Foreign Service, MS

Modality

On Campus

Program URL

https://msfs.georgetown.edu/

The Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) seeks to educate and equip the next generation of international affairs leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. To that end, MSFS offers a multidisciplinary curriculum, emphasizing both theory and practice, drawn from international relations, economics, and history. MSFS encourages the Jesuit values of service, ethics, leadership, creativity, and inclusivity to make a more just, peaceful, prosperous, and free world.

Academic Policies

Students in Foreign Service program are expected to comply with Graduate Academic Regulations.

Program Requirements

The Master of Science in Foreign (MSFS) program is a 48-credit degree including core courses, concentration courses, language proficiency requirements, leadership requirements and electives.

Our curriculum prepares you through a multidisciplinary course of study integrating theory and practice.

Year 1

Required courses

Core courses (18 credits) 

• International Relations: Theory & Practice (3 credits)

• Globalization of Intersocietal Relations (3 credits)

• Analytical & Statistical Skills (3 credits)

• International Economics: Tools & Application (3 credits)

• Applied Economics (3 credits)

• Ethics & International Affairs (3 credits)

Concentration courses (18 credits) 

You will complete 18 credits in one of the four available fields of concentration, which includes at least one concentration-specific foundational course. For further refined study, you can choose to specialize within a particular subfield of your concentration.

• Global politics and security concentration 

• International development concentration 

• Geoeconomics, business and finance concentration 

• Science, technology and international affairs concentration (STEM designated)

Language requirement 

Proficiency in English and at least one other language is essential for a successful career in international affairs and, thus, a graduation requirement. 

Language placement exam

Before the start of classes, you’ll take language placement exams. This will determine which level of language study you should pursue and your eligibility to sit for the language proficiency exam later in the academic calendar. If your native language is not English, you may declare English as your proficiency language or may select a different non-native language for the proficiency requirement.

Language courses

If you are advised to take English or other foreign language course(s) before proceeding to the Language Proficiency Exam, you should enroll for an additional (fifth) course during your first semester. 

Language courses do not count for course credit toward your MSFS degree and grades received in language courses do not count in determining your GPA.

Oral language proficiency

You are required to achieve oral proficiency in a language other than English in order to graduate. Oral proficiency is defined as the ability to speak the language at the Advanced Low level (ACTFL Scale or equivalent). This requirement is met in one of three ways:

1. Proof of a diploma or degree from an institution (high school, college or prior graduate degree) where the primary language of instruction was not English.

2. Pass a language proficiency exam taken through a Georgetown Language Department (after the appropriate coursework is completed) or through Language Testing International (ACTFL – Oral Proficiency Interview). The minimum required score is “Advanced-Low” (ACTFL-OPI) or “Good” (Georgetown test).

3. For Category III and IV languages only (as defined by the U.S. Department of State), you must complete 4 semesters of sequential Georgetown undergraduate language courses in a single language at a 3.0 Grade Point Average. Undergraduate language courses do not count toward the 48 credit hours applicable to the graduate degree. Students who choose this option must also take an ACTFL-OPI exam to certify their proficiency level.

Leadership requirement 

To complete the program and prepare to lead in global affairs, you must complete three written deliverables (a self-assessment and two memos) focused on what leadership means to you, an internship or professional experience and additional leadership development experiences.

Electives

You will also take 12 credits of elective courses and can choose from many different courses across Georgetown University. You may use these credits to obtain a graduate certificate. 

Sample electives 

• GPS- MSFS 7390: US Diplomacy and National Security

• MSFS 7310: Diplomatic and Military Statecraft

• GBFS- MSFS 6250: International Trade and Economic Diplomacy

• MSFS 7100: Illicit Finance

• STIA- MSFS 6445: Technology and Human Rights

• MSFS 6590: AI & International Policy

• IDEV- MSFS 5600: Gender, International Security and Development

• MSFS 6140: Comparative Regional Economic Development

Science, Technology, and International Affairs concentration

STEM-designated

Now more than ever, science and technology are at the heart of international affairs. Pursuing the STEM-designated Science, Technology and International Affairs concentration equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with the challenges and opportunities this presents.

Gateway course: 3 credits 
You will set your concentration foundation by taking MSFS 505: Science Policy Matters: Introduction to the Study of Science, Technology and International Affairs in your first year.

Tech competence course: 3 credits
Demonstrate your “tech competence” by taking an approved natural science, data science or computer science course.*

12 Credits across subfields
You will deepen your chosen area of expertise by taking at least 12 pre-approved elective credits, nine of which must be in one of the designated subfields.

*If you have the necessary prerequisites, you may take courses offered in other programs at the university (3500 or above) subject to departmental approval. If your undergraduate major or minor was in biology, chemistry, physics, computer science or engineering, you may petition to the concentration chair to be exempted from this requirement and take an additional elective course instead.

Science, Technology, and International Affairs subfields

• Energy and the Global Environment: Explore key international challenges at the intersection of energy and the environment including global climate change, disease, transboundary resource challenges, food, water and agriculture, and the sustainable energy transition. You’ll find that this subfield places a particular emphasis on global commons and natural resources. 
• Innovation and Emerging Technologies: Examine transformative technologies from biotechnology to artificial intelligence, as well as the technological innovation process. You’ll find that this subfield places a particular emphasis on the role of the market and the state’s efforts to shape it. 
• Science, Technology and International Strategy: Investigate the role of technology in national strategy, including the science and technology issues behind space cooperation and competition; nonproliferation, arms control and disarmament initiatives; cyber security and artificial intelligence in diplomacy, development and interstate competition. You’ll find that this subfield places a particular emphasis on science and technology as instruments of power and tools of diplomacy for state and non-state actors.