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Title: Magazine: Georgetown First Worldwide for Graduate International Affairs Study

Foreign Policy magazine ranked Georgetown No. 1 in the world for graduate study in international relations for the fourth time.

“We are both proud and flattered that Georgetown University again ranks high among the schools to study international affairs,” says James Reardon-Anderson, School of Foreign Service interim dean, of

“We are both proud and flattered that Georgetown University again ranks high among the schools to study international affairs,” says James Reardon-Anderson, School of Foreign Service interim dean, of Foreign Policy magazine’s high rankings for the school’s programs.

Foreign Policy magazine has once again ranked Georgetown No. 1 in the world for graduate study and No. 4 for undergraduate programs in international affairs.

Georgetown also ranked first for its international affairs master’s degree programs in 2007, 2009 and 2012 in the magazine’s rankings.

The magazine cited Georgetown’s two-year master’s programs, which allow students to supplement coursework with mentorship from its prestigious faculty, as well as with professional internships in Washington, D.C., and abroad.

Service of Humanity

“We are both proud and flattered that Georgetown University again ranks high among the schools to study international affairs,” says James Reardon-Anderson, School of Foreign Service (SFS) interim dean.“This is a great credit to the students, faculty and staff of Georgetown and confirms the wisdom of our commitment to education for the service of humanity.”

The oldest school of its kind in the world, SFS is home to eight graduate programs spanning many issues and regions.

Thematic degrees include the Master of Science in Foreign Service, Master of Arts in Security Studies and Master of Global Human Development.

Regionally focused degrees span the globe, including separate Master of Arts degrees in: Asian Studies, Arab Studies, Russian, Eurasian and East European Studies, German and European Studies and Latin American Studies.

Rigorous Education

The SFS undergraduate program offers 1,500 students over four years the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS).

The program features an interdisciplinary liberal arts core curriculum that focuses on the study of international affairs.

Students undergo a rigorous education that includes courses in international affairs, government, economics, philosophy, theology, history, literature, language training and geography.

According to Foreign Policy , “the … survey offers a window into how America’s top IR (international relations) scholars see the world today – and which institutions are effectively nurturing future generations of thinkers and policymakers.”

Foreign Policy Wonks

A collaboration between Foreign Policy and the Teaching, Research, and the International Policy (TRIP) project at the College of William and Mary, the survey gathered responses from 1,615 international relations scholars drawn from 1,375 U.S. colleges and universities.

The survey also asked about trends in international affairs and which issues are the most important foreign policy issues to the United States today. Answers ranged from global climate change to armed conflict in the Middle East to China’s rising military power.

Foreign Policy noted that while there are debates about higher education, “scholars and policymakers alike rightly agree, however, that language skills, expertise about regions of the world, and other knowledge gleaned in the classroom make for a stronger, more effective corps of foreign-policy wonks.”

• Connecting Globally

MAGES/Ph.D. in Government

CGES and the Department of Government offer a dual course of study leading to a MAGES/Ph.D. in Government. Within the Ph.D. program, students can choose from one of two tracks: Comparative Government or International Relations.

The curriculum includes a total of three years (63 credits) of course work drawn from the MAGES program and the Department of Government. This program is oriented towards students who wish to complement their disciplinary studies in Government with the interdisciplinary regional focus of the MAGES Program.

Candidates complete all requirements for both the Ph.D. in Government and the MAGES degree requirements with the following variations:

• MAGES free elective course work must be comprised of required courses from the Department of Government.
• Students must pass the MAGES second foreign language examination prior to taking departmental comprehensive examinations.

Application

Students who are interested in this program may either apply to both degree programs jointly, or may apply for the Ph.D. portion of the program during their first year of study in the MAGES program. Applicants to the joint MAGES/Ph.D. program must complete all application procedures and fulfill all entrance requirements for the MAGES program. Applicants must also submit a separate application packet for the Government program according to the guidelines set out by the Department of Government. Application requirements for the Government program can be found on the Department of Government website.

International Relations: How the World Works

The subject of international relations is more relevant than ever. We are living through a time of disruption and promise. On one hand, technology offers more people a voice—on the other, populist movements threaten democracy. The world economy is strongly connected, yet threats like pandemics shut down supply chains and cause shortages. Industry is more productive, but causes environmental ills. How do these problems and potentials interact? What will your role be in the future? If you are interested in international relations, politics, law, economics or just curious about how our world works, this course is a must. Choose from our enrichment and college credit options, and discover this exciting subject today.

