William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship
Embark on a Career Path to Become a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in the U.S. Foreign Service
Through the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship, you will embark on a career path that will take you around the world, providing protection to U.S. personnel, facilities, and information, while supporting diplomacy.
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.
A high-profile State Department recruitment program, the Clarke DS Fellowship aims to attract qualified candidates to the Diplomatic Security Service. A merit- and need-based program, the Clarke DS Fellowship encourages applications from individuals across the United States, including those with financial need.
Eligibility
Please see the Clarke DS Fellowship website for current eligibility requirements.
Program Benefits
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.
Dates and Deadlines
Please see the Clarke DS Fellowship website for current information on application dates and deadlines.
How to Apply
Please visit the Clarke DS Fellowship website to access the application portal. On the website, you will also find more information about the fellowship program, required application documents, the Department of State's clearance processes, the Physical Readiness Test, and more.
About Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents
As a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent in the Bureau of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), you are a sworn federal law enforcement officer and specially trained Foreign Service security professional. This career is about more than providing protection — it is also a way to contribute to changing the world.
While serving overseas as a Regional Security Officer, a Special Agent advises the U.S. Ambassador on all security matters and manages a complex range of security programs designed to protect personnel, facilities, and information. DSS Special Agents protect the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.