Center for Peace and Security Studies

How to Apply

The online application is available here: Application

Electronic copies of academic transcripts can be uploaded to the applicant's online application via the ApplyYourself system.  Hard copies of transcripts and letters of recommendations must arrive in sealed, signed envelopes to be considered official.  Hard copies of documents should be sent to:

Georgetown University
Office of Graduate Admissions
3700 O Street, NW
Intercultural Center, Suite 302
Box 571004
Washington, DC 20057-1004

Please note: The SSP does not handle credentials processing.  Should you have questions regarding the arrival of credentials and standardized test scores please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 202-687-5568 or via e-mail at gradmail@georgetown.edu.  Applicants may also check the status of their materials at any time by using the ApplyYourself online system.

What to Submit

Checklist

A complete application file contains the following items:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application form

• Application fee

• SSP Supplemental Data Sheet

• Resume or CV

• Statement of purpose (not to exceed 500 words) addressing intellectual interests and professional and academic goals.  The statement of purpose is a critical component of the SSP application.  Please carefully explain how the SSP specifically fits into your future academic and professional plans.  Applicants are not required to submit a writing sample.

• Official transcripts. Applicants for admission must provide transcripts of all work beyond secondary school, including course work transferred from community colleges and study abroad institutions.  Transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing university's registrar office to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
  
  For students currently enrolled in another graduate or  undergraduate degree program, transcripts must include the current semester.
  
  Students who have attended or graduated from a foreign college or university must provide an official transcript and translation in English.  The translation should not be interpretive (i.e. grades should not be translated into the U.S. system) and should be signed by the translator.
  
  PPIA and IIPP candidates must include the summer institute evaluation.
  

• Letters of recommendation from three individuals who can assess the applicant's qualifications and preparation for graduate work in security studies.  Letters of recommendation are to be submitted electronically using the ApplyYourself online application system.
  
  Personal letters of recommendation - from collegues, coaches, and family friends, for example - are not accepted.

• Official Standardized Test Scores sent directly from the testing organization. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for Georgetown University is 5244.  There is no separate code for the SSP or the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.
  

  The SSP follows a self-directed application process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the admissions file is complete in every respect. 

  Online applicant may access the Apply Yourself online application status checklist to determine which items have been received.  Self-assembply of hard copy credentials into one application package for mailing facilitates handling of the application packet. Applicants will not be contacted by the Office of Graduate Admissions or the SSP regarding missing credentials or incomplete files. 

How the Review Process Works

All applications are processed by the Office of Graduate Admissions.  Hard copies of credentials are recorded and placed in the candidate’s physical file, which is then available for review by the SSP admissions committee.  Electronic applications are available for preliminary review by the committee immediately after being opened but are not formally reviewed until complete.

Please note admissions decisions cannot be released via email, fax, or phone, nor will an applicant be notified of the decision until the application fee is paid in full.

The SSP admissions committee consists of both faculty and staff members.  Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  Once an admissions decision has been made a recommendation is made to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, which then performs a routine and final review of the file to ensure all application requirements are met.  The Graduate School then issues and mails the decision letter.

Applications for spring 2009 admission are reviewed in mid October.  Review for the fall 2010 semester applications are begins in late January.  Applicants who submitted complete applications in January can expect to receive notification of their status by late March.

Reapplication and Reactivating an Application 

Applicants denied admission to the SSP should not reapply until steps have been taken to strengthen the application file.  Please contact the SSP admissions staff to discuss the appropriate course of action.  

In most cases those wishing to reapply will be required to submit a new online application. The Office of Graduate Admissions keeps credentials on file for one year, and if you are reapplying within this time frame it may be possible for previously submitted transcripts to be added to your new application file. Please remember to indicate in the new application that you have previously applied.

If you applied more than one year ago follow the steps for opening a new application.