SFS Graduate Certificates

While satisfying requirements for the GHD degree, students may use elective courses to complete a graduate-level certificate in the following areas.

African Studies: The Certificate requires five courses (15 credits), plus language proficiency. One of the five courses must be the required gateway course, Theory and Policy in Africa, taught annually in the Spring Semester. The other four required courses are Electives, which students will choose in consultation with the Certificate program director.

Arab Studies: The Center for Contemporary Arab Studies (CCAS) offers a graduate level Certificate in Arab Studies. The requirements for this certificate include elective courses on general regional affairs or a particular discipline, such as history, government, or sociology. Certificate candidates must also complete the Arabic language proficiency exam.

Asian Studies: The Asian Studies Program offers a graduate certificate for MSFS students. Requirements include five elective courses focusing on Asia in at least two areas of study: Government, History, Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, or Culture/Society. Candidates must also meet an Asian language requirement.

Diplomatic Studies: Together with the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) Certificate Director, certificate candidates will plan a directed, coherent course of study that includes one foundation course in the first year of their graduate work, with a grade of A- or A, four electives, at least two of which are outside their degree concentration and one ISD-directed capstone in the second year of their graduate work. Certificate candidates must also complete at least one internship with a governmental or international organization that deals directly in diplomatic practice and fulfill the language competency requirement.

Eurasian, Russian, and Eastern European Studies: The Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (CERES) offers a multidisciplinary curriculum leading to the Certificate in Eurasian, Russian and Eastern European Studies. Requirements include 15 credits of course work and evidence of proficiency in an appropriate language of the region.

Gender, Peace and Security: The Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) offers this 15-credit certificate, which focuses on gender dynamics and women’s experiences in conflict, peacebuilding, and stabilization. All students must take the 3-credit gateway course “Gender, International Security and Development,” 3 additional credits through courses offered by GIWPS, and 9 credits of related electives.

International Business Diplomacy: This certificate program trains leaders in international business, public policy, and business-government relations. Courses for the Landegger Program in International Business Diplomacy (IBD) focus on international banking and corporate finance, political risk analysis, business and investment negotiations, international strategic alliances, and international e-commerce. Students in this program are also offered relevant career guidance and are encouraged to attend special IBD-sponsored programs and presentations.

Latin American Studies: Earning the graduate certificate requires successful completion of five (5) graduate courses (a total of 15 credits). Two foundation courses are required, chosen from a set of four offerings: Origins and Transformations (LASP-501), Culture and Power (LASP-502), States and Societies (LASP-503), and Political Economy (LASP-504). Three courses are electives. Demonstration of proficiency in a language from the region (Spanish or Portuguese) is also a requirement for the graduate certificate.

Refugees, Migration and Humanitarian Emergencies: Students with a career interest in humanitarian issues including human rights, refugee crises, and post-conflict resolution may take the Certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies which is offered through the Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM).