Master of Science in Foreign Service

Programs, Centers, and Institutes

In addition to the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS), the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service houses a number of programs, centers and institutes devoted to the study of international affairs. MSFS students have access to certificates, courses, activities and other services offered by these programs, centers and institutes.

African Studies Program

The African Studies Program offers an undergraduate certificate and sponsors a variety of lectures, seminars and other activities that are beneficial to MSFS students. While Georgetown does not have a graduate degree program in African studies, it does offer a limited number of exceptional graduate level courses in this area.

Asian Studies Program

The Asian Studies Program offers an undergraduate certificate and sponsors a variety of lectures, seminars and other activities that are open to MSFS students. Georgetown does not have a graduate degree program in Asian studies, but it does offer graduate level courses ranging from security issues to economics to foreign policy in the region.

The Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies

The Center offers a program of courses about Australia and New Zealand in such disciplines as history, government, international affairs, sociology, literature, and fine arts. The Center also has an extensive outreach program of lectures, conferences and meetings each semester, many of which are organized jointly with other elements of the University, with the Australian and New Zealand Embassies, or with organizations such as the Asia Society and the Brookings Institution.

Center for Contemporary Arab Studies

The Center for Contemporary Arab Studies: The Center for Contemporary Arab Studies (CCAS) offers more courses on the contemporary Arab world than any other educational institution in the West. It sponsors a publications division, a public affairs program, community outreach, media information service and a Master of Arts degree. A graduate certificate in Arab Studies is available to MSFS students. It requires five electives with a focus on general regional affairs, or a particular discipline (e.g., Arab History, Government, or Sociology) and completion of an Arabic language proficiency examination. In addition, CCAS sponsors a wide range of graduate level courses and activities devoted to the study of the Middle East.

Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies

The Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (CERES) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum leading to the degree of Master of Arts. The Certificate (15 credits) in Eurasia, Russia and Eastern Europe is available to MSFS students. Proficiency in Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, Turkish or another language appropriate to the region must be demonstrated. CERES sponsors brown bag lunches, symposia and seminars and a newsletter. In addition, CERES sponsors a wide range of graduate level courses and activities devoted to the study of Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European affairs.

Center for German and European Studies

The BMW Center for German and European Studies (CGES) offers a Master of Arts in German and European Studies (MAGES) and sponsors a wide range of graduate level courses and activities devoted to the study of European affairs. The Center for German and European Studies (CGES) is devoted to European studies based on five disciplines: comparative politics, cultural studies, economics, history, and international relations. Its mission is to foster transatlantic cooperation and to prepare future leaders to work creatively with European counterparts. The Center also sponsors conferences, symposia, and lectures on German and European affairs.

Center for Latin American Studies

The Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) offers a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies and sponsors a wide range of graduate level courses and activities devoted to the study of Latin America Affairs. Georgetown's Latin American Studies program is one of the leading programs of its kind, with emphasis on democratic governance, economic integration, inter-American affairs, culture and society. Its faculty is complemented by adjuncts from the DC community adn visiting scholars from the US and Latin America. CLAS offers lectures, conferences, and a Brown Bag Series, in addition to producing a weekly newsletter and research projects.

Mortara Center for International Studies

The Mortara Center for International Studies sponsors research and academic program activities, including lectures, conferences and seminars, many of which are open to MSFS students. The Center focuses on the intersection of theory and practice in international affairs. A site for scholarly research, it was founded to stimulate and support internationally oriented university research and exchange. The Center seeks to advance scholarship and inform policy by combining the expertise of scholars and the experience of international affairs practitioners. Former Secretary of State Dr. Madeleine Albright is the Mortara Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at the Center.

Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding

The Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding (CMCU) sponsors research and academic program activities, including lectures, conferences and seminars, many of which are open to MSFS students. The Center offers courses in Islamic studies in conjunction with the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, and the Departments of Arabic, Theology and History.

Center for Peace and Security Studies

The Center for Peace and Security Studies (CPASS) offers a Masters of Arts in Security Studies (MASS) and sponsors a wide range of graduate level courses and activities in the area of security studies that are available to MSFS students. The Program's instructors include graduate faculty and experts from federal government and research organizations concerned with defense analysis.

Institute for the Study of Diplomacy

The Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) concentrates on the conduct of foreign relations abroad in the belief that studies of foreign policy making and diplomatic operations will improve America's future capabilities in an increasingly interdependent world. Working closely with the academic program of the School of Foreign Service, the Institute conducts a program of publications, teaching, research, conferences and lectures. An Associates program enables experienced practitioners of international relations to conduct individual research while sharing their firsthand experience with the university community. In addition, ISD offers work-study/research assistant opportunities and events open to MSFS students. Special programs include the Junior Fellowships in Diplomacy, the Center for Pew Case Studies in International Affairs, the Horace Porter Prize, the Dean and Virginia Rusk Mid-Career Fellowship, the Edward Weintal Journalism Prize, the Jit Trainor Diplomacy Award, and the Oscar Iden Lecture.

Institute for the Study of International Migration

The Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM) brings together experts in the social sciences, law and public policy to conduct research and teach on questions of international migration. ISIM offers the graduate-level Certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies which prepares students for jobs in international, governmental and non-governmental organizations that deal with problems of refugees, emergency relief and human rights. Many MSFS students serve as ISIM interns and research assistants and as summer interns in the field of human rights and humanitarian assistance.

Institute of Turkish Studies

ITS is the only non-profit, private educational foundation in the United States exclusively dedicated to the support and development of Turkish Studies in American higher education. Some of the goals of ITS include supporting the publication of books and journals that contribute to American scholarship on Turkey and broaden the understanding and knowledge of Turkish history, society, politics, and economics in the United States; and promoting better understanding of Turkish politics, economy, and society through conferences and lecture series.

Karl F. Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy

The Karl F. Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy offers a graduate-level honors certificate and sponsors graduate level courses and activities that are available to MSFS students. The International Business Diplomacy Honors Certificate Program (IBD) is an academic honors program created to train future leaders in international business, public policy, and business-government relations. The Landegger Program trains students for work at the intersection of international public and private sector activities.

Program for Jewish Civilization

The Program for Jewish Civilization (PJC) is an interdisciplinary research and teaching center of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Students are introduced to Judaism's global dimensions, ethical aspects, and interrelationship with other peoples and polities. This innovative program focuses not only on religion and history, but also on the wider cultural, political, philosophical, scientific, and literary accomplishments of the Jewish people.