Degrees and Programs in Graduate Liberal Studies

How to Apply

To make applying as simple and straightforward as possible, we've put together a checklist of everything you need to complete your application. From detailed requirements to helpful how-to articles, the checklist below will help you navigate the application process. And if you have any questions along the way, please feel free to contact me.

Your Admissions Advisor

Ann Heard
Director of Admissions
aeh88@georgetown.edu
202-687-6621

Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies does not require GRE or GMAT test scores for admission to our Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree program.

Deadlines

Fall Term

  • Priority 1—March 1
  • Priority 2—May 1
  • Rolling—August 1

Spring Term

  • Priority—October 15
  • Rolling—December 1

Summer Term

  • Priority—February 15
  • Rolling—May 1

  1. Completed Online Application

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

    Apply Now

  2. Resume or CV

    Your resume or CV should be no longer than two pages.

  3. Personal statement

    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 to five 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?
    • How do ethics factor into your everyday life—both personally and professionally? Briefly describe a situation when you've had to rely on your personal ethics to make a difficult decision or overcome a challenge. What did you learn from this experience?

    Tips for Personal Statements

  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. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

    Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions in the United States, where credit has been earned, should be mailed to the Georgetown SCS Admissions Office. Transcripts should either be sent in an envelope sealed by the school's registrar, or via an official online transcript provider to scsadmissions@georgetown.edu.

    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. Transcripts sent to another school cannot be retrieved.

    • If you have already completed your bachelor's degree, your transcript must state your degree and degree conferral date to be considered official.
    • If you are currently completing an undergraduate degree, you are only eligible to apply for the fall term. Your degree must be conferred by July in order for you to be granted full admission status.
    • All U.S. institutions must be accredited through one of the bodies officially recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions outside of the United States, where credit has been earned, should be evaluated by WES or ECE. Applicants should request the course-by-course evaluation. It is not necessary to send additional copies of your official transcripts.

    Applicants must demonstrate that they have successfully completed a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree before they may be considered for admission to a master's program. Please be advised Georgetown SCS will not review graduate applications while a bachelor's degree is in progress at a higher education institution outside the U.S. Applicants applying to a master's program should complete the degree before obtaining a WES or ECE evaluation. For application consideration for the fall term, we must receive a WES or ECE evaluation showing degree conferral by May 1.

  6. Writing Sample

    • 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 Proficiency

    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 are required to complete one of the following English proficiency examinations:

    • TOEFL: Minimum score of 100 (iBT), 600 (paper-based test), or 250 (computer-based test)
    • IELTS: Minimum score of 7.0

    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.

    There are additional requirements for international applicants.

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