Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential
Advance your career. Expand your network. Lead in global affairs.
Why Choose the LIA Credential?
- Today’s international challenges require more than theory; they demand skills, insight, and connection.
- LIA equips professionals with insider access to professionals in the field, practical knowledge, and hard skills.
- Engage with key institutions, decision-makers, and global experts based in Washington, D.C., and across the world. Build the expertise and confidence to lead in a complex global environment.
- Learn with us from anywhere in the world.
What You’ll Gain
Contact with former and current employees from the federal government, think tanks, and global institutions.
Real-world skills in leadership, advocacy, negotiation, fundraising, and communication.
Firsthand understanding of policymaking and multilateral collaboration across different sectors, including defense, foreign policy, economics, trade, environmental issues and more.
A strong, diverse network across sectors and regions.
The ability to analyze global trends, security risks, and economic shifts shaping international affairs.
Program Structure
Complete the program in as few as 16 weeks or up to one year.
6 Credits | Online and In-Person Options
How does the LIA credential differ from a degree?
The LIA Credential is a professional credential (not an academic degree). It focuses on applied skills, real-world insights, and network-building rather than theoretical academic coursework.
Participants who successfully complete courses will receive digital badges of achievement recognizing skills earned along the way. Upon completion of all program requirements, participants are awarded the Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential, a 6-credit professional credential issued by the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University, which can be shared on LinkedIn and other professional platforms. Credits count towards GW master's programs for participants who choose to continue their learning journey with us.
Program requirements:
Students can complete all coursework in three months during the summer by taking our cornerstone course and three skills courses or take up to a year to finish their credential.
- One mandatory 3-credit core course (online) during the Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters AND
- Three 1-credit skills courses (online and in person) offered Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
Choose from 40+ skills courses:
- AI & Technology—Applied AI, AI for decision makers, etc.
- Strategic Communication—Advocacy, Public Speaking, Writing for Policy, Briefing, Global Messaging
- Leadership & Decision-Making—Leadership, Risk, Mediation, Ethics, Negotiation, Teamwork
- Specialized Skills—Fundraising, Gender Advising, U.S. Embassy Operations, Foreign Assistance
Choose Your Track:
The LIA Credential offers specialized tracks that help you build career-focused skills in international affairs. Each track combines the core course Understanding Geopolitics and Leadership (3-credits) with three applied skills courses (1-credit each). You may follow a track or mix and match courses to create a credential tailored to your professional goals.
TRACK DETAILS | Track 1: | Track 2: | Track 3: | Track 4: |
Diplomatic Skills | Coalition Building & Strategic Communications | AI, Technology & Global Governance | Leading Mission-Driven Organizations | |
Ideal for: | Government officials, diplomats, policy advisors, and national security professionals. | Advocates, multilateral professionals, communications strategists, and policy influencers. | Tech policy professionals, corporate leaders, and practitioners at the intersection of technology and global affairs. | NGO leaders, development professionals, and social sector managers. |
Example Skills Courses: |
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Example of Career Pathways: | Foreign Service Officer · Policy Advisor · Intelligence Analyst · Defense Attaché · Political Risk Consultant · National Security Staffer | Public Affairs Officer · Advocacy Director · UN/IO Program Officer · Communications Strategist · Legislative Affairs Advisor | Tech Policy Analyst · Cybersecurity Advisor · Digital Diplomacy Officer · AI Governance Specialist · Disinformation Researcher | NGO Director · Development Program Manager · Humanitarian Affairs Officer · Foundation Program Officer · Social Entrepreneur |
- Need a fully online experience?
A selection of LIA skills courses is available online, including:
- The Art of Leadership
- Fundraising in International Affairs
- Advocacy in International Affairs
- Ethics in International Affairs
- Not sure which track fits your goals?
Tracks are recommended pathways, not requirements. You may mix and match courses across tracks to build a credential tailored to your professional context.
Contact: esiaexeced
gwu [dot] edu (esiaexeced[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Tailor your experience to your professional needs.
Learn from faculty and experienced practitioners.
Gain skills you can use immediately.
Course Lineup
- Fall 2026
IAFF 6118 Understanding Geopolitics and Leadership
Dates/Time: August 24- December 2, 2026; Wednesdays from 5:10 to 6:30pm.
Credits: 3
Professor: Dr. John Glenn
Format: Online & Synchronous
Description: Understand how geopolitics shapes leadership, strategy, and policy in an increasingly uncertain international system.
Explore 13 modules on global trends, security, institutions, and economic shifts.
