Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) Degree Program

Our History

Aerial Photo of Georgetown in Washington DC Campus

“Having entered upon the stage of world politics and world commerce, we assume worldwide obligations… our viewpoint can never be the same again.”

Reverend Edmund A. Walsh, S.J.

Reverend Walsh, the first dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University penned these thoughts in 1919, five years before the United States diplomatic corps renamed itself the Foreign Service, as the United States and the world emerged from the horrors of the First World War.

By creating the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown sought to educate students about global issues and prepare them for a life of service – in business, government, or for a humanitarian agency.  This mission reflected both the University’s Jesuit heritage, with its emphasis on intercultural understanding, and its origins as an institution of the American Enlightenment, dedicated to human rights and the education of citizens.

In 2005 the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar) was established by agreement between Georgetown University and Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.  In 2015, a new agreement extended this for a further decade. The agreement enabled a broadening of Georgetown University in Qatar’s (GU-Qatar) engagement in Qatar and the region. 

Our Vision

Georgetown’s Qatar campus is dedicated to fulfilling Georgetown University’s mission of promoting intellectual, ethical and spiritual understanding through serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures and beliefs.  Embodying this spirit of the University, GU-Q undertakes education, research and service in order to advance knowledge and provide students and the community with a holistic educational experience that produces global citizens committed to the service of humankind.  We demonstrate the values of Georgetown University;  seek to build upon the world-class reputation of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service;  and work with our partner, Qatar Foundation, in its endeavors to achieve the Qatar National Vision 2030.