Admissions

Tuition at the Georgetown Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is calculated per semester according to the number of credit-hours our students take. You can find information on the cost per credit-hours here. 

The Conflict Resolution program is a 16-month, 34 credit-hour degree.

The normative course progression – or the number of credits students should take if they follow the standard, full-time progress of the degree – is:

First fall: 10 credits

Spring: 9 credits

Summer: 6 credits

Second fall: 9 credits.

Note that the total credit-hours for the first year equals 25 and, for the second, 9. 

All prospective students are encouraged to explore relevant information on costs available from the university.

All applicants are eligible for scholarship consideration. The CR Program awards a small number of partial tuition scholarships to first year students.  Please note that scholarship availability may change from year to year, and funding is limited. 

Some CR students find external scholarship funding through their own research. The following resources have helped students secure funding:

• Georgetown University Office of Fellowships, Awards and Resources 
• International Educational Financial Aid

All American citizens should complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) for consideration for federal aid. All prospective students are encouraged to review financing information provided by the Georgetown Office of Student Financial Services for more guidance.

Q: Will you waive the application or deposit fees?

A: No, we do not waive these fees.

Q: What is the average GPA or GRE of your accepted students?

A: The program does not publish admissions GPA or GRE data. Please note that we evaluate each application as a whole, not just GPA and GRE. GRE scores are recommended but not required for applicants.

Q: What does it mean that GRE scores are recommended but not required?

A: If you have taken the GRE and want to submit your scores, we welcome those submissions. If the GRE score can tell us something about your record and your potential to succeed in the program that your other materials do not, then we want to take your scores into account when considering your application. However, if you do not wish to take the test or submit your scores, we consider applications complete without the inclusion of GRE scores.

Q: How many students apply and are accepted into the program each year?

A: We are a competitive program. Our admissions statistics are not public and vary with each academic year.

Q: Do you provide scholarships?

A: We provide a limited amount of funding to our top candidates. Anywhere from 3 – 9 credits of tuition coverage during the first academic year. All applicants are automatically considered for merit during the application period and second-year scholarships are not offered.

Q: How can I become a Research Assistant (RA)?

A: If RA positions are available, you may be notified of an opportunity to apply close to the time you are accepted to the program. These are hourly positions. Students may work 10 -15 hours per week. The RA positions do not provide tuition forgiveness or stipends.

Q: How can I fund my education?

A: Most students fund their graduate degree with a combination of Financial Aid, student loans, and private scholarships. We recommend the Peace and Collaborative Development Network (PCDN) as an information resource.

Q: Where do I send my official test scores and transcripts?

A: Applicants should follow the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application submission requirements as published on their website (Link to Graduate School application submission requirements).

Q: How do I submit my official recommendations?

A: When you apply via the Graduate School online application system, you will be guided through this process.

Q: What should I say in my Statement of Purpose?

A: We are looking for applicants with a passion to study Conflict Resolution at Georgetown and what specifically about our program has inspired you to seek admission?

Q: Do you require an interview?

A: No, this is not a requirement for admission to our program.

Q: Do I need work experience to apply to the CR program?

A: No, prior work experience is not an admissions requirement.

Q: Does the academic writing sample need to be 10 – 20 pages in length?

A: Yes, please submit one 10 – 20 page paper that best demonstrates your academic writing ability.

Q: My transcript is in another language, what should I do?

A: Please see the Graduate School’s application submission instructions for information regarding how to submit international transcripts.

Q: When will I be notified if I’ve been offered admission to the program?

A: Applicants will be notified by March 15th.

Q: Is it possible to defer admission?

A: Yes, if you are accepted, you can apply for deferral via the Deferral Form. You may defer for up to two academic years.

Q: I have additional questions about the application process, where can I find answers?

A: Please consult the Graduate School’s FAQs page. 

Q: Can you offer financial assistance for my travel to Open House

A: No, we are not budgeted to cover your expenses.

In 2020, our Open House was online.

Q: When is Orientation?

A: New students have a two-day orientation. The first orientation will be hosted by the Department of Government for all of its MA students on Monday, August 22, 2022. The second orientation will be hosted by the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

Q: When does the program start?

A: Classes begin on Wednesday, August 24, 2022.

Q: Where can I find an academic calendar?

A: The Main Campus academic calendar can be found on the Office of the University Registrar’s website.

Q: When do I register for Fall 2022 classes?

A: Admitted students will register for classes in June. The program will contact students over the summer with registration instructions. The schedule of classes is publicly listed on the University Registrar’s website.

Q: Where can I find information about housing?

A: Washington DC can be a challenging place to find suitable housing, so start your search early. Contact the Off-Campus Housing Office in the Office of Neighborhood Life via email at guochrs@georgetown.edu or visit their website.

Q: I didn’t receive a merit scholarship for the upcoming academic year, can I still receive program funding?

A: No, we have already offered our budgeted aid for the academic year. Students are only eligible for aid during their first year in the program.

Q: If I defer my acceptance, will I be reconsidered for the following year?

A: If you defer you will have a spot in the incoming class of the following year, should you choose to take it up.

Q: What is the cost of the Master of Arts Degree in Conflict Resolution?

A: Georgetown University charges tuition based on the total number of credits a student takes in a given semester. A full breakdown of tuition and associated fees can be found on the University’s Office of Student Financial Services Cost of Attendance page under the “Arts and Sciences” tab. When estimating your tuition costs, keep in mind that the average, full-time CR student takes 26 credits in the first year of study (fall, spring, and summer semesters) and 8 credits in the second year (fall semester).

Q: What are other options for funding my education?

A: Many CR students find external scholarship funding through their own research. The Georgetown University Office of Fellowships, Awards, and Resources has helped students secure funding.

Q: I see a financial hold on my account – who do I contact to clear the hold or discuss where the hold is coming from?

A: For Financial Aid questions, contact the Office of Student Financial Services. All students are assigned a financial aid officer to help answer their financial aid questions.