Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies (G/CDS)

Please note: Certificates are open only to students currently enrolled in Georgetown University’s accredited degree programs.

Academic and Certificate Adviser:     Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine, Director, ISD

Academic Coordinator:                       Miranda Brown

The graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies (G/CDS) is an inter-disciplinary program designed for students whose careers demand an understanding and appreciation of the formulation, implementation and dynamics of diplomacy, be it as government officials or diplomats, in the NGO world, or the private sector. It is open to graduate students from across Georgetown University.

Diplomacy is the conduct or practice of foreign policy — its formulation and implementation — by government and inter-governmental organizations in furtherance of their interests. Diplomacy is neither synonymous with foreign policy itself or international relations, nor is it solely the practice of international negotiations or the tradecraft of professional diplomats.

Tailored to the academic background and career goals of each certificate candidate, the G/CDS will expand and enhance a student’s understanding of the creation and execution of diplomatic policy in a way that integrates with and complements the individual student’s graduate degree requirements through a balance of functional and regional focuses, and an appreciation of both conventional and emerging issues, the multiplicity of players, and statecraft skills and competencies.

Together with the ISD Certificate Director and the ISD Academic Coordinator, certificate candidates will look outside their own functional or geographic areas of concentration to devise a bespoke course of study that synthesizes a wide range of information and information sources, and allows them to extrapolate both broad strategic goals and innovative yet pragmatic, actionable policy solutions. This would include:

  • Understanding the global environment within which diplomacy operates, and how it is and how it may change.
  • Understanding the conduct of major states, medium/middle power, and small states, as well as regional and international organizations.
  • Analyzing the conduct of foreign policy within the inter-related roles of history, economics, culture/narrative, domestic actors and development and security beyond international relations theory.
  • Assessing and debating how the conduct — formulation and implementation — affects success or failure.
  • Developing the substantive and analytic expertise necessary to understand the specific statecraft tools to address different policy challenges.
  • Developing, refining and improving clear written and oral presentation.

Requirements

  • One foundation course in the first year of their graduate work, with a final grade of A or A-. An illustrative list of foundation courses is below.
  • Four electives outside their area of academic concentration, at least two of which are outside their degree program. An illustrative list is below. Note, because electives are tailored to each student’s needs, the courses listed may not be appropriate to satisfy every candidate’s requirements.
  • One ISD-directed capstone course, normally taken in the spring of their final year. Students on accelerated or dual degree programs should contact the certificate director Ambassador Bodine in the spring of their first semester to explore possible accommodations. See “Capstone Reports” for examples of previous joint reports and individual papers. Fill out this form to apply for a capstone course.
  • An internship with an organization directly related to diplomacy or one that seeks to affect or is affected by diplomatic policy. Internships as part of degree programs or, in same cases, prior professional experience, can count.
  • SFS language competency. For those in programs that do not have a language competency requirement, ISD will arrange testing.

Application

Applications are due February 1st of each year. Applications are live on the ISD website on/about December 1st. Applications must include:

  • Confirmation that the foundation course has been completed with a grate of A or A- OR current enrollment in a foundation course. In the latter case, successful applications will be granted provisional acceptance pending confirmation of final grade conferred at the end of semester.
  • Statement of Interest — Application should clearly articulate how the certificate complements their degree program and supports their career goals. No more than one page.
  • Electives — May include electives already taken the previous fall, currently enrolled in, as well as proposed course for the second year. This is illustrative, not contractual. This section will be assessed on the degree to which applicant has carefully considered which functional or regional areas are most appropriate and useful to their program.