What is “foreign service”?

“Foreign service” refers to service to the world, including service to people, governments, private sector organizations, NGOs and other entities engaged in or affected by international affairs. MSFS is proud to educate professionals across the full scope of international affairs for the United States and other countries, as well as active global citizens, regardless of the sectors or countries in which they operate. 

Who should apply?

Our master’s in foreign service equips you with skills to take on big issues in a rapidly changing world. You will practice our values of leadership, creativity, ethics, service and inclusion to become a leader and innovator of the future. By joining our community of students who come from varying backgrounds and experiences, including careers as lawyers and journalists to serving in the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, you’ll experience firsthand how our students push each other to think more broadly. 

With access to internship opportunities across Washington, DC, in government, NGOs, think tanks and the private sector, you’ll finish the program with valuable hands-on experience that will prepare you for professional success. On campus, you’ll focus on leadership, professional skills and expertise through co-curricular activities such as clinics, lectures and career development opportunities.

Curriculum

Our MSFS program provides you with professional education and career training to prepare you to better understand and actively address challenges and opportunities in international affairs. Our multidisciplinary curriculum integrates theory and practice, drawn from international relations, economics and history and allows you to choose a concentration in global politics and security, international development, global business, finance and society or science, technology and international affairs depending on your area of personal interest. 

The 48-credit program is typically completed in two years full-time. Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to succeed in careers with national governments, international organizations, private businesses and civil society groups.

Career paths

Our master’s program is committed to helping you build a challenging and rewarding career path after graduation. Both curricular and extracurricular activities support your ability to create a personal network of career advocates and equip yourself with knowledge and skills that can be applied over a lifetime.

Graduates have pursued successful careers through U.S. and other government agencies, private corporations and non-governmental organizations, including the Eurasia Group, Refugees International, the World Bank and the United Nations Foundation.

Community in Diversity at MSFS 

With the School of Foreign Service’s Community in Diversity efforts, MSFS is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for you and welcoming students from all backgrounds. This includes programs such as the Inclusionary International Development Series, MSFS DEI Dialogues, MSFS DEI Skills Clinics and the MSFS Futures Scholarship, along with syllabi reviews for representation of women and people of color domestically and internationally among the authors of the readings.