How to Apply

Doctoral Degree

Applying to a doctoral program is a big step. So, to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible, we've put together a helpful checklist for your reference as you complete your application.

Deadlines

Fall Term

Application Opens—Sep 15

Final Deadline—Apr 1

Application Checklist

Completed Online Application

Our application is conveniently located online for you to complete at your own pace. There is a $50, non-refundable fee.

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Statement of Purpose

Please write an essay (four to five pages, double-spaced) indicating why you are seeking acceptance into the Doctor of Liberal Studies degree program. To strengthen your essay, it is recommended that you identify possible faculty members, courses, or areas of study within the program as well as across the University, that could support your anticipated doctoral thesis proposal.
Two Academic Papers

Please submit two academic papers, preferably from different disciplines. The applicant's name and the degree for which the paper was written must be written clearly on the first page of each paper. Other examples of writing may be substituted with approval from the Director of the Doctor of Liberal Studies program.
Resume or CV

Please submit an up-to-date version of your resume or CV.
Three Letters of Recommendation

Through the online application portal, you will be prompted to provide the contact information of three recommenders. They will then receive an electronic request with instructions for submitting a recommendation through the application portal. The email will be sent immediately upon saving your application.
- While we accept a variety of recommendation types, academic letters of recommendation are preferred due to the emphasis on pedagogy in this program. We will, however, accept recommendations from former supervisors or professional associates capable of appraising your academic and professional capabilities, and your present ability to pursue independent graduate work.
- Recommenders can submit their letters before you submit your application.
Transcripts from Previously Attended Undergraduate and Graduate Level Institutions

Applicants who attended a U.S. institution must submit (official or unofficial) transcripts from:
- all undergraduate institutions where 16 or more credits were earned
- all graduate institutions where any credit was earned
Applicants who attended an international institution must submit:
- an official course-by-course evaluation of any undergraduate and/or graduate level coursework from SpanTran/TEC, WES, or ECE
In order to ensure that U.S. accreditation standards, degree, course, and credit equivalencies are met, transcripts from higher education institutions outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a recognized foreign educational credential evaluator from the list below:
When necessary, please indicate scsadmissions@georgetown.edu as the intended recipient of the official course-by-course evaluation.

The Office of Admissions can request a transcript from a study abroad program or an official course-by-course evaluation if deemed necessary during the review of an admissions application. In certain cases, students who have participated in a formal study abroad program through their home institution may not need to submit a separate transcript from their visiting school. Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information regarding your particular circumstances.

Applicants who are enrolled in their final semester or quarter of their undergraduate degree can apply to a graduate program beginning in the Spring, Summer, or Fall semester (or as the program is offered). These applicants must provide a transcript or course-by-course evaluation which lists the courses in progress for their final term and must state an expected graduation month and year in order to be considered for admission.

If an applicant has been admitted and would like to enroll, an official transcript or course-by-course evaluation is required from every institution(s) where an applicant has earned a bachelor’s degree or taken any graduate-level coursework. The official transcript(s) and/or course-by-course evaluation must show proof of degree conferral and be sent to the Georgetown SCS Office of Admissions prior to the start of the term to which an applicant was admitted.

Preferred Method - Electronic (Select One Method):
1. Send it through an electronic service - National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment, if available.
2. Have your institution(s)'s Registrar email us your official transcript(s) to our Admissions Office at: scsadmissions@georgetown.edu
If your institution(s) only offers hard copy transcripts, then by mail:

Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies
Attn: Admissions Office
640 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001

If your transcript is sent to another school at Georgetown University by mistake, you will need to reorder the transcript and have it sent to the School of Continuing Studies.

All US institutions must be accredited through one of the bodies officially recognized by the US Department of Education.

Please contact the Office of Admissions at scsadmissions@georgetown.edu should you have any specific questions regarding your transcripts or application.
English Language Proficiency Exams

Graduate coursework at Georgetown University is reading- and writing-intensive and requires proficiency in written and spoken English.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose first language is not English or did not earn a degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English are required to complete one of the following English proficiency examinations or the highest level of the Intensive Academic English Program at Georgetown University’s English Language Center:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- TOEFL: Recommended score of 100 (iBT), 600 (paper-based test), or 250 (computer-based test)
  - TOEFL iBT MyBest™ scores are accepted for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.
- TOEFL Essentials exam is not accepted.
- School of Continuing Studies Institution Code: 5986
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS: Recommended score of 7.0.
- School of Continuing Studies Institution Code: 5986
Students should plan well in advance to complete the necessary tests and allow time for the Georgetown SCS Office of Admissions (institution code 5986) to receive the results.

Georgetown University Intensive Academic English Program
- Please note: Acceptance into, and completion of, the Intensive Academic English Program does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program at Georgetown University.
- An applicant may be accepted into a degree program on the condition that they complete the highest level of the Intensive Academic English Program before the start of their first term in the degree program.
There are additional requirements for international applicants.