Washington (May 6, 2024) — Sam Houston State University (SHSU), which offers one of the largest and most prestigious criminal justice programs in the nation, has become a Supporting Partner of the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship.

As a Supporting Partner, SHSU identifies 13 master’s degree programs eligible for the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship. The Clarke DS Fellowship tuition assistance fully covers the tuition cost of these programs.

SHSU will waive the application fee for Clarke DS Fellowship candidates applying to these two-year, full-time programs:

  • Master of Science in Homeland Security (Online and on campus)
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice (Online)
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management (Online)
  • Master of Science in Victim Services Management (Online)
  • Master of Science in Forensic Science
  • Master of Science in Project Management (Online)
  • Master of Science in Computing and Data Science
  • Master of Science in Digital Forensics (Online)
  • Master of Science in Information Assurance & Cybersecurity (Online)
  • Master of Science in Mathematics
  • Master of Science in Statistics
  • Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems

“We’re thrilled to become a Supporting Partner of this high-profile U.S. Department of State recruitment program,” says Jeff Harris, Public Information Officer for SHSU. “The Clarke DS Fellowship’s commitment to attracting qualified candidates from across the United States aligns with SHSU’s strategic priority to prioritize student success and student access by eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps.”

Funded by the Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC), the Clarke DS Fellowship is a unique diversity recruitment program that provides academic funding for a two-year master’s degree program while preparing fellows to enter the Foreign Service as  Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents.

The Clarke DS Fellowship provides:

  • Up to $42,000 annually in academic funding for tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, and some travel expenses, for a two-year master’s degree program.
  • Two summer practicums with stipend support with the Diplomatic Security Service (one in Washington, D.C., and one overseas at a U. S. embassy or consulate).
  • Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, Clarke DS Fellows receive an appointment 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 personnel, property, and sensitive information around the world.

For more information about the SHSU Supporting Partnership, see the Partners page on the Clarke DS Fellowship. Download the PDF flyer for more information.

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About The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

The Washington Center creates flexible, immersive pathways to enhance the pipeline of diverse talent that build more equitable, inclusive workplaces and communities. Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. We use our scale and expertise to customize each learner’s experience to be truly transformative.

About the Sam Houston State University

For more than 140 years, SHSU has prepared students for meaningful lives of achievement. Its motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” resonates among its more than 21,000 students, eight colleges and well beyond its Huntsville roots.

SHSU is ranked among the top colleges/universities for social mobility in U.S. News & World Report. From medical and doctoral degrees, undergraduate to graduate programs, SHSU provides an exceptional college experience for every student.