A short history of The Fletcher School, educating global leaders for more than 90 years.
Founding and vision: An institution ahead of its time
In 1933, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy was founded thanks to a generous bequest of Dr. Austin Barclay Fletcher for the establishment and maintenance of a school dedicated to the study of law and diplomacy.
Dr. Fletcher's vision was clear: he aspired to create an institution that would prepare individuals for diplomatic service and provide a comprehensive education in foreign affairs. This encompassed not only a foundational understanding of international law but also a broad knowledge of the geographical and economic factors that shape the interactions between nations. Fletcher’s roots in diplomacy and international law remain strong.
Early Years: Collaborative from the beginning
The Fletcher School officially opened its doors in 1933, operating under the joint administration of Harvard University and Tufts College (now Tufts University).
The institution's first significant acquisition was Goddard Hall, which was thoughtfully converted into classrooms, offices and a library to support the academic pursuits of its students. By 1935, Tufts assumed exclusive responsibility for the administration of the school.
Expansion and Innovation: Redefining the education of tomorrow’s leaders
From the start, the curriculum was envisioned to be interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing history, economics, law and political science. Over the years, Fletcher has grown and adapted to the evolving landscape of international affairs education to advance its original mission and remain at the cutting edge of global affairs today.
Through the decades, Fletcher added fields of study in international business, environmental policy, human rights, and technology.
Fletcher’s interdisciplinary programs encompass a graduate certificate in business, many master's degree programs and two doctoral programs, providing a robust academic environment for students. Regardless of the degree program they pursue, students benefit from the opportunity to shape their degree by pursuing various specialized fields of study.
Fletcher also trains global leaders through our Executive Education office. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to helping public and private entities thrive in a dynamic market. We specialize in bespoke training experiences that adapt Fletcher’s curriculum and research findings into transformative learning using state-of-the-art practices in learning design and leadership education. From online courses to immersive retreats on campus, we continue to offer a variety of options for professional education.