ISIM Academic Program

Certificate in Refugees & Humanitarian Emergencies

The Institute focuses on all aspects of international migration, including the causes of and potential responses to population movements, immigration and refugee law and policy, comparative migration studies, the integration of immigrants into their host societies, and the effects of international migration on social, economic, demographic, foreign policy and national security concerns. ISIM also studies internal displacement, with particular attention to the forced movements of people for reasons that would make them refugees if they crossed an international border.

At the Institute, we firmly believe that policymakers and practitioners in international organizations, governments and private agencies must be prepared to address the challenging human rights and humanitarian issues that face the international community today. As an effort to reach this goal, ISIM has created a certificate program at Georgetown University for students who have a career interest in human rights and humanitarian issues, with special focus on refugees and post-conflict situations. Master level students at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and the Public Policy Institute as well as J.D. and LL.M. students at the Law Center are eligible to enroll in the Certificate program.

Requirements

All students admitted into the Certificate program will take a course that introduces them to the humanitarian field. Main Campus students take Introduction to Human Rights and Humanitarian Crises, which provides an overview of major principles, legal frameworks, theories, operational concerns and public policy issues. Law Center students take Refugee Law and Policy, which focuses on the development of forced migration laws and policies with a particular emphasis on U.S. asylum law. In consultation with their faculty advisor, students will choose an additional five courses from a broader list of offerings designated for certificate credit. To ensure broad coverage of the field, each student must take at least one course on 1) refugee and humanitarian emergencies/disaster relief, 2) human rights, and 3) conflict/post-conflict related issues. Such courses include, but are not limited to: Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies: Advanced Research Seminar; Humanitarian Assistance and Project Management; Immigration Law and Policy; Migration and Development; International Trafficking of Women and Children; War to Peace Transition; Conflict Management and International Security; Seminar on Conflict Prevention and Conflict Resolution; Conflict Prevention and U.S. Foreign Policy; Ethnic Conflict and International Security; Conflict and Security in Africa; International Mediation; Negotiations; International Law of Armed Conflict; Atrocity Law; War Crimes and Prosecution; International Criminal Law; Human Rights and Conflict; Human Rights in International Relations; Human Rights in the Arab World and Africa; and International Human Rights Law. Some of these courses are offered on an annual basis while others are taught periodically. Students accepted into the Certificate program may also petition ISIM for approval of courses not listed for certificate credit.

Download an ISIM Certificate Application

Certificate Application (PDF Format)

Certificate Application (Word Format)

Internships & Career Opportunities

In addition to an academically rigorous program of study, ISIM offers career guidance to students in the Certificate program. ISIM maintains a list of internship and job opportunities and contacts for students interested in careers related to refugee, human rights and post-conflict management. The Certificate program also offers clinics to help students hone skills needed to work in emergency settings and post-conflict situations. Students are encouraged to participate in ISIM sponsored meetings and workshops on emerging issues. ISIM also offers a limited number of research positions to certificate students.

Eligibility & Related Links

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

Master of Science

Master of Science in Foreign Service

Master of Arts

Master of Arts in Arab Studies

Master of Arts in Russian and East European Studies

Master of Arts in German and European Studies

Master of Arts in Latin American Studies

Master of Arts in Security Studies

Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution

Master of Arts in Democracy and Governance

Law

Juris Doctor Program

Master of Laws

Public Policy

Master of Public Policy

For more information on these programs please click on the program links above.