Frequently Asked Questions

School of Foreign Service Overview

Why should I choose Georgetown and the School of Foreign Service (SFS)?
Founded in 1919 to educate students and prepare them for leadership roles in international affairs, the School of Foreign Service remains committed to intercultural understanding and service in the global arena.  The SFS offers six world-class master's degree programs help train tomorrow's leaders to meet and master the challenges as well as seize the opportunities of a complex and changing international environment. Each program embraces an interdisciplinary approach to international issues, and SFS students work directly with the foremost experts in the field, drawn from Georgetown's exceptional faculty and the Washington professional community.

Where is the SFS located?
The SFS is located in Washington, DC, and provides innumerable opportunities for professional and cultural enrichment.  

Security Studies Program Overview

What is the Security Studies Program?
Georgetown University’s Security Studies Program (SSP) is a multidisciplinary course of study designed to prepare graduates for positions within the defense and security communities.

The program has two primary goals.  First, it enhances students’ substantive knowledge and analytic skills needed to form effective security policies in the 21st century. Second, it provides students with a rigorous education that will contribute to their professional advancement. The SSP has 30 years of experience working with students who have a wide range of academic backgrounds and professional aspirations.

The SSP curriculum is designed to give students an array of course options which provide a solid foundation in core security issues.  The depth and breath of its course offerings stimulates students to pursue their intellectual and professional interests and develop their own areas of specialization. Whether it is traditional intelligence and defense analysis, international security problems in general, emerging issues such as the perils of peace operations or the intricacies of information warfare, the SSP offers over 70 courses addressing numerous areas of study.  Students will find literally dozens of other relevant courses taught in other Georgetown graduate programs and departments. Students may also opt for either full-time or part-time study in the SSP.

The SSP faculty comprises leading scholars and practitioners in security affairs who offer courses that are academically and analytically rigorous. Many members of the SSP faculty have years of distinguished service in the United States government. Classroom instruction is consequently enriched with an understanding and appreciation of the real world issues with which policymakers have to contend. The result is a program that combines the best of both worlds—academic rigor and policy relevance.

What are the defense and security communities?
The defense and security communities consist of both private and public sector organizations and institutions.  Included in these two groups are the federal government – most notably Capitol Hill, the Departments of Defense and State, and the intelligence agencies (Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency).  Also included are private analysis firms (Booz Allen Hamilton, Science Applications International Corporation), hardware manufacturers (Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics), international governmental organizations (the United Nations, the Organization of American States), and non-governmental organizations (the Landmine Campaign).  Various think tanks (the Brookings Institution, the Center for Strategic and International Studies) and lobbying organizations also do significant work in the defense and security fields.

Where is the SSP?
Located in Washington, DC, the Security Studies Program is one of six graduate programs at the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, the oldest and largest school of international affairs in the United States designed to prepare students and professionals for careers in the public, private, and non profit sectors.  The School has a tradition of excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and in promoting scholarly and policy-relevant research in the field of international affairs

For more than 80 years, the School has been an important source of candidates for the U.S. Foreign Service and for other government agencies concerned with international affairs, as well as a wide variety of nongovernmental and international organizations.

What is the Center for Peace and Security Studies?
The Center for Peace and Security Studies (CPASS), established in July 2000, is the research center for which the SSP is the academic pillar. It brings together the many people at Georgetown University who study international peace and security issues from all relevant disciplines, departments, regional, and functional programs. It is a dynamic hub of activity for the academic and policy communities in Washington, DC, and around the globe.  CPASS provides a broader institutional base for the graduate teaching program sponsoring research projects, events, and publications that enrich student life.

Who teaches in the SSP?
The SSP has ten core faculty members and over sixty adjunct faculty, most of whom are drawn from the professional defense and security communities.  All possess outstanding academic credentials as well as the experience necessary to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the field.

The SSP’s adjunct faculty reflects the breadth of the program’s curriculum. Instructors are drawn from the graduate faculty of Georgetown University, leading research institutions, congressional staff, executive branch agencies, private industry, and other academic institutions. Many of the program’s instructors have held or currently hold senior positions in the federal government; others play important roles in research organizations concerned with national and international security. They combine impressive professional experiences with unsurpassed academic credentials.

SSP Academics

What degree programs does the SSP offer?
The SSP offers three programs:  the Master of Arts in Security Studies; the joint Master of Arts in Security Studies/Ph.D. in Government; and the Master of Arts in Security Studies/J.D.

What is the M.A./Ph.D. program?
Offered in conjunction with the Department of Government at Georgetown the joint M.A./Ph.D. program structures course work so that students can complete the course requirements for both programs in an accelerated fashion. Students must also attain proficiency in relevant languages and research methodologies and must successfully complete and defend a dissertation in order to be awarded the Ph.D. Students can only be admitted to the joint program in the fall, and they must submit separate applications and credentials to both the Security Studies Program and the Department of Government. 

What is the M.A./J.D. program?
Offered in conjunction with the Georgetown University Law Center, students in this joint degree program spend their year on the Main Campus completing the bulk of the requirements for the M.A. portion of their graduate study. The next three years are spent primarily at the Law Center. Students are required to take at least six hours of coursework on International Law, and are encouraged to draw heavily on courses on the use of force, humanitarian law, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics to take advantage of their joint degree. To apply for the joint M.A./J.D. program students must apply independently to both the Security Studies Program and the Georgetown University Law Center, meeting the admissions requirements for both.

How many credits is the SSP masters program?
The SSP is thirty six credits, or twelve three-credit courses.

What concentrations are available?
Concentrations are Intelligence, Military Operations, Science and Technology, Terrorism and Substate Violence, Unconvenational Weapons and Non-Proliferation, and US National Security Policy.  Customized concentrations are also possible, but only with approval in advance from the program's Director or Associate Director.

Can I attend the SSP on a part time basis?
Yes, you can..  Part time status means the student must enroll in a minimum of six hours (two courses) per semester.  Full time status means the student is enrolled in nine or more hours of coursework.  

How many students attend part time?
Roughly 40% of the student body studies on a part time basis. With the remaining 60% studying on a full time basis.

How long does it take to complete the SSP?
Full time students usually complete the program in three semesters.  Part time students have a maximum of three years in which to complete the program.  

Is there a thesis requirement?
At this time there is no thesis requirement..  Students must complete, however, one research seminar in which the goal is to produce a publishable-quality paper.

Are there comprehensive exams?
Yes, there is a comprehensive exam.  All students in the SSP take the four-hour written comprehensive examination during their last semester in the program and must pass it in order to graduate from the program. 

Does the SSP offer summer courses?
Yes it does.  The SSP is offering 10 courses during summer 2008.  Students may also take classes from other university departments (for example, History, Economics, and Government) and count them as electives, or take courses overseas through the University's Office of International Programs.

How big are classes?
Class size averages eighteen students.  Lecture courses usually enroll a maximum of twenty students.  Seminars enroll between ten and twelve students.

When are classes held?
SSP classes are held in the late afternoon and early evening.

SSP Admissions

What characterizes a successful applicant?
The SSP strives to enroll a diverse class of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, have a wide range of personal, professional, and academic experience, and have a strong commitment to a career in the security field.  The SSP seeks students who, by virtue of their background, achievement, and experience, can contribute to the education of their peers and to the scholarship and practice of security studies. All students must have proven English language proficiency. SSP students come from a wide range of undergraduate majors, including international relations and other social sciences, the humanities, business, and physical sciences and engineering. It is suggested that students take microeconomics and macroeconomics prior to enrollment.

Is professional experience required for admission?
Work experience is not required, but it is strongly recommended. The Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant's personal and professional experience to assess readiness for graduate study at the SSP. Voluntary positