Master’s Program

Requirements

  • Concentration Courses: Students must complete 18 credits within a specified concentration.
  • Language Requirement: MSFS students must pass a language proficiency examination, for which course work may or may not be required, depending on the student’s level of proficiency.
  • Leadership: MSFS students are required to complete a leadership requirement, which includes an internship or professional experience
  • Oral Examination: The MSFS oral examination is a one-hour oral examination taken in the final semester of study.
  • Grade Point Average: Students must earn a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.

Credit Breakdown

  • 48 credits
    • 18 credits of core courses taken during the first year
    • 18 credits of concentration courses
    • 12 credits of elective courses
  • Core Courses
    • International Relations: Theory & Practice (3 credits)
    • Globalization of Intersocietal Relations (3 credits)
    • Analytical & Statistical Skills (3 credits)
    • International Economics: Tools & Application (3 credits)
    • Applied International Economics (3 credits)
    • Ethics & International Affairs (3 credits)

Grading Standard

Beginning in the fall semester of 2011, the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) instituted a grading standard for all courses carrying the “MSFS” course prefix. Prior to fall of 2011, courses taught in the Master of Science in Foreign Service were not subject to any specific grading standard.

In an effort to provide for greater consistency in grades across the MSFS curriculum and to combat grade inflation, a standard has been imposed on all MSFS courses. Faculty assessment of student performance will result in final course grades, distributed as follows:

  • 20% A
  • 30% A-
  • 30% B+
  • 20% B and below

whereby an (A) is Outstanding; (A-) is Excellent; (B+) is Very Good; (B) is Good; (B-) is Acceptable;
and a (C) is Minimally Passing.

The Master of Science in Foreign Service is a select graduate program that consistently attracts exceptional students from around the world. Please view transcripts of students enrolled in MSFS courses with the understanding that the above standard has been established as of fall 2011. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please call (202) 687-5763.