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) only offered during the 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:
- Data & Technology—GIS, Tableau, AI, M&E, Data Visualization
- 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
Tailor your experience to your professional needs.
Learn from faculty and experienced practitioners.
Gain skills you can use immediately.
Course Lineup
Summer 2026
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.
Fall 2026
Coming soon!
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 can be found on the Non-Degree Tuition Rates Page. There is no application fee for this program.
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).
Transform insight into action—earn your credential.
Partner with the Elliott School to lead global change.
Join the first cohort of emerging global leaders.