Program Dates

Multi-length courses available throughout the year

Enrichment Course Fees

Eligibility.

For students ages 13 and up

College Credit Course Fees

What's the difference between our college credit and enrichment courses.

While both options include dynamic video lessons by renowned Georgetown faculty and access to support, the college credit courses contain additional coursework hours and allow you to earn college credit upon completion. We recommend selecting either the college credit or the enrichment option as some content overlaps between the two modalities.

International Relations College Credit Course $3,995

Length of Course: 6-, 8-, or 12-weeks

Instruction & Activities: 128 hours

Grading: Letter grade

On Your Own Schedule: ✔️

Academic Support : ✔️

Final Project : ✔️

College Credit Hours: ✔️

Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript

International Relations Enrichment Course $1,795

Length of Course: 1-, 2, or 4-weeks

Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours

Grading : Pass/Fail

Academic Support: ✔️

Final Project: ✔️

College Credit Hours: ❌

Certificate of Completion: ✔️

How Does the World Work — and How Will It Work?

What is international relations.

Our world isn’t just a collection of nations, leaders, and issues—it’s an intricate system. Learn the history of international relations, skills required, and the many career opportunities.

Understand the Structure of Today’s International System.

Think of it as a chess game, and the resulting power shifts in every move. Explore the players, goals, and rules of the game of international relations.

Learn How Human Rights Have Become a Guiding Force.

Evaluate different world viewpoints on human rights. Review and discuss genocide and the evolution of international human rights law. Are healthcare and education human rights? 

Gain Insight Into the Many Kinds of Force.

Learn how war differs from terrorism and cyber attacks. Study the international laws related to the use of force and a nation’s right to defend itself.

Apply the Tools of International Relations to a Simulated Crisis.

Assume the role of a President faced with a human rights crisis in a far-off nation. Identify the actors, issues, and determine what actions to take.

Explore College Majors and Future Careers.

Topics in this course offer a good background for potential college majors and career paths related to international relations, political science, law, history, sociology, and the sciences.

How You Will Benefit

• Learn the skills needed to be an international relations professional.
• Identify the leading players of today’s global system.
• Learn the different theories of human rights.
• Be able to discuss environmental issues, international conflict, and technological change in an informed manner.
• Discover your role and what your future could hold.
• Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
• Earn a Certificate of Completion or College Credit from Georgetown University.

Three Learning Advantages Designed for You

Final capstone project.

Assume the role of the U.S. President and make a decision about how to solve a global crisis. This will involve:

• Writing a “Policy Paper” outlining your goals, recommended actions, and what success looks like.
• Thinking through how you will modify your decision based on interactions with international organizations such as the Security Council.
• Answering the question: will you use force, economic sanctions, or diplomacy?

You’ll receive guidance from a mentor or TA who will support you and answer questions throughout your learning experience. You can expect:

• Encouragement and direction on all assignments.
• Inspiration and motivation to help you succeed.
• Brainstorming to help you prepare for your project.
• Feedback on your Final Capstone Project.

Flexible Learning

• 100% online learning that works with your schedule.
• Flexible format: you’ll learn through video lectures. Tune in anytime that works for you.
• 20 to 30 hours (enrichment) or 128 hours (college credit) of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors.

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

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What Our Students Are Saying

"It was an amazingly informative experience that lets you connect with people across the world with similar interests to you. That coupled with the ability to take it at whatever pace you want made it an incredibly enjoyable course. "

"The course was super fun, and I feel that I learned a lot! I would absolutely recommend it to anybody interested in International Relations."

Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty

Anthony Clark Arend, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University

Dr. Arend, a renowned and popular professor at Georgetown University, designed and leads both the international relations and the international law pre-college courses. He earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Foreign Affairs from the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, and he received his B.S.F.S from Georgetown University. He is also the author of  Legal Rules and International Society.

Meet Your Mentors and TAs

Georgetown University student working toward a Ph.D. in American Government. Served as a TA for U.S. Politics and Polling and Survey Methodology courses at Georgetown. Gabrielle's research is primarily focused on environmental politics, with a secondary focus on research related to political science pedagogy and democracy in the U.S.

Undergraduate student majoring in Finance with a minor in Politics and International Affairs. Completed internships at Bank of America, AT&T, and South State Bank. Aspires to become the Chief Financial Officer of a Fortune 500 company.

Undergraduate student at Georgetown University majoring in International Political Economy and minoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. Laidlaw Scholar conducting research in eldercare in East Asia. Aspires to work in the federal government as a foreign service officer.

How to Apply

It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Our application asks you to provide the following:

• Basic contact information for you and your parent or guardian.
• Why you wish to take this course, and a bit of your story, through writing, video, photos—any media you prefer.

Begin the guided process . It should take only a few minutes to answer the questions.

Want to Know More?

Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.

Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here .

Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential and an inability to pay full tuition. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:

• Haven’t applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
• Applied to the program and didn’t fill out a scholarship request, resume your application and click “Apply for Scholarship”.
• Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at [email protected] for assistance.

The University reserves the right to modify the course as may become necessary.

Women in International Affairs

Georgetown Women in International Affairs (GWIA) aims to develop quality leadership among Georgetown graduate students and to increase the visibility of women in international affairs. Through interactive programming, GWIA connects, empowers and prepares emerging leaders. The student-led GWIA Executive Board spearheads the initiative’s planning, programming, and communications, working closely with our staff.

GWIA is constantly looking to meet the needs of its graduate students. If you have ideas or suggestions, please feel free to contact the Executive Board at [email protected] or connect with via social media through their  Facebook Page , Instagram, and Twitter .

The GWIA Executive Board develops and implements a variety of programs based on the needs of graduate women seeking careers in international affairs. The Executive Board consists of the following positions: two Co-Presidents, Communications Chair, External Affairs Chair, and Professional Development Chair.

Click here to subscribe to the GWIA Newsletter.

Co-Presidents

Antonia Baskakov

Antonia Baskakov is a graduate candidate in the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program at Georgetown University. She is concentrating in Science & Technology in International Affairs with certificates in International Diplomatic Studies as well as Women, Peace, & Security. Antonia serves as the President of Georgetown Women in International Affairs & co-leads the Human Rights & Development Section at the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs.

Before joining MSFS, Antonia initiated and led the work on feminist development policy at the ONE Campaign, an international NGO fighting extreme poverty. Prior to joining ONE, she was the Strategic Advisor to the Executive Director of the Center for Feminist Foreign Policy where she managed projects on transatlantic relations, peace and security, and feminist international law. She has worked in a variety of human rights-related fields, including legal research at Berkeley Law School and Stanford Law School for Professor Dr. Beth Van Schaack, the current U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice. She currently serves as the Europe Youth Envoy for the United Nations’ ITU & the Development Director at [gather], an NGO focused on women’s leadership, and is a regular contributor to different news outlets writing about foreign-, security-, development-, and digital policy from a feminist perspective. She has received fellowships from, among others, the ERP (European Recovery Program), DAAD, and German National Merit Foundation.

Hannah Followill

Originally from Houston, Texas, Hannah Followill is a graduate student in Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program. Hannah is concentrating in Global Politics and Security, and she plans to focus her studies and coursework around the intersections of economic security and agricultural trade.

Prior to joining the MSFS program, she was the Special Assistant & Scheduler to Under Secretary Marisa Lago at the International Trade Administration (ITA) in the United States Department of Commerce. Her interests in trade took off while at ITA, as she witnessed firsthand the effects of helping U.S. exporters reach new markets. Before her transition to the Department of Commerce, Hannah was the Scheduler to former Congressman Filemon Vela (TX-34) in the U.S. House of Representatives. While working for Congressman Vela, she witnessed the policymaking process in action and became adept in Congressional dynamics.

Hannah completed her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University with a BS in Agribusiness and minors in Spanish and Horticulture. She speaks conversational Spanish, enjoys hiking around the DMV area, and is a huge fan of audiobooks.

Professional Development Chair

Brenda Coromina

External Affairs Chair

Zoe Borden is a graduate candidate in the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program at Georgetown University, where she is pursuing a concentration in Science, Technology, and International Affairs. Her academic and professional interests include, but are not limited to, emerging technology policy, cybersecurity, data privacy, and countering disinformation.

