Why Georgetown University?

Making an Impact

As an undergraduate, alumnus Roland Dimaya co-founded GUMSHOE - the Georgetown University Math and Science Hands-On Enrichment - a tutoring program for DC high school students in math and science.  Read more here.

Founded in 1789 - the same year the U.S. Constitution took effect - Georgetown is the nation's oldest Catholic, Jesuit university.

Georgetown has grown into a major global university that includes four undergraduate schools, respected graduate programs, a law school, and a medical school.

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies (NHS) was founded in 1903.

NHS is now home to four vibrant undergraduate majors and nationally ranked graduate programs. 

The NHS Office of Admissions and Outreach has prepared some Q&As about the Washington, Georgetown, and NHS experience. 
What is it like to live in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, the nation's capital, is a dynamic international city with a vibrant cultural life and history. 

Many major attractions in the city are free-of-charge, including touring the White House, Capitol Building, and Washington Monument; visiting the Smithsonian Institute and the National Gallery of Art; and participating in historic high-profile events, such as the inauguration of the country's president every four years.  The list goes on.

Does Georgetown's location enhance the student experience?

Opportunities for student growth within the city are virtually limitless.  The seat of the federal government, the city allows students to complement their education with internships on Capitol Hill and within agencies, think tanks, global organizations, major health systems, and scientific institutes.  

Its location also means that high-profile speakers regularly visit campus.  Examples include heads of state, religious leaders, major government officials, scientific innovators, literary and performing arts figures, and well-known athletes.

And in keeping with the university's committment to educating "men and women for others," students regularly collaborate with local communities.  Examples include academic and tutoring efforts, health promotion initiatives, outreach to the area's homeless, and flu vaccination programs.

Photo Album

Who are some of Georgetown's well-known alumni?

Once enrolled, students at Georgetown join a community that includes many well-known graduates who lead in a variety of fields.  A few examples:

  • Bill Clinton, 42nd president of the United States
  • Antonin Scalia, Supreme Court justice
  • Andrew Natsios, former USAID administrator
  • Patricia Grady, director of the National Institute of Nursing Research
  • Andrew C. von Eschenbach, former FDA commissioner
  • Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, president of the Philippines
  • Laura Chinchilla, president of Costa Rica
What's a Hoya? Other Georgetown traditions?

At Georgetown's sporting events, the crowd often chants, "Hoya Saxa."  What does that mean?

Many years ago, when all Georgetown students were required to study Greek and Latin, the university's teams were nicknamed "The Stonewalls." It is suggested that a student, using Greek and Latin terms, started the cheer "Hoya Saxa," which translates into "What Rocks." The name proved popular and the term "Hoyas" was eventually adopted for all Georgetown teams.

On a related note, the university's mascot is Jack the Bulldog and its official colors are blue and gray - chosen after the Civil War to signify a union of the north and south.

What is campus life like for students?

Georgetown University's 104-acre residential campus is home to vibrant student organizations, annual signature events, a rich intellectual learning environment, and an active spiritual life that supports many faith traditions.

Some major campus events each year are New Student Orientation, Parents' Weekend, Jesuit Heritage Week, Georgetown Day, and Commencement.

In addition, one popular event among the student body occurs each year on Halloween.  In 1972, parts of the horror classic The Exorcist were filmed on and around campus, including the infamous stairs located at 36th and Prospect Streets NW.  Many students gather to relive the terror in Gaston Hall annually on October 31.  Georgetown alumnus William Peter Blatty wrote the original novel and the movie's Academy Award-winning screenplay.

Can I study abroad and pursue pre-med at NHS?

Yes.  All undergraduate majors can study abroad.  In addition, all NHS undergraduates can pursue the pre-med curriculum, as well as apply to take advantage of the Early Assurance Program to Georgetown University School of Medicine.

What is the school's learning environment like?

NHS is a rich intellectual community with leading faculty members and an active student body.  In addition to the many resources at Georgetown University, NHS houses a variety of programs and facilities that support the learning environment for its students.

For example, NHS houses two innovative facilities: the O'Neill Family Foundation Clinical Simulation Center, which includes high-fidelity patient simulators, and the Discovery Center, a research and teaching laboratory.

The school fosters faculty-student research collaboration, and each year it hosts the regional Undergraduate Research Conference.  Students also publish the online peer-reviewed Georgetown Journal of Health Sciences.

Aside from these groups, students are also very active in the NHS Academic Council, Healthcare Executives of Georgetown University, Minority Health Initiative Group, National Student Nurses Association, and Peer Advisors.

Where do I go after my degree?

NHS alumni live around the world, working in nursing, global health, medicine, scientific research, health care management, etc.  Recent classes have entered the workforce, pursued graduate studies, or committed to service.  A few examples:

  • Yale School of Public Health
  • Harvard School of Public Health
  • Harvard School of Medicine
  • University of Michigan Medical School
  • Accenture
  • Georgetown University Hospital
  • Children’s National Medical Center
  • Deloitte Consulting
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Teach for America
  • Washington Hospital Center
Okay. I'm interested. How can I learn more about NHS?

The best way to learn more about our programs at NHS is to visit the academic department's Web sites, which include programmatic overview information, admissions information, and information on how to apply now. 

Use this chart to navigate the programs at NHS to learn which is best for you.

In addition, high school or transfer students can always visit the university's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.  Prospective graduate students should visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Other important resources for your review include: On-Campus Housing, Off-Campus Housing, Dining Services, and the Office of Student Financial Services.

Lastly, please always feel free to contact the NHS Office of Admissions and Outreach for more information.  

Our contact information - street address, directions, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses - is available here.