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Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies

Learn the complexities and dynamics of diplomacy as the critical component of national policy, through a rigorous and practical approach in the Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies (G/CDS).

Our interdisciplinary program prepares you for a career that demands an understanding and appreciation of the formulation, implementation and dynamics of diplomacy, be it as a government official or diplomat, in the NGO world or the private sector. It is open to graduate students from across Georgetown University.

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Certificate overview

Application deadline

February 1 every year.

Advisor

Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine, ISD Director

Coordinator: Miranda Brown

Eligibility

Georgetown University graduate students in DC-based programs

Why pursue the Certificate in Diplomatic Studies?

Diplomacy is the conduct or practice of foreign policy ā€” its formulation and implementation ā€” 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 your academic background and career goals, the Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies will expand your understanding of diplomatic policy. Our certificate complements your 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.

Certificate outcomes

Together with the ISD Certificate Director and Academic Coordinator, you will design a course of study that reaches beyond your area of concentrationā€”drawing on a wide range of sources to develop both broad strategic thinking and innovative, practical policy solutions. 

Your studies will develop your ability to:

  • Understand the diplomatic landscape: Examine the global environment in which diplomacy operates, how it is changing and what that means for the future.
  • Analyze state and institutional behavior: Study how major states, middle powers and small states conduct foreign policy, alongside regional and international organizations.
  • Think in context: Analyze foreign policy through the interrelated roles of history, economics, culture, narrative, domestic actors, development and securityā€”going beyond international relations theory.
  • Evaluate policy outcomes: Assess and debate how the formulation and implementation of foreign policy shape its success or failure.
  • Master the tools of statecraft: Develop the substantive and analytic expertise to understand and apply the specific statecraft tools to different policy challenges.
  • Communicate with clarity: Develop, refine and strengthen your written and oral presentation skills.

Certificate requirements

Working with the ISD Director, Ambassador (ret.) Barbara Bodine, you will plan a directed, coherent course of study that includes the following components:

One approved foundation course during the first year of your graduate study, with a final grade of A or A-.

Explore the course list

Four electives, at least two of which are outside your area of academic concentration.

View illustrative course list

Note: Because electives are tailored to your needs, the courses listed may not be appropriate for every candidateā€™s requirements. Your selection should be discussed with your certificate director.

One ISD-directed capstone course, normally taken in the spring of your final year. If you are on an accelerated or dual degree program, contact the certificate director, Ambassador Bodine, in your first semester to explore possible accommodations. 

See previous capstone reports

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 some cases, prior professional experience, may also count.

Students in a School of Foreign Service graduate program must meet their language competency requirement.

If your graduate program does not have a language requirement, you should arrange a language proficiency test through the Georgetown Language Department or through Language Testing International (ACTFL). For questions on this process, please contact Academic Coordinator Miranda Brown, mj878@georgetown.edu.

You must maintain a cumulative 3.4 GPA or above.

Capstone reports

Explore capstone reports published by past Graduate Certificate in Diplomatic Studies students.

See more reports

How to apply

Applications open each year on December 1 and are due by February 1.

Application process

Confirm that you have completed an approved foundation course with a grade of A or A- or that you are currently enrolled in one. If you are currently enrolled in a course, successful applicants will receive provisional acceptance, confirmed once your final grade is in.

In no more than one page, describe how the certificate complements your degree program and supports your career goals.

Provide a list of electives you are planning to take. This can include electives already completed in the previous fall, courses you are currently enrolled in and proposed courses for your second year. This list is illustrative, not contractualā€” it will be evaluated on how thoughtfully you’ve considered which functional or regional areas best complement your program.