Eligibility Requirements for the Clarke DS Fellowship

The Clarke DS Fellowship, designed as a two-year cohort model, offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships.

To be eligible to apply for the 2027 cohort, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be at least 19 years old and no older than 32 years old when you apply (except for preference-eligible veterans).
  • Be enrolled or planning to in a full-time bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program, in an academic discipline relevant to Diplomatic Security Service skills needs, at a U.S.-based accredited institution. Examples of majors include criminology and criminal justice, homeland security, cybersecurity, computer science, international relations, political science, foreign languages, intelligence studies, psychology and sociology. You can explain how your major serves DSS needs on the application.
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in spring 2029 after completing four full-time semesters as a Clarke DS Fellow starting in fall 2027.  (If you are in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s degree program, please email clarkedsfellowship@twc.edu to see if you are eligible).
  • Hold a minimum cumulative 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have valid U.S. driver’s license at the time of the finalists selection.

As a Clarke DS Fellow, you must:

  • Take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) as a baseline (Clarke DS Fellows and alternates will be required to take the PRT).
  • Receive and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
  • Maintain eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • Meet a minimum medical qualification standard, including supplemental physical qualification standards specific to Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents.
  • Pass a Suitability Review.
  • 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.
  • Pass a pre-employment Physical Readiness Test (PRT) prior to graduation.
  • Pass the Foreign Service Specialist Assessment (FSSA) prior to graduation.
  • Agree to a three-year commitment and be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
  • Pass the Diplomatic Security Special Agent Test (DSSAT) by the end of your three-year commitment as a DSS Special Agent.

Once appointed as a DSS Special Agent, you will be required to successfully undergo and pass a rigorous training program, including:

  • Criminal investigative training and certification.
  • Firearm training and qualification.
  • Physical readiness standards and tests.
  • Specialized driving tactics and defensive techniques.
  • Specialized training in the protection of dignitaries, diplomatic facilities and sensitive information.