There are no specific college majors required to be a foreign service officer. … A management degree with courses in finance would help a management officer. A political science major that includes coursework on current world politics among different regions would benefit a political officer.
What should a Foreign Service officer major in?
Helpful college or graduate school courses include English, foreign language, government, geography, international history, economics, public speaking, and commerce. Applicants must pass the competitive Foreign Service written exam, offered once a year in most major urban centers and at embassies and consulates abroad.
What is a Foreign Service degree?
The Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) is a broad international relations degree, providing students the opportunity to have a grounding in core courses that cross the critical disciplines of international relations, history, and economics before focusing in a particular concentration.
What degree does a diplomat need?
Most hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, History, or another related discipline. They typically include foreign language courses in their studies. Among the languages in high demand in the Foreign Service are Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, and Turkish.
What does a Foreign Service officer so?
According to the U.S. Department of State, foreign service officers aim to “promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.” This mission statement accurately represents just how extensive a foreign service officer’s responsibilities can be.
How hard is the FSO exam?
The FSOT is a very challenging exam with a low pass-rate (hovering between just 30% and 50% of test takers). So you should not underestimate the need to study for this test. … In addition to a great overview of all the subjects, it provides a straightforward and highly-effective plan for using your study time well.
Is a foreign service officer a spy?
So, let’s be clear: Foreign service officers are NOT spies. They do not work for the CIA, FBI, DIA, or anyone else in the IC (Intelligence Community). … It is very likely that you’ll have some security clearance and deal with classified information as an FSO, but you are not a spy. You’re a diplomat.
What are the 5 types of Foreign Service Officers?
FSOs of the State Department are split among five career tracks, called “cones”: Consular Officers, Economic Officers, Management Officers, Political Officers, and Public Diplomacy Officers.
What are the two types of Foreign Service Officers?
Foreign Service Officer Career Basics
- Management Officers: In charge of the embassy they are stationed at.
- Consular Officers: Work to enhance border security and protect Americans who are traveling or living abroad.
- Economic Officers: Promote the U.S. in areas of trade and economics.
Is a Foreign Service Officer a diplomat?
Becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO) is one way to serve as an American diplomat. The mission of a U.S. diplomat in the Foreign Service is to promote peace, support prosperity, and protect American citizens while advancing the interests of the U.S. abroad.
Can I be a foreign service officer right out of college?
Can you become a diplomat right out of college? The short answer is yes. I know several diplomats who joined in their early or mid-twenties. Anyone who is 20-59 can apply and your age doesn’t count against you during the selection process.
What do Ambassadors major in?
Although educational requirements for ambassadors are not specific or standardized, an undergraduate degree, at minimum, is common. Most hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, International Relations, History, or another related discipline. They typically include foreign language courses in their studies.
Do diplomats make a lot of money?
Salaries vary across different governments and roles, but a rough spectrum might run from $35,000 to $100,000 per year. Diplomats usually change roles every three to four years. This career is made up of a combination of overseas postings and working in their own country.
Is it competitive to become a Foreign Service Officer?
The search for extraordinary U.S. citizens to serve as Foreign Service Officers is intense and the qualifying process is rigorous, demanding and highly competitive. If you are interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer (FSO), you must first register for and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
Is Foreign Service Officer a good job?
It is the type of job that is incredibly rewarding and allows you to serve your country and gain a lot of fabulous and interesting experiences at the same time. Just remember, there is no one specific path into the Foreign Service and diplomatic work.
How do you become a UN diplomat?
How to Become a Diplomat. A diplomat must be versed in foreign relations; therefore, the most recognizable route to a career in diplomacy is a bachelor’s and then master’s degree in a major like international relations, political science, cultural anthropology, sociology, or foreign policy.