Required courses

Core courses (18 credits) 

• International Relations: Theory & Practice (3 credits)
• Globalization of Intersocietal Relations (3 credits)
• Analytical & Statistical Skills (3 credits)
• International Economics: Tools & Application (3 credits)
• Applied Economics (3 credits)
• Ethics & International Affairs (3 credits)

Concentration courses (18 credits) 

You will complete 18 credits in one of the four available fields of concentration, which includes at least one concentration-specific foundational course. For further refined study, you can choose to specialize within a particular subfield of your concentration.

• Global politics and security concentration 
• International development concentration 
• Global business, finance and society concentration 
• Science, technology and international affairs concentration

Language requirement 

Proficiency in English and at least one other language is essential for a successful career in international affairs and, thus, a graduation requirement. 

Language placement exam

Before the start of classes, you’ll take language placement exams. This will determine which level of language study you should pursue and your eligibility to sit for the language proficiency exam later in the academic calendar. If your native language is not English, you may declare English as your proficiency language or may select a different non-native language for the proficiency requirement.

Language courses

If you are advised to take English or other foreign language course(s) before proceeding to the Language Proficiency Exam, you should enroll for an additional (fifth) course during your first semester. Language courses offered include: 

Additional language study in South and Southeast Asian languages are available through a consortium agreement with Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. 

Language courses do not count for course credit toward your MSFS degree and grades received in language courses do not count in determining your GPA.

Oral language proficiency

You are required to achieve oral proficiency in a language other than English in order to graduate. Oral proficiency is defined as the ability to speak the language at the Advanced Low level (ACTFL Scale or equivalent). This requirement is met in one of three ways:

1. Proof of a diploma or degree from an institution (high school, college, prior graduate degree) where the primary language of instruction was not in English.
2. Pass a language proficiency exam taken through a Georgetown Language Department (after the appropriate coursework is completed) or through Language Testing International (ACTFL – Oral Proficiency Interview). The minimum required score is “Advanced-Low” (ACTFL-OPI) or “Good” (Georgetown test).
3. For Category III and IV languages only (as defined by the U.S. Department of State), You must complete 4 semesters of sequential Georgetown undergraduate language courses in a single language at a 3.0 Grade Point Average. Undergraduate language courses do not count toward the 48 credit hours applicable to the graduate degree. Students who choose this option must also take an ACTFL-OPI exam to certify their level of proficiency.

Leadership requirement 

To complete the program and prepare to lead in global affairs, you must complete three written deliverables (a self-assessment and two memos) focused on what leadership means to you, an internship or professional experience and additional leadership development experiences.

Oral examination 

In the spring of your second year, you will take a final oral examination facilitated by a panel of international affairs faculty and professionals. You are judged on your ability to present material in a well-organized and articulate manner and to apply what you’ve learned to practical problems in the field of international affairs.

Examination panel

• One member of the Georgetown faculty
• Two executives from international business, government, or nonprofit organizations in the Washington, DC, area

One member of the examination panel is matched to your concentration.

Format and grading

The oral exam lasts approximately 50 minutes and is based primarily on:

• A five-minute oral briefing on the subject of your choice;
• Topics related to your concentration; and
• Your wider experience as reflected in your resume and academic transcript.

Each member of the examination panel grades you separately; the majority determines the final grade: fail, pass or pass with distinction. 

Electives

You will also take 12 credits of elective courses and can choose from many different courses across Georgetown University. You may use these credits to obtain a graduate certificate. 

Sample electives 

• GPS- MSFS 7390: US Diplomacy and National Security
• MSFS 7310: Diplomatic and Military Statecraft
• GBFS- MSFS 6250: International Trade and Economic Diplomacy
• MSFS 7100: Illicit Finance
• STIA- MSFS 6445: Technology and Human Rights
• MSFS 6590: AI & International Policy
• IDEV- MSFS 5600: Gender, International Security and Development
• MSFS 6140: Comparative Regional Economic Development

Grade point average

You must achieve a 3.0 GPA to graduate.

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