Learn from top faculty and leading practitioners in government and international affairs.
Engage in discussion boards, case studies, and applied analysis.
- Understand how institutions interact and influence policy
- Hear directly from experts shaping global decisions
- Strengthen your ability to analyze international dynamics
IAFF 6502/6503 Negotiation skills
Dates/Time:
Session I (IAFF 6502): This course meets in person on Saturday 9/12, Sunday 9/13 9am-5pm, and Saturday 9/26 9am-1pm.
Session II (IAFF 6503): This course meets in person on Saturday 10/17, Sunday 10/18 9am-5pm, and Saturday 10/31 9am-1pm.
Credits: 1
Professor: Nizar Farsakh
Format: in-person
Description: This course helps students identify those aspects of their negotiating style that stand in the way of maximizing their negotiation outcomes. It is based on classic Interest-Based negotiations theory, with a focus on practical application, then followed by self-reflection. It is a highly interactive course composed almost entirely of a series of group exercises with varying degrees of complexity, and then debriefing of students' performance.
IAFF 6502 Mediation
Dates/Time: This course meets on Saturday/Sunday 11/7-8 from 10am-5pm
Credits: 1
Professor: Nathalie Al-Zyoud
Format: in-person
Description: This interactive skills-building course will teach you how to harness conflictual energy and transform it into collaboration. Mediation is an impartial, voluntary and confidential process that facilitates problem-solving and helps parties to a conflict develop solutions that meet everyone’s needs. Students will learn the basic principles of mediation; learn how to engage the parties in a conflict and set up the mediation space; how to listen and gather information by disaggregating positional statements; framing and listing problems to resolve; brainstorming and developing solutions; and writing an agreement.
IAFF 6502 Tech for Intl Crisis Response
Dates/Time: This course meets on Saturday 11/07 and Sunday 11/08 from 9am-5pm.
Credits: 1
Professor: Samia Melhem
Format: in-person
Description: This course will explore how technology is being used to respond to crises, create early warning mechanisms, monitor elections, provide banking services, ensure effective governance, and much more. It considers key challenges related to access, implementation, scale, and evaluation that working with technology presents.
IAFF 6502/6503 Formal Briefing
Dates/Time:
Session I (IAFF 6502): This course meets on 09/26 and 09/27, from 08:30AM - 03:30PM
Session II (IAFF 6503): This course meets on 11/14 and 11/15, from 08:30AM - 03:30PM
Credits: 1
Professor: Yasaman Sutton
Format: in-person
Description: This skills course will give students a foundation in giving formal briefings in a safe and supportive workshop environment. Students will be encouraged to try different approaches in developing a personal briefing style and to develop foundational skills in public speaking through mini exercises and in-class performance of a draft and final briefing.
IAFF 6502 Public Opinion in International Affairs
Dates/Time: This course meets on 10/18 and 10/19, from 10:00AM - 04:00PM
Credits: 1
Professor: Matthew Kirwin
Format: in-person
Description: The goals of the course are to make students conversant in survey research, better consumers of public opinion data and gain the ability to use survey data in their work. It will provide an overview of the different methods of data collection as well as an introduction to sampling and questionnaire design and quality control measures.
IAFF 6502: Writing for International Policymakers
Dates/Time: This course meets on 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22, 9/29, from 07:10PM - 09:00PM.
Credits: 1
Professor: Judith Murphy
Format: in-person
Description: This course uses short written assignments and tailored feedback to hone the skills of accuracy, brevity, and clarity. We will write against the backdrop of current international affairs or national security challenges. Specific skills include the ability to start with your bottom line, explain complex information, develop recommendations, and write with proper syntax and grammar.
IAFF 6502 Intl Non-Profit Management
Dates/Time: This course meets on Saturday 10/3 and Sunday 10/4 from 10am-4pm
Credits: 1
Professor: Barney Singer
Format: in-person
Description: Key skills developed in this course include defining, understanding and ongoing assessment of an organization’s mission, communication and advocacy strategies, effective programs, development and financial targets, identification of fundraising opportunities and management of a team that may even meet in person regularly. This course teaches how to evaluate non-profit organizations using a Non-Profit Organizational Capacity Mapping Framework and by discussing Case Studies.
IAFF 6502 Advocating for Women's Rights
Dates/Time: This course meets on Saturdays: 10/17 and 11/21 from 9am-4pm.
Credits: 1
Professor: Lyric Thompson
Format: in-person
Description: This skills class will equip students with the building blocks for conducting successful advocacy efforts on global women’s issues. It will foster an understanding of different elements of an advocacy campaign, from grassroots mobilization to direct engagement of policymakers through individual, celebrity and coalition advocacy.
