFS degree, or combine the MSFS with a second joint degree. 

Certificates

In addition to the regular degree requirements, MSFS students may use elective courses or clinics to complete a certificate in one of the following areas: Arab Studies; Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European Studies; International Business Diplomacy; and Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies.  Certificates offer students the opportunity to explore more deeply a particular issue or area of the world and to receive recognition for their efforts.

Internships

MSFS students round out their education through internships that allow them to apply what they've learned in the classroom.  Internships are also valuable learning experiences, engaging students in current debates in international affairs. 

Programs, Centers and Institutes

In addition to the MSFS Program, the School of Foreign Service is home to five other Masters degree programs, and to other programs, centers and institutes that offer courses and activities open to MSFS students.

Libraries

The Georgetown University libraries provide abundant resources for education and research in international affairs. MSFS students also have access to other Washington area libraries and collections that meet more specialized needs.

Transfer Credits

With the approval of the director of the MSFS Program, students may transfer up to three (3) credits for graduate-level course(s) completed at another institution. Credits applied to a previously completed Master's degree may not be applied toward the MSFS degree.

Minimum Grade Requirement

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.