Graduate Certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies

For more than 20 years, ISIM has offered a Certificate in Refugee and Humanitarian Emergencies for students who wish to pursue careers in the humanitarian sector, or who seek to understand refugees and the impacts of humanitarian crises on countries around the world. Students who completed the Certificate are currently working with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, governmental aid agencies (such as USAID), and many other organizations. Other students have used this expertise and pursued careers in law, diplomacy, economic development, academia, and the private sector. The Certificate formally acknowledges that recipients have acquired a solid foundation in humanitarian principles, refugee and migration issues, international humanitarian and refugee law, the principles of disaster risk reduction and response, and current challenges facing humanitarian actors.

Students may choose from many relevant courses offered at Georgetown.  Although some courses have an obvious connection to refugees and humanitarian emergencies, such as Refugees in the Middle East or Humanitarian Operations, many others also count toward the Certificate. For example, a student, who takes a course in post-conflict situations in Latin America and who writes a paper or completes a project on Colombian IDPs and the peace process, may count that course toward the Certificate. Another student who takes a course on politics in the Middle East and who writes a paper on Palestinian refugees and prospects for peace may count that course toward the Certificate.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Graduate Certificate Faculty advisor early in their graduate program about courses that may count toward the Certificate.  

Eligibility

This certificate is available to students enrolled in one of the following Georgetown University programs:

  • The Walsh School of Foreign Service
    • Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS)
    • Arab Studies (MAAS)
    • Russian and East European Studies (REES)
    • German and European Studies (MAGES)
    • Latin American Studies (MALAS)
    • Master of Arts in Security Studies (SSP)
    • Master of Arts in Global Human Development (GHD)
    • Master of Arts in Asian Studies (ASST)
    • Other Programs
  • Master of Arts in Communications, Culture & Technology
  • Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution
  • Master of Arts in Democracy and Governance
  • Juris Doctor Program*
  • Master of Laws*
  • Master of Public Policy

*NOTE: ISIM and the Law Center run parallel graduate certificate programs. ISIM organizes a joint awards ceremony for graduating students who obtain the certificate. For law students interested in the certificate, please consult with the faculty advisor at the Law Center, Professor Andrew Schoenholtz, about certificate requirements.

Apply

Download the blank application here, and email the completed version to isim@georgetown.edu.

For additional information, please contact Professor Beth Ferris.