Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs

Overview: 

The one-year Executive Master’s in Diplomacy and International Affairs (EMDIA) program seeks to enhance the ability of practitioners from Qatar and the Middle East region to formulate and implement effective foreign policy. The degree provides the participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to tackle current and emerging regional and global challenges.

Classes focus on 1) significant challenges in global politics and economics facing diplomats, 2) critical thinking skills related to the major tools of statecraft, and 3) areas of strategic importance to Qatar and the Middle East region.

Program Background: 

Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) in Washington, D.C is a world-recognized, premier school of international affairs founded in 1919. Through its Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD), SFS has created the EMDIA program in close collaboration with Georgetown University in Qatar and the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

Admissions:

The EMDIA is open to highly qualified:

• Qatari diplomats nominated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
• Qatari officials engaged in foreign or national security policy at ministries and other government entities, and
• other practitioners interested in foreign or national security policy from Qatar and the
Middle East region.

The admissions criteria include:

• proof of a bachelor’s or post-graduate degree from a university of recognized standing where English is the primary language of instruction, or
• a minimum IELTS score of 7.0.

Georgetown University will conduct a holistic admission review process that includes:

• academic records,
• statement of purpose submitted by the applicant, and
• letters of recommendation,
• admissions interview, and,
• controlled writing exercise.

Curriculum, Faculty:

The year-long program consists of ten 3-credit modules consisting of 18 courses and one capstone visit to Washington D.C. Nine modules (18 courses) classes are taught at the Georgetown University-Qatar campus, predominantly by faculty affiliated with Georgetown’s main campus in Washington visiting Doha for five-day intensive teaching residences. The tenth module takes place at Georgetown’s main campus in Washington, D.C. It is a five-day course program to include intensive sessions with Georgetown faculty members and meetings with policymakers and international institutions.

The modules cover: 1) conflict resolution and negotiation; 2) international trade and development; 3) science and technology; 4) human security; 5) geopolitics and approaches to foreign policy; 6) regional studies; 7) soft power, culture and diplomacy; 8) transnational security challenges; 9) international law and institutions; and 10) policy-making and international institutions.

Notional Schedule:

Below are the expected course and residency dates for 2024-2025 academic year. The program’s class schedule accommodates religious and national holidays in Qatar, as well as official university holidays.

Fall 2024 Semester

Spring 2025 Semester

Summer 2025 (DC Residency)

*Note: Course details including course titles, scheduled dates, and sequencing are subject to change.

Application Process

To start, or continue, the application process for Fall 2025 please use this link: https://forms.gle/jZEWeZQjNF2jVQRz5.  The application deadline for nominees is April 26, 2025.