Frequently Asked Questions

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.

What makes a good personal statement?

A strong statement of purpose will clearly demonstrate your interest and ability to contribute to the field of democracy and governance promotion 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.

What sort of academic writing sample should be submitted?

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.

Do my recommendations have to come from professors?

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.

How many students are in the Democracy & Governance Program?

Typically there are between 30-35 students enrolled in the Democracy and Governance Program.

Where should I mail my application materials?

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

When will I be notified of my admission decision?

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

If accepted, can I defer my admission?

Yes, deferral is possible with approval from the program.

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Testing and Scores

What are the minimum test scores and GPAs required for admission?

There is no minimum required GRE score. However, the average score is 1250. Applicant GPAs must be over 3.0. International applicants taking the TOEFL must have a minimum score of 550 if taking the paper-based test or 80 if taking the iBT, though both the Democracy and Governance Program and the Department of Government prefer scores of 90-100 on the iBT exam. International applicants taking the IELTS – Academic Module must achieve a minimum academic band score of 7.0.

What are the average GRE, TOEFL scores, and GPAs for enrolled students? Can you provide some class profile statistics (years of work experience, number of international students, etc.)?

You can find these and other statistics on our Program Facts & Statistics page.

Do I have to take the TOEFL or IELTS?

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.

Am I required to take the GRE if I took the TOEFL/IELTS, or the GMAT/LSAT?

Yes, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants. To submit your results, Georgetown's ETS code is 5244.

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Financial Aid

Does the Democracy & Governance Program award scholarships?

Funding at the Master's level is limited. As such, the Democracy & Governance Program typically awards only a small number of scholarships for the first year of the program. These are primarily merit-based, though need may be considered. See additional information on our financial aid page.

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Careers and Opportunities

What kinds of careers do Democracy & Governance graduates pursue?

Program alumni pursue careers in many different field related to democracy promotion, international development, 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.

Do Democracy & Governance students pursue Ph.D. programs after graduating?

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

Do many students work while taking courses?

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 up to six (6) credits toward their degree for interning or working in a relevant position.

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Curriculum

What types of courses are offered?

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.

Can I transfer credits?

Yes. Students can transfer as many as six credits.

Can I take classes at another university in Washington, D.C.?

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

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Democracy and Governance Studies