Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve attempted to answer every question you could have for us but if there’s still something you’re concerned about or we haven’t answered please don’t hesitate to reach out:

Georgetown University
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Graduate Admissions
Email: gradmail@georgetown.edu
Phone: 202-687-5568

Student, Alumni, and Program Overview

Application and Admissions Processes

The Georgetown University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences requires applications be submitted via the online application system.

The academic writing sample should demonstrate your ability to conduct scholarly research and construct a well-formed argument. Applicants who have work experience may choose to submit a professional writing sample. The applicant should be the sole author of any writing sample.

A strong statement of purpose will clearly demonstrate your interest and ability to contribute to the field of democratic governance reform in general, and the Georgetown M.A. Program in Democracy and Governance in particular. Avoid simply listing your accomplishments and previous academic or work experiences.

The deadline for applications is generally mid January. Applications must be received by the deadline. Please review the program’s application material requirements for more information.

Yes! Many of the program’s students complete the program on a part-time basis throughout the entire length of the program or after their first year of coursework.  Part-time students typically take two classes per semester and have three years to complete the program, including summer session. Many classes meet in the late afternoon or evening to accommodate working students, and most graduate-level courses at Georgetown meet once a week.

Academic recommendations are preferred, but if you are several years out of school, professional recommendations are acceptable.  Recommenders should be able to clearly speak to your analytical, writing, and research abilities, as well as your preparation for graduate-level study.

Typically there are between 25-30 students enrolled in the Democracy and Governance Program.

The majority of the application process occurs online, including submission of your application form, application fee, résumé, statement of purpose, writing sample, and letters of recommendation.  Remaining materials (transcripts, etc.) can be mailed to:

Georgetown University
The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Office of Graduate Admissions
Box 571004
Washington, DC 20057-1004

We aim to notify applicants of our admissions decisions in early to mid-March.

Yes, deferral is possible with approval from the program.

You can find these on our main admissions page under statistics.

You can find these on our main admissions page under statistics.

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS if they have not previously received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a college or university where English is the language of instruction.

The GRE is recommended but not required. Georgetown’s ETS code is 5244

Curriculum

The Democracy and Governance program offers a range of courses on contemporary issues in promoting sustained democratization and achieving effective governance, focused around four core fields: history and theories of democracy and democratization; democracy, governance and institutions; democracy and civil society; and democracy, governance, and development policy. Please visit our Curriculum page for more details on courses offered.

Yes.  Students can transfer as many as six credits.

Yes.  You can have as many as nine (9) credits from other universities in the D.C. Consortium of Universities. 

Financial Aid

Funding at the Master’s level is limited, and we provide limited merit aid, teaching or research assistantships for several incoming students. Many Democracy and Governance students work either part-time in various internship positions or work full-time and attend the program part-time.

Careers and Opportunities

Program alumni pursue careers in many different field such as international development, international security, and public policy. Students and alumni work for the U.S. Government, national/international non-profit organizations, and for-profit consulting firms. Please visit our Internships and Careers page for more information.

Yes, several alumni have gone on to pursue Ph.D. studies following completion of the program.

Yes. The majority of Democracy and Governance students work either part-time in various internship positions or work full-time and attend the program part-time. These positions typically complement the program’s curriculum and the student’s career interests. Students may receive six (6) credits toward their degree from independent studies related to interning in a relevant position.