How to Apply

You should have completed at least six semesters of lower-division Spanish or Portuguese with a C or better or the equivalent of Georgetown’s Advanced II level in either language.

Applications are submitted through our online application portal.

You must upload a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) to your online application. Your resume should describe your work experience, extracurricular or volunteer activities, academic institutions attended, list of published work and any academic honors or awards.

In 500 words, describe your academic interests, future goals and how this program is suited to help you explore those interests.

Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. Review the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Transcript FAQs for more information.

Academic transcript submissions

• Step 1: Request a copy of your official transcript from your institution(s).
• Step 2: Upload the transcript to your application.

An acceptable transcript is a copy of an official transcript produced by the institution, including:

• Scanned copies of paper transcripts issued by the institution.
• Electronic transcripts issued by the institution (not a download from your institution’s web portal).

We do not accept screenshots, photos or downloads of the “student’s view” from your institution’s website.

Non-U.S. college or university academic transcripts 

Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts in the form of World Education Services Credential Evaluations or to utilize other credential evaluation services that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. If the evaluation does not include a copy of the evaluated transcripts, you must upload both the transcripts from the institution and the credential evaluation as one document to the application.

• Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by an English language version provided by the academic institution. If your institution does not provide English language copies, you must provide a certified or notarized translation with a copy of the original transcripts. You may upload an evaluation from a credential evaluation service that must include course and grade information. Both the evaluation and original transcript should be submitted in the application as one document.
• If you have study abroad and/or transfer coursework listed on your undergraduate transcripts with the grades earned, you do NOT need to list these institutions separately or upload transcripts. If courses are not listed on your primary institution’s transcript or the transfer courses do not show course grades, please list the institution(s) separately and upload the transcript(s).

Admitted students 

If you receive an offer of admission, you will be required to submit official transcripts, which are transcripts submitted directly to Georgetown University by the institution you attended, for verification before enrolling. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Georgetown reserves the right to request any missing transcripts or an official copy of a transcript at any point during the application and/or admission process. Georgetown also reserves the right to withdraw any offer of admission already made if there is any discrepancy between a transcript uploaded in the application and the final official transcript received.

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Proficiency can be demonstrated by:

• Receipt of a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction for the entire institution.
• Submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of 100 (internet test).
• Submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.5.

The TOEFL Special Home Edition and the IELTS Online version may be accepted for Fall 2026 admissions.

Submitting your TOEFL or IELTS scores 

The TOEFL and IELTS must be received directly from the appropriate testing organization. Photocopied or faxed documents will not fulfill this requirement. 

• Send your official TOEFL score through ETS to institution code 5244. There is not a specific department code. 
• Send your IELTS score electronically to Georgetown University, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

You must submit three letters of recommendation. At least two letters should be from professors who can speak to your academic strengths. If necessary, the third letter may be from a professional contact. If you are unable to obtain letters from academic references, please address this in your personal statement.

The online application utilizes a secure online recommendation system which will:

• Automatically email each recommender with instructions for online submission of the recommendation;
• Allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals;
• Expedite the processing of the recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted.