March 5 – Georgetown University announced a new graduate certificate in gender, peace and security today in advance of International Women’s Day.
The 15-credit certificate focuses on gender dynamics and women’s experiences in conflict, peacebuilding and stability. It provides students with an intersectional and comprehensive understanding of defense, development and diplomacy theory and practice.
All Georgetown University graduate students are invited to pursue the certificate, which will be administered by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS).
“The certificate presents a wonderful opportunity for people like myself—set on a career in women’s advocacy—and those with a desire to professionalize peace and security to obtain the tools to optimize our collective impact,” said Delphi Cleaveland, M.A. candidate German and European Studies and president of the SFS Graduate Student Council.
Career Advancement
The international community increasingly recognizes the value of women’s participation in peace and security efforts, evidenced by numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions and a recent law passed by the United States on women’s role in mitigating conflicts.
“Graduates who have a robust understanding of these issues—indicated by our certificate—will be better qualified for future positions in security, diplomacy, or development both abroad and in the United States and will ultimately be more effective professionals in those roles,” said Ambassador Melanne Verveer, executive director of GIWPS.
The certificate is designed for students in thematic programs—such as the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) or Master in Conflict Resolution—as well as regions studies programs.
“Policy makers and social scientists can now say with certainty that women’s empowerment can be decisive on issues ranging from conflict resolution to economic productivity and poverty alleviation. Our graduates will need to understand gender dynamics whether they go into NGOs, business, diplomacy or the military—and this new certificate will equip them with the knowledge and qualifications to succeed,” said Professor Michael J. Green, director of the Masters in Asian Studies (MASIA).
Requirements
The certificate requirements include a foundational course in Gender, International Security and Development as well as an advanced course or set of modules offered by GIWPS.
Advanced course offerings by GIWPS this fall will include Gender and Terrorism along with the Gender and Security Toolbox, which teaches critical skills—from gender mainstreaming and gender analysis to gender-sensitive budgeting, research, monitoring and evaluation, and advocacy.
Students can fulfill the remaining credit requirements through coursework related to gender and security, diplomacy, or development, skills workshops, or a capstone project.
In addition, students must achieve an overall GPA of 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of 3.5 for Certificate courses.
Looking Forward
“I am delighted that the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security is launching the new graduate certificate in Gender, Peace and Security, especially in this important centennial year for the School of Foreign Service,” said Joel S. Hellman, Dean of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
“I can’t think of a better way to start our next century of international service than by making sure that this vital role of women is not only recognized but reinforced through this important course offering,” he added.
Students interested in the GPS Certificate should contact Dr. Jessica Smith at Jessica.Smith@georgetown.edu.