Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service (SFS) is a premier institution for the study of international relations, global affairs, and diplomatic service. Established in 1919, the SFS has a long history of producing distinguished leaders and scholars in the field of international relations. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary learning, the SFS offers students a comprehensive education that combines coursework in politics, economics, history, and culture to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex issues facing the world today.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
The SFS offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS), the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS), and the Master of Arts in Security Studies (SSP). The BSFS program is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a rigorous education in international relations, with a focus on language, culture, and regional studies. The MSFS program is a two-year graduate degree that offers students advanced training in international relations, with a focus on professional development and career preparation. The SSP program is a two-year graduate degree that focuses on the study of security issues, including terrorism, proliferation, and conflict resolution.
Regional Studies and Language Training
The SFS places a strong emphasis on regional studies and language training, with students able to choose from a range of regional concentrations, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Students are also required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language, with many students pursuing advanced language training through the SFS’s language programs. The SFS offers language courses in over 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
| Regional Concentration | Language Requirements |
|---|---|
| Africa | French, Arabic, Portuguese, or Swahili |
| Asia | Chinese, Japanese, or Korean |
| Europe | French, German, Italian, or Spanish |
| Latin America | Spanish or Portuguese |
| Middle East | Arabic or Persian |
Research Centers and Institutes
The SFS is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD), and the Georgetown University Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS). These centers and institutes provide students with opportunities for research, internships, and professional development, as well as access to a network of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of international relations.
Career Opportunities and Alumni Network
Graduates of the SFS have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers in international relations, including diplomacy, international business, non-profit management, and academia. The SFS has a strong alumni network, with over 20,000 graduates working in over 100 countries around the world. The SFS also offers a range of career resources and services, including career counseling, internship placement, and job placement assistance.
Key Points
- The SFS offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in international relations, including the BSFS, MSFS, and SSP.
- The SFS places a strong emphasis on regional studies and language training, with students able to choose from a range of regional concentrations and language programs.
- The SFS is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the CSIS, ISD, and CIRS, which provide students with opportunities for research, internships, and professional development.
- Graduates of the SFS have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers in international relations, including diplomacy, international business, non-profit management, and academia.
- The SFS has a strong alumni network, with over 20,000 graduates working in over 100 countries around the world.
The SFS's commitment to interdisciplinary learning, regional studies, and language training provides students with a unique and comprehensive education in international relations. With a strong focus on professional development and career preparation, the SFS is an ideal choice for students looking to pursue a career in international relations.
What is the difference between the BSFS and MSFS programs?
+The BSFS program is a four-year undergraduate degree that provides students with a rigorous education in international relations, while the MSFS program is a two-year graduate degree that offers students advanced training in international relations, with a focus on professional development and career preparation.
What language programs are available at the SFS?
+The SFS offers language courses in over 10 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
What career opportunities are available to graduates of the SFS?
+Graduates of the SFS have gone on to pursue a wide range of careers in international relations, including diplomacy, international business, non-profit management, and academia.