IAFF 6503 Gender Advisor: Roles & Skills
Dates/Time: This course meets on 11/14 and 11/15, from 09:00AM - 05:00PM
Credits: 1
Professor: Andrea Bertone
Format: in-person
Description: This course covers the various roles, responsibilities, and necessary skills of a Gender Advisor. The course will provide a comprehensive overview of how the latest tools, resources, and practices should be applied in development work and will interpret the new and evolving set of policies on programmatic gender integration into meaningful practice to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of institutions and organizations seeking to promote gender equality.
IAFF 6503 Intro to Gaming & Simulations
Dates/Time: This course meets on 10/31, 11/7, 11/14., 9 am - 1 pm.
Credits: 1
Professor: Michael Wasserman
Format: in-person
Description: This course provides first-hand experience in scenario and gaming analysis. The course specifically addresses the fundamentals of game development and employment based on government and industry best practices. Through lectures, readings, in-class exercises, and group assignments students will build the repertoire of skills needed to create high-impact games and simulations while simultaneously honing their ability to review and judge gaming proposals.
IAFF 6503 Creative Digital Thinking
Dates/Time: This course meets on 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, from 7:10-9pm
Credits: 1
Professor: Ivan Grek
Format: in-person
IAFF 6503 Defense Contracting
Dates/Time: This course meets on 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, from 07:10PM - 09:00PM.
Credits: 1
Professor: Ian Saltz
Format: in-person
Description: This course will provide students with an in-depth understanding of the role of government contracting in National Security and its role in ensuring military superiority. Students will learn about the development of requirements for critical assets and understand how industry translates these requirements into military assets and capabilities.
IAFF 6503 Political Risk Analysis
Dates/Time: This course meets: 8/26, 9/2, 9/09, 9/16, 9/23, and 9/30.
Credits: 1
Professor: Rebecca Murphy
Format: Online and Synchronous
Description: This course examines the concept and foundations of political risk analysis and delves into empirical cases to understand the role that political risk plays in shaping the international business landscape and operating environment. The course explores various sources of political risk, considers how political risk develops and evolves, analyzes how this form of risk influences business decisions, and probes how actors manage and respond to political risk. The course takes a multi-disciplinary approach drawing from international relations, economics, risk management, and strategic communications.
- Summer 2026
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Session 1: IAFF 6118 Understanding Geopolitics and Leadership
Dates/Time: May 20 - August 19, 2026; Wednesdays from 5:10 to 6:30pm.
Credits: 3
Professor: Dr. John Glenn
Format: Online & Synchronous
Description: Understand how geopolitics shapes leadership, strategy, and policy in an increasingly uncertain international system.
Explore 13 modules on global trends, security, institutions, and economic shifts.
Learn from top faculty and leading practitioners in government and international affairs.
Engage in discussion boards, case studies, and applied analysis.
- Understand how institutions interact and influence policy
- Hear directly from experts shaping global decisions
- Strengthen your ability to analyze international dynamics
Session 2: IAFF 6502 Leadership in International Affairs
Dates/Time: Saturday (6/27) and Sunday (6/28) 10am-4pm EST
Credits: 1
Professor: Amb. Bonnie Jenkins
Format: Online & Synchronous
Description: Designed to support participants build practical skills and strategies to lead effectively in today’s rapidly evolving global environment across different sectors.
Session 3: IAFF 6502 Advocacy in International Affairs
Dates/Time: 5:10 - 6:30pm EST on Tuesdays 06/30; 07/07; 07/14; 07/21; 07/28; 08/04.
Credits: 1
Professor: adina
steelclimate [dot] org (Adina Renee Adler)Format: Online
Description: Designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to influence policy processes and drive meaningful change.
Session 4: Fundraising in International Affairs
Dates/Time: 5:10 - 6:30pm EST on Tuesdays 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23.
Credits: 1
Professor: Suzanne Helm Ingram
Format: Online
Description: Designed to provide participants with the essential tools and strategies to secure the financial resources needed to drive international change.
Full List of Professional Skills Courses.
Our Faculty
Adina Adler
Executive Director of the Global Steel Climate Council
Amb. Bonnie Jenkins
Former Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security
John Glenn, PhD
Leading Policy Analysis in Washington DC
Suzanne Helm Ingram
Former Vice President for Philanthropy and Corporate Affairs at the Council on Foreign Relations
Who Should Apply
- Early- and mid-career professionals seeking to level-up
- Early- and mid-career practitioners seeking to transition to roles in international affairs
- Career changers looking to pivot into international affairs.
