The U.S. Department of State has launched a new two-year graduate fellowship program, the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, that leads to an exciting career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent.

DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, responsible for the security of Foreign Service personnel, property, and sensitive information around the world.

If you're thinking about pursuing a master's degree starting in fall 2023, and you'd be interested in a career as a DSS Special Agent, this may be an opportunity for you.

The Clarke DS Fellowship, one of several high-profile State Department diversity recruitment programs, aims to attract qualified candidates to the Diplomatic Security Service who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity.

The application for the 2023 cohort is open October 3, 2022, through November 30, 2022.

What are the Benefits of the Clarke DS Fellowship?

As a Clarke DS Fellow, you will receive up to $42,000 annually for two years for academic funding (tuition, room and board, books/lab fees, other academic expenses, and some travel), two summer practicums with stipend support, personalized mentoring, and professional development.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, you will receive an appointment as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent - and launch an exciting career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.

Are You Eligible to Apply?

To apply for the Clarke DS Fellowship, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 19 years old and no older than 33 years old (except for preference-eligible veterans).
• Be seeking admission to a two-year full-time master's degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
• Be on a timeline to graduate with master's degree after attending four full-time (fall and spring) semesters during your two years of the fellowship.
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and maintain this GPA throughout the program.
• Be able to pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.

There are also requirements you'll need to meet once you are selected as a Clarke DS Fellow. Plus, additional requirements you'll need to meet as a DSS Special Agent. You can find all of the requirements on the webpage here.

Are You Ready for the Challenge?

When you successfully complete the fellowship and become a DSS Special Agent, you will:

• Protect the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.
• Travel the world while leading and managing security programs to protect Foreign Service personnel, property and information against foreign intelligence, criminal and terrorist activities.
• Have the unique opportunity to engage in diplomacy and make a positive impact worldwide - all while developing yourself personally and professionally.
• Experience daily the challenge and excitement of a career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.

Check out the website today to learn more and apply! Don't delay - the application for the 2023 cohort closes on November 30, 2022. Start preparing your application now!