Zoe has worked at Booz Allen Hamilton for five years, most recently as an Associate on the National Cyber Solutions team based in Washington D.C. In this role, Zoe leads product development for cyber threat detection capabilities. She previously served as the Cyber Threat Intelligence Lead on the Cyber Risk & Engineering team, where she created cyber threat models, and has also worked as a Program Management Specialist for Department of Defense clients.

From 2021 to 2022, Zoe was a Fulbright Student Research Scholar in Georgia. Her research focused on Russian disinformation campaigns targeting communities in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of the country. Zoe was a 360 Digital Sherlock Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab and has served as a policy intern in the United States House of Representatives.

Zoe earned her B.A. in International Development Studies from UCLA.

Communications Chair

Emma Espenan

Prior to MSFS, she was the Director of Communications at Volunteer Louisiana. During her service with Volunteer Louisiana, she led external and internal communications strategies for the agency and assisted the agency’s disaster services team in strengthening Louisiana’s disaster response. Through this experience, she developed an understanding of the real-world impacts of climate change and how governments and civil society can work together to combat and mitigate its impact on society at all levels. Emma’s professional experience spans from local government, where she served twice as an AmeriCorps member with HealthyBR, to international governance, most recently serving with UNICEF as a Consultant and Public Partnerships Fellow. 

Emma completed her undergraduate studies at Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Political Communications.

Professional Development Coordinators

Meg Matsukawa

Meg Matsukawa is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, where she is pursuing a degree in International Politics. Concentrating on Law, Institutions, and Ethics, she is passionate about global immigration and human rights law. Meg is currently serving as the Program Assistant for Georgetown’s Center for International Education and Development’s English Language Programs, a U.S. Department of State-funded exchange program, where she is applying her passion for International Affairs to global development and education.

Prior to her academic career at Georgetown, she participated in a Leadership and Social Change program with Brown University. This program sparked a passion for social justice that led her to volunteer for local political campaigns in her home city of Philadelphia, PA as well as establish and lead current issues and community service organizations in her community.

Tosin Fagbami

Prior to her academic career at Georgetown, Tosin participated in the First-Year Orientation to Community Involvement (FOCI) program, which fueled her passion for social justice and community engagement.

Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Students of Georgetown Inc., Tosin exemplifies her dedication to leadership and community involvement. With a focus on global business and sustainable practices, Tosin is committed to making a positive impact both within the university community and beyond.

External Affairs Coordinator

Kate Halabi

Kate Halabi is an undergraduate in the Walsh School of Foreign Service. She is pursuing a degree in International Politics and she is passionate about international development, migration policy, and human rights law. Recently, she has worked in the Georgetown Journal of International Affairs’ Human Rights and Development section as an editorial assistant, editing publications for the School of Foreign Service’s flagship publication. She is excited to work with GWIA to develop a strong network of empowerment.

Communications Coordinator

 Kaitlyn Pastino

Kaitlyn Pastino is a graduate student in Georgetown University’s Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) program. Kaitlyn is concentrating in International Development while pursuing certificates in Refugees, Migration, and Humanitarian Emergencies and Diplomatic Studies, paying specific attention to the nexus between immediate relief and sustainable development.

Prior to joining MSFS, she earned bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and English from Virginia Tech, where she studied international relations, professional and technical writing, Spanish, and Italian. Her experiences moving around the world while growing up and involvement in organizations like Service Without Borders as an undergraduate student cultivated her passion for finding innovative solutions to nuanced problems in the realms of conflict resolution, diplomacy, and international development. 

Kaitlyn recently interned at international relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, where she developed job aids for several country offices and supported the rollout of a new, department-wide education platform on the Learning Support Team. She is currently an on-call member of Samaritan’s Purse’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to crisis situations around the world.

Environment & International Affairs

About the program.

The Master of Science in Environment & International Affairs (MS-EIA) is a residential STEM-designated degree program offered jointly by the Walsh School of Foreign Service and Georgetown’s Earth Commons Institute. It’s designed for students seeking to combine interdisciplinary expertise, practical skills and access to influential institutions in the nation’s capital. Whether you aspire to shape global environmental policy, promote transnational collaboration or secure a rewarding position in the dynamic fields of environmental studies and international affairs, the MS-EIA program offers a unique approach to help you stand out in a competitive and growing field. Based in Georgetown’s historic Washington, DC, campus, the program harnesses the university’s academic strengths, resources, ethical framework and strategic DC location to help you serve the common good.

