William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Clarke DS Fellowship is a two-year graduate fellowship program designed for individuals who want to pursue a master’s degree and a career as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service. DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers.

This unique fellowship program is designed for individuals planning to enter a master’s degree program starting in Fall 2023 and who are interested in a career as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service. DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, responsible for the security of Foreign Service personnel, property, and sensitive information around the world.

As a Clarke DS Fellow, you will receive:

• Up to $24,000 annually for tuition for a two-year, full-time master’s degree program.
• Up to $18,000 annually during the two years of graduate study for room and board, books/laboratory fees, and other academic expenses, and travel between your residence and graduate school.
• Two summer practicums (with stipends, housing, and travel allowances): one at a U.S. Department of State office in Washington, D.C., and one overseas at a U. S. embassy or consulate. 
• Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
• An appointment as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

The Clarke DS Fellowship is designed as a two-year cohort model. Fellows selected for the 2024 cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall 2024 (and entering the first semester of a master’s degree program) and will complete the fellowship in summer 2026.

To be eligible to apply for the 2024 cohort, you must meet all the criteria below:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 19 years old and no older than 32 years old (except for preference-eligible veterans).
• Be planning to begin a two-year full-time master’s degree program starting in fall 2024 at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
• Be on a timeline to graduate with your 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.
• Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.
• Have a valid U.S. driver’s license if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.

As a Clarke DS Fellow, you must:

• Meet a minimum medical qualification standard, including supplemental physical qualification standards specific to Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents; receive and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI); pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT), and pass a Suitability Review.
• Maintain physical fitness standards to ensure you can pass the final PRT prior to onboarding as a DSS Special Agent.
• Agree to a three-year commitment with the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
• Fulfill the two summer practicum obligations (the first one in the summer after selection, the second one in the summer after your first year of graduate school).
• Maintain your status as a full-time student (fall and spring semesters) in your approved degree program.
• Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and stay on the two-year timeline to graduate with your degree.
• Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent immediately after successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements.

Once appointed, DSS Special Agents:

• Are required to successfully pass a rigorous training program, including firearms training.
• Are required to carry a firearm and use it if necessary.
• Are required to take and pass specialized driving training.

Virtual Information Session

Thursday August 31, 2023 | 3:00pm (EST)

At this session, you'll hear:

• An overview of the Clarke DS Fellowship program and the role of DSS Special Agent in the Foreign Service
• How the Clarke DS Fellowship program is aligned with the State Department’s goals to attract talent that reflects the diversity of the United States
• Eligibility requirements and benefits
• Timeline of the fellowship program
• Requirements of applicants selected as finalists and requirements of Clarke DS Fellows
• And much more!
• You'll have a chance to ask questions during a live Q&A session.

If you aren't able to attend the live webinar, you'll get an email immediately after the webinar with access to the replay.

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