How to Apply

Graduate Certificates

Applying to graduate school 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.

No Standardized Test Scores Required

Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies does not require nor review GRE or GMAT test scores for admission to our graduate programs.

Deadlines

Fall Term

Application Opens—Sep 15

  • Priority Deadline—Apr 1
  • Final Deadline—Jun 15

Spring Term

Application Opens—May 1

  • Priority Deadline—Oct 15
  • Final Deadline—Dec 1

Summer Term

Application Opens—Aug 1

  • Priority Deadline—Feb 15
  • Final Deadline—Apr 15

If you are an international applicant who requires F-1 or J-1 visa support, you must submit all required application materials by the priority deadline.

Note: The EMPS programs only admit students for the fall semester.

Application Checklist

  1. Completed Online Application

    Our application is conveniently located online for you to complete at your own pace. If you submit your application by the priority deadline, your application fee will be waived. Applications received after the priority deadline will be subject to a $50, non-refundable fee.

    Apply Now

  2. Resume or CV

    Submit an up-to-date resume or CV; this should be no longer than two pages.

  3. Statement of Purpose

    Write an essay explaining why you are interested in pursuing this specific master's degree and why you are a strong candidate for the program. Your response should be three pages, typed, and double-spaced. Please address the following questions in your response:

    • What are the specific academic and professional qualities you possess that could help you excel within this program?
    • What goals do you hope to achieve if you are accepted into this program?

    Tips for Statements of Purpose

  4. Two Letters of Recommendation

    Through the online application portal, you will be prompted to provide the contact information for two 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.

    • Recommendations should be completed by supervisors who can attest to your professional abilities.
    • Recommendations from former professors are acceptable for applicants with limited professional experience.
    • Recommenders can submit their letters before you submit your application.

    Tips for Recommendations

  5. 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.

  6. Writing & Work Samples

    Writing samples can include published or unpublished works. Applicants can also submit links to video, photography, or other creative work that is relevant to your degree program. See below for program-specific details. 

    Design Management & Communications: Samples can include creative strategies, digital design elements or images of physical design elements, social media campaigns, or marketing communications plans.

    Integrated Marketing Communications: Writing samples can include consumer research, marketing communications plans, or creative strategies.

    Journalism: Writing samples can include blog posts, essays, or articles.

    Public Relations & Corporate Communications: Writing samples can include press releases, communication plans, or opinion editorials.

    Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

    • Option 1: Write an essay using a book of your choice. It should be about five pages in length, typed and double-spaced. It should describe the author's central argument, proposal, or theme. Be sure to describe how this is developed in the book, as well as any conclusions you may have reached.
    • Option 2: Submit an academic paper from a previous graduate or undergraduate course of at least seven and no more than ten pages in length. Make sure your name and the course title is included on each page.
    • Option 3: Submit a published writing sample, such as a journal article.

  7. 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.