What degrees do most diplomats have?
Asked by: Maggie Roberts | Last update: September 5, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)
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.
What is the best degree for a diplomat?
The International Studies degree is, without a doubt, one of the most direct choices for those interested in a diplomatic career. This program immerses you in the study of global politics, economics, history and international rights.
What degree do most ambassadors have?
Even though educational requirements to become an ambassador are not specific, like with many specialist positions, a graduate degree is preferred or required with the Foreign Service. Most ambassadors hold a degree in political science, international relations, history, or other related disciplines.
Do diplomats need a master's degree?
Education. There isn't one particular undergraduate or graduate degree required to become a diplomat, but many relevant programs will help increase your diplomacy knowledge base and can help your hiring chances.
Where do most diplomats go to college?
Many Georgetown alumni have pursued successful careers in diplomacy, thanks to its prime location and excellent faculty. Similarly, Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington D.C. is renowned in this field.
Is Studying International Relations Worth It?
Are diplomats highly paid?
How much does a Diplomat make? As of Jan 19, 2025, the average annual pay for a Diplomat in the United States is $109,563 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $52.67 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,106/week or $9,130/month.
How hard is it to get a job as a diplomat?
While there is no specific academic degree or professional experience required to become an FSO, all applicants must undergo a rigorous selection process. This consists of: A written Foreign Service Officer Test. A written personal narrative.
Do diplomats get free housing?
Foreign Service Officers who live in government-sponsored housing do not pay rent, nor do they pay for basic utilities, except for personal telephone service. At overseas posts where the government neither owns nor leases accommodations, Foreign Service Officers are given a Living Quarters Allowance.
Is being a US diplomat prestigious?
Status and public image. Diplomats have generally been considered members of an exclusive and prestigious profession. The public image of diplomats has been described as "a caricature of pinstriped men gliding their way around a never-ending global cocktail party".
What qualifies you as a diplomat?
A diplomat is a public official who advocates for their country's international relationships with other countries. Steps to become a diplomat include earning at least a bachelor's degree, obtaining political work experience and passing the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT).
What is the life of a diplomat?
As a diplomat, you are responsible for representing your country in another country. This means attending meetings, negotiating treaties, and building relationships with other diplomats from around the world. It can be a challenging but rewarding job. Every day is different for a diplomat.
Is A diplomat higher than an ambassador?
Ambassadors have greater authority and responsibility than diplomats. They influence foreign policy decisions, negotiate treaties, and foster relationships with high-ranking officials in the receiving country.
How many US diplomats are there?
The total number of Foreign Service members, excluding Foreign Service nationals, from all Foreign Service agencies (State, USAID, etc.) is about 15,600. This includes: 7,999 Foreign Service officers, called "generalist" diplomats.
Which personality type is best for diplomat?
Diplomat personality types – Advocates (INFJ), Mediators (INFP), Protagonists (ENFJ), and Campaigners (ENFP) – care about helping and connecting with others. They prioritize being kind and generous, and in general, they'd rather cooperate than compete. Empathy seems to come naturally to these personalities.
Is there a demand for diplomats?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of international relations professionals, which includes diplomats, will grow by 6% from 2019 to 2029. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
What is the lowest rank of a diplomat?
chargé d'affaires, the lowest rank of diplomatic representative recognized under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
What do most diplomats major in?
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.
Do US diplomats get paid well?
The average salary for a Diplomat is $120,862 per year (estimate) in United States, which is 15% higher than the average U.S. Department of State salary of $104,294 per year (estimate) for this job.
What is the average age of US diplomats?
"Those hired go on to do one of five types of work -- political, economic, administrative, consular, or public diplomacy, so they come from a wide variety of backgrounds, education, and experience." The typical newly-minted diplomat is around 30 years old, he adds, and has a graduate degree, but new Foreign Service ...
Is diplomat a hard job to get?
It's typically quite difficult to find a job as a diplomat. If you're curious about the numbers, check out the job market for diplomats.
Do diplomats get bodyguards?
U.S. Department of State
Diplomatic Security protects more dignitaries than any other agency in the U.S. Government. DS special agents guard the Secretary of State 24 hours a day, seven days a week, everywhere she or he goes in the world.
Which country pays its diplomats the most?
Among the major countries, American diplomats topped the list with an annual salary of $140,000, added the report. Brazil, South Africa, France and Germany rounded out the top five, while China and Indonesia brought up the rear with salaries of $41,000 and $34,000 respectively.
Is 40 too old to become a diplomat?
To enter the Foreign Service, you must be an American citizen between the ages of 20 and 59 and, although there is no educational requirement to become a Foreign Service officer, the vast majority of applicants hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
What are the odds of becoming a diplomat?
Aspiring diplomats in the U.S. generally begin their careers as generalist Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), undergoing a rigorous selection process that attracts ~20,000 applicants annually. About 2% ultimately become FSOs, entering an up-or-out system that mandates strong performance and consistent improvement.
Do diplomats party a lot?
For United Nations Diplomats, an Average of 3 Parties a Night Is All in the Day's Work; Lavish Entertaining, Although a Duty, Is Also a Way of Life.