BMCC Launches Introduction to Diplomacy Academic Course

From political prisoner exchanges to instability and upheaval in the Middle East, South America and beyond, the need for a well-trained global diplomatic corps has never been more critical.

With more than 116 foreign consulates and 193 permanent missions at the United Nations, New York City is home to the world’s largest diplomatic corps. Job market demand for skilled, well-trained diplomatic personnel, as well as individuals proficient in global developments will likely increase in the coming years. Estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics say employment of international relations professionals—including diplomats—will increase by six percent through 2029.

Starting this Fall, Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) students will have the opportunity to enroll in an Introduction to Diplomacy course that will provide students with a foundation for onward study and an eventual career in diplomacy. The elective course, which provides students with three academic credits, is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Ethnic and Race Studies and the Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training which launched in May 2024.

“The study of diplomacy can lead to dynamic, growing career pathways at the U.S. Department of State, foreign ministries and consulates, international organizations such as the United Nations, and global corporations where cross-cultural competencies are required,” said Dr. Daniel Katz, Director, Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training. “Students who complete the course will gain a more thorough understanding of diplomacy and its origins, future directions and practical applications.”

The BMCC Introduction to Diplomacy course is the only one of its kind among CUNY community colleges according to Dr. Katz.

In addition to classroom engagement, students will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and undertake site visits to New York City-based diplomatic missions as well as the United Nations. Students will examine the many challenges and opportunities diplomats and other personnel face when they represent their governments abroad.

BMCC’s introductory course will be taught by Ethnic and Race Studies Professor, Dr. Judith Anderson, a cultural anthropologist and Afro-Latin Americanist whose research focuses on Black political mobilization in present-day Buenos Aires, Argentina. Dr. Anderson has served as a Council on Foreign Relations Educational Ambassador and also twice served as a Council of American Overseas Research Centers faculty fellow in both Senegal and India. Since 2020, she has regularly been an invited lecturer for the Foreign Service Institute.

Future BMCC academic courses that are created in collaboration with the Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training, such as Introduction to Diplomacy, will be designed for degree seeking students who are looking to start careers in the diplomatic or international arena.

Meanwhile too, the Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training, which is housed under the College’s Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, will offer courses and training to incumbent professionals including current diplomats, consular officials and others seeking increased skills or professional development.

“In early September, we will convene the inaugural gathering of the advisory board of the Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training,” said Dr. Katz. “The group is comprised of 16 global leaders from the diplomatic, corporate and philanthropic communities in New York City and internationally. The purpose of the board is to provide guidance, input and feedback concerning the office’s goals, operations and activities and help BMCC’s Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training develop into one of the premier programs for international diplomacy.”

Dr. Katz says the office is also developing a wide range of strategic partnerships with top academic and research institutions including the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at City College of New York (CCNY).

The Office of Diplomatic Engagement and Training is another component of BMCC President Anthony E. Munroe’s efforts to bring a more globalized experience to the College. Over the past few years, BMCC has signed agreements with institutions in India, Italy and Jamaica. BMCC was also recently one of four U.S. institutions, and the only community college, to receive a $1 million grant from the Council on International Educational Exchange to expand BMCC’s Study Abroad program.