- Current graduate students or undergraduates with 60 completed credits.
Ready to lead? Learn more and apply to join.
Admissions Requirements
- A maximum 250-word statement of interest describing your professional background, interest in leadership in international affairs, and how this online, part-time program supports your career goals. (PDF)
- Resume (PDF)
- Unofficial transcript from degree-granting institution
Have questions? Contact our team esiaexecedgwu [dot] edu (esiagrad[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Cost
Tuition rates for the LIA Credential follow the standard non-degree tuition rate. Merit-based discounts are available.
Full Rate | Discount ( to 37.5% to 5%) | |
Non-degree tuition rate | $2,400 per credit hour | $1500 - $2280 |
Investment - Core Course (3 credits) | $7,200 | $2280- $6,840 |
Investment per skill course | $2,400 | $1500- $2280 |
How To Apply
Step 1: To apply, go to the application portal. You will first be prompted to create a username, confirm your email address, and then create a password. Once these steps are completed, you will be able to log in and start a new application.
Step 2: On the first page of the application, choose the following in order to apply for the Leadership in International Affairs Program (each field must be selected before the following fields options will populate).
- What type of program are you applying to? Elliott School of International Affairs
- Anticipated Enrollment Status: Part Time
- Degree Level: Non-Degree
- Program: Leadership in International Affairs
- Degree: Non-Degree
- Campus: Online
- Term: Summer 2026
If you have any application questions, please email: esiagradgwu [dot] edu (esiagrad[at]gwu[dot]edu)
FAQs
General Information
- What is the Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential?
The LIA Credential is a 6-credit, non-degree professional program offered by the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. It is designed to build practical leadership, policy, and strategic skills for individuals working in or seeking to enter international and global affairs.
- Who is the LIA Credential for?
The program is intended for early- to mid-career professionals in government, international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector, as well as career changers and current students (with 60 or more completed credits) who want to strengthen leadership and applied international affairs skills.
- Is the LIA Credential a degree?
No. The LIA Credential is a professional credential, not an academic degree. It focuses on applied, real-world learning rather than traditional academic theory.
- Can I take the LIA Credential while pursuing my graduate studies at GW, and do the credits count toward a degree?
Yes. GW students are able to pursue the LIA Credential while completing their graduate studies. For students enrolled in Elliott School master’s programs, it is very likely that LIA courses may be partially or fully double counted toward both the credential and their degree program, depending on their area of study and program requirements. Students in other GW schools should consult their academic advisors.
Program Structure
- What does the program include?
Participants complete one required 3-credit core course (Understanding Geopolitics and Leadership) and three 1-credit professional skills courses. Skills courses cover areas such as leadership, negotiation, advocacy, communication, data and technology, and other specialized international affairs topics. Participants may discuss which skills best fit their interests with the Assistant Dean of Executive Education.
- How long does it take to complete the program?
The credential can be completed in as few as 16 weeks or spread out over up to one year, depending on the participant’s schedule and course selection.
Is the program online or in person?
Most courses are offered online, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world. Some skills courses may be available in person or in hybrid formats.
Faculty & Learning Experience
- Who teaches the courses?
Courses are taught by Elliott School faculty and experienced practitioners, including former senior government officials and professionals from international organizations and policy institutions.
- What is the learning experience like?
The program emphasizes practical application through case studies, discussions, and real-world examples drawn from current international policy and leadership challenges.
Admissions & Cost
- What is required to apply?
Applicants submit a short statement of interest (up to 250 words), a résumé or CV, and an unofficial transcript from a degree-granting institution.
- Is enrollment rolling?
Yes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and participants may begin the program based on course availability.
- Is there an application fee?
No. There is no application fee for this program.
- How much does the program cost?
Tuition follows The George Washington University’s non-degree tuition rates. Current rates are available on the GW Student Accounts website: https://studentaccounts.gwu.edu/non-degree-tuition-rates
Credentials & Outcomes
- What do I receive upon completion?
Participants earn digital badges recognizing skills gained during the program and are awarded the Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential from the Elliott School of International Affairs at GW. The credential can be shared on résumés and LinkedIn profiles.
Additional Questions
- Can I work full time while enrolled?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals and offered in a part-time, flexible format.
- Who can I contact with questions?
For program or application questions, contact esiagrad
gwu [dot] edu (esiagrad[at]gwu[dot]edu) or esiaexecedgwu [dot] edu (esiaexeced[at]gwu[dot]edu).
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