A Matter of Degree: Graduate and Post-Graduate Studies The unparalleled number of renowned international colleges in the Washington metropolitan area not only attracts legions of undergraduate students, it also lures many working professionals looking to broaden their horizons with a masterís degree, doctorate, or short-term coursework. Many of these programs are particularly geared toward the large diplomatic community posted in Washington, D.C. One cannot discuss graduate-level international education without mentioning Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., a pioneer in customized diplomatic training programs. Although the university does offer its undergraduates a healthy dose of international coursework, the bedrock of JHUís international program is the widely recognized Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) for graduate and post-graduate students. Lauded for its highly individualized curriculum and problem-solving approach to world affairs, SAIS prides itself on equipping students with the practical skills needed to further their careers and grapple with todayís evolving world of international diplomacy. Whether it comes to dealing with the mass media, keeping pace with globalization, crafting viable poli tical and economic policies, understanding U.S. politics, mastering the English language, or simply becoming more computer literate, SAIS adjusts its curriculum to suit almost any professional need. Much of this coursework is housed in the Diplomatic Leadership Development Program, one in a series of Executive Education Programs devoted to midcareer professionals. SAIS also sponsors a one-year course of study for a master of international public policy degree as well as the more traditional masterís in international relations. Diplomatic envoys in Washington, D.C., can also look no further than their own city to find a slew of other programs that target midcareer professionals. Georgetown University, American University and The George Washington University, all hallmarks of undergraduate international education, have also established themselves as leaders in post-graduate programsóall of which are designed to cater to the working professional with late afternoon and early evening courses, flexible completion times and highly personalized fields of study. Georgetown for example offers the Institute for the Study of Diplomacyís Associates program, which hosts government representatives from around the globe for one year of independent study; the annual Georgetown Leadership Seminar (GLS), which provides emerging world leaders with a unique venue for off-the-record discussions on key global issues; and a fellows in foreign service, a one-year certificate program. In addition to AUís masterís and doctoral degrees in international relations, its School of International Service also boasts an executive masterís program that can be completed in 10 months of full-time study or 15 months of part-time study. The Comprehensive Proseminar in International Affairs prepares professionals for key positions in various international organizations, and candidates with significant professional experience in international affairs may also apply for a credit waiver. Similarly, The Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University offers short executive programs, a midcareer master of international policy and practice degree that students have up to three years to complete, and graduate certificates that are open to those with at least eight years of professional experience. ó Anna Gawel