DISCLAIMER:   This program has not yet obtained approval for VA education benefits at this time, and is pending submission of its VA application. Please contact our Assistant Registrar for Veteran/Military Benefits at  [email protected]   for more information.

Connect With Us

Program Contact: Kristen Nieves – [email protected]

Begin your application today!

Degrees Offered

Admissions requirements.

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s  Application Information  page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements.

• Application Form
• Non-Refundable Application Fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Sample
• Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions ( optional)
• Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s  Application Information  page for additional details and FAQs.
• Official Recommendations (2)
• TOEFL = 100 minimum
• IELTS = 7.5 minimum

Application Deadlines

• January 15 (priority; scholarship)
• May 1 (rolling; final)

Degree Requirements

Successful completion of 30 credit hours of coursework and a Capstone Project. Full-time matriculation required.

• Undergraduate Degrees

Science, Technology and International Affairs

The Science, Technology and International Affairs (STIA) major applies cutting-edge science to the world’s most pressing political, social and ethical issues. Using interdisciplinary methods, students will explore the technological and scientific issues at the heart of today’s international affairs. The major is run by the STIA Program, which drives innovative research and organizes high-profile events at the nexus of science, technology and international affairs.

The STIA curriculum complements the SFS foundation in international affairs with a foundation in science. STIA majors combine these subject areas to confront emerging global challenges, such as climate change, cybersecurity and global health. Students will:

• Learn alongside their STIA cohort in the major’s foundational course
• Engage with scientific theory and practice through a laboratory-based science sequence
• Develop multidisciplinary expertise in one of four concentrations
• Incorporate scientific knowledge and methods into their study of international affairs

The STIA major is designed to educate the next generation of international leaders skilled in science and technology. Part of the STIA Program, the major draws upon faculty expertise across international affairs, public policy, global health, environmental studies and security studies to create an interdisciplinary curriculum that enables students to apply innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Foundational Curriculum

STIA majors complete an introductory course, Science and Technology in the Global Arena , about the intersecting subjects at the heart of their field, and develop a degree of expertise in at least one field of science, including biology, chemistry, physics or computer science. Research and analytic methods also form an important part of a STIA education.

Specialized Concentrations

Students can pursue any of four concentrations that explore different intersections of science, technology and global affairs: Energy and Environment; Business, Growth and Development; Biotechnology and Global Health; and Science, Technology and Security. For students interested in pursuing a career in medicine or engineering, the STIA concentrations offer a global perspective on these future courses of study. No matter what career path you choose, the STIA major will prepare you for a role that uses cutting-edge science to explore global challenges.

Scientific Communication with STIA

Clear and concise communication of scientific knowledge is essential in both scientific inquiry and international affairs. In the STIA major, students learn how to ask incisive questions to guide their research, as well as how to analyze relevant data, evaluate arguments and present their findings. In addition to the introductory course and STIA electives, students also enroll in either a semester-long Senior Seminar course or the year-long STIA Honors Thesis Seminar sequence to sharpen their research, writing, discussion and presentation skills. The Honors Thesis course enables students to produce a robust piece of original work that they present to faculty and peers.

Graduates will be able to share their scientific knowledge in accessible and engaging ways and translate their expertise into effective decision-making.

Research in STIA

Many STIA students work alongside faculty to conduct cutting-edge research. This year, STIA minor Laura Ratliff (C’21) is working with Professor Sarah Stewart Johnson and NASA’s Mars Exploration Program , assisting in the development of the international Mars Ice Mapper mission that will launch in 2026. STIA major Joyce Yang (SFS’23) is a Fritz Fellow working with Professor Meg Leta Jones in Georgetown’s Ethics Lab on their ‘from control to care’ project, which assesses methods and consequences of monetizing the human body through the use of technology.

Academic Spotlight

“In my STIA major, I started to become more interested in global development projects and the impact of urbanization. Working on my major thesis and capstone for Arab studies helped me to further explore research opportunities in these two areas.”

STIA major Mena Mohammed (SFS’20) took advantage of all the academic opportunities offered to her on the Hilltop, becoming a Carroll Fellow and taking part in the Displacement and Development in the Arab World SFS Centennial Lab during her junior year. Mohammed later became a research assistant for one of the class’s professors, Dr. Fida Adely, and developed some of her research on the impact of urbanization on development projects into a senior thesis.

Read more about STIA alumna Mena Mohammed here.

Student Experience

From climate change and biodiversity to nuclear science and international development, STIA is a truly international major. By living and studying in Washington, DC, and taking advantage of diverse study abroad opportunities at SFS, STIA students have access to unique resources for studying the global dimensions of today’s science and technology.

Study in the Heart of Washington, DC

Our location in Washington, DC gives students a front-row seat to the latest events in domestic and international affairs. STIA students can intern for international development firms, work at the headquarters of national environmental NGOs and think tanks, contribute to the research of cutting-edge global health organizations and work in federal agencies. In their free time, STIA students can enjoy the city’s world-class attractions such as the Air and Space and Natural History museums and learn more about the key events shaping the world today by witnessing government proceedings, engaging with DC’s international communities and participating in important historic events on the National Mall.

Learn more about student life in DC.  

International Opportunities

Through SFS and Georgetown’s extensive study abroad and internship options, STIA students can explore key issues in their chosen concentration in ways that are difficult to replicate in a classroom. In the past five years, STIA majors have studied abroad in Antigua, Guatemala; Johannesburg, South Africa; Jakarta, Indonesia; Trier, Germany and numerous other locations in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Many STIA students have participated in immersive, experiential educational opportunities with STIA faculty, including through STIA Centennial Labs . For example, the Climate Diplomacy Lab brought students to attend the UN international climate negotiations in Doha, Copenhagen, Marrakesh, Paris and Madrid, while the India Innovation Studio brought students to Maharashtra, India to work with the government on solutions to drought.

Learn more about international opportunities at SFS.

Global Experience Highlight

In the summer of 2019, STIA major Kirk Zeiser (SFS’22) participated in the Georgetown in Quito: Nature and Culture in Latin America program. He traveled to locations across Ecuador — including to Quito, Otavalo, the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galápagos Islands — to explore the intersection of wildlife and human society, all while honing his Spanish! The program enabled Zeiser to take six weeks of classes at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and to engage with local neighborhoods and landscapes across the country.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the very core of every major is a commitment to recognizing and celebrating cultural diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for all students. SFS is dedicated to welcoming students from all backgrounds to our community and the SFS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Office leads school-wide efforts to enhance DEI in the SFS curriculum, faculty and recruitment of students and staff. 

No matter their background or interests, students are sure to find like-minded and supportive peers here on the Hilltop. Whether through campus ministry , student groups or engaging with neighbors in DC , you can find your community at Georgetown.

Find out more about DEI at SFS.

Student Spotlight

“It only took me a few moments to recognize that STIA offers, in my opinion, the most interesting, innovative and important classes at Georgetown.”

During his time as a STIA major, Brian Britt (SFS’21, SSP’22) took deep dives into space technology, national security, climate science and Latin American studies. Inspired by Dr. Matthew Daniels’ Space Security and Exploration class, Britt co-founded the Georgetown University Space Initiative. His passion for exploration also led him to more earthly locales, including Ecuador, the Philippines and Chile. Through STIA, Britt was able to combine these diverse interests in pursuit of what he describes as “a goal that is larger than me, something that will make me proud of the life I’ve lived when I’m older.”

Read more about STIA alumnus Brian Britt here.

STIA faculty members bring more than academic knowledge to the classroom; they have experience as astronomers, epidemiologists, nuclear scientists, anthropologists, software developers and global health practitioners. This wide-ranging expertise allows faculty to present students with real-world case studies and cutting-edge research to deepen their understanding of the many intersections between science and global affairs.

“STIA students bring a unique energy to the classroom, motivated by their curiosity in science and technology coupled with their desire to change the world.” Joanna Lewis, Director of the STIA Program Provost’s Distinguished Professor of Energy & Environment

STIA Faculty

STIA Curricular Dean

Faculty Publications

Careers & Alumni

Choosing the STIA major prepares students for careers in policy making, non-governmental organizations and both the public and private sectors. Combining technical skills with a global perspective prepares graduates for an internationally connected world facing mounting science and technology challenges.

Building a Career at Georgetown

With DC on your doorstep, students can pursue career opportunities that can take them all over the world. STIA students take advantage of the many internship opportunities here in the capital to begin building real-world work experience even before they graduate. 

At Georgetown, students connect with the Cawley Career Education Center , where they can meet with professional advisors who can help with everything from developing a perfect resume to nailing job interviews and exploring how to break into a new industry or field. And the Hoya network students build throughout their time at Georgetown can help unlock new opportunities throughout their careers.

STIA Alumni Spotlight

“SFS directly prepared me for my career. As a STIA major, a lot of the work I did was directly focused on energy and what climate change is doing to our world.”

After graduating from SFS, Wanjiku Ngare (SFS’13) returned to her home country of Kenya to work as a strategy consultant for social impact, designing inclusive agricultural financing for smallholder farmers and developing renewable energy funds for women’s economic empowerment. She also served as producer for an upcoming documentary about the Syrian refugee experience , which is directed by SFS alumna Reilly Dowd (SFS’13).

“I was particularly drawn to Georgetown’s opportunities in the specific conjunction of conservation science and environmental policy, and I appreciate the university’s dedication to research and its commitment to encourage its students to both study and participate in research programs.”

Recent alumna Mia Vanderwilt (SFS’19) is continuing research she first began as an undergraduate student, studying Antarctic soil microbiomes in STIA professor Sarah Stewart Johnson’s Biosignatures Lab .

Read more about Mia Vanderwilt .

“What I have noticed, especially with my non-traditional path through the SFS, is that really we’re creating leaders in all kinds of fields.”

Dr. Christina Hanna (SFS’08) knew that the STIA major was the perfect program to prepare for medical school while also pursuing her passion for international affairs. After graduating from SFS, she completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics, traveling to Butaro, Rwanda every few months as a volunteer implementing a pediatric leukemia protocol with the international organization Partners In Health.

Read more about Dr. Christina Hanna.  

International Relations Academy

• How to Apply

Summer 2024 Applications are CLOSED. Summer 2025 Applications will open in late Fall.

As one of the oldest universities in the world, and long considered a hub for international dialogue, Georgetown is where international leaders often choose to state their positions and calls for action. During the one-week, International Relations Academy, you'll have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned faculty, gain valuable experience, and explore today's global issues and challenges.

Estimated Tuition:

Price includes tuition, housing, and meals. Commuter Student tuition is $2,625.

How You'll Benefit

• Hear from specialists and practitioners in international relations
• Participate in small discussion groups to explore in-depth issues of international relations
• Participate in an international crisis simulation
• Receive a Certificate of Participation upon successful completion

Program Format & Subject Areas

As a student in the International Relations Academy, you'll spend your day immersed in a blend of classes, off-sites, activities, and group discussions. Throughout the week, you'll have the opportunity to explore subject areas such as these:

• The Structure of the International System
• The Instruments of Foreign Policy
• Intelligence and Foreign Policy
• Ethics and International Affairs
• International Law
• Competing Philosophical Frameworks
• Nuclear weapons
• The Environment
• Global Health
• International Development
• The Future of the International System

All in all, I fell in love with the program. I got to meet so many amazing people not only from the D.C. area but all around the country.

Having the chance to experience once in a lifetime opportunities and getting to meet people from around the world made it so I got to really experience what college life was like.

My #SummerHoya experience was enriching, inspiring, and rewarding; if I could turn back the clock, I’d do it all over again.

It was amazing to be surrounded by such high caliber students and staff who were all encouraging and fabulous to work with. I took away many positive things from my week as a Summer Hoya.

As I am filling out my college applications, I am able to think back to my memories from the summer and I am reassured that I am pursuing the right educational path.

The program offers so much–from the off-site visits to the daily lectures and the on campus activities. The lectures were interesting, meeting new people was great and the off-site visits were interactive and intriguing.

Want to learn more?

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• Summer 2025

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College of Arts & Sciences

Comprehensive Exam Reading Lists

The most updated versions of the Ph.D. comprehensive exam reading lists are available to all students by following the links below. These reading lists should be used as a tool for preparing for your comprehensive examinations.

Be sure to meet with your  Field Chair  to discuss your exam and the  Director of Graduate Studies  if you have any questions about the examination process.

Remember, copies of past exam questions are available for you to use in your exam preparations. Please contact  Maurice Green  for more information.

• American Government Comprehensive Reading Lists
• Comparative Government Comprehensive Reading Lists
• International Relations Comprehensive Reading Lists
• Political Theory Comprehensive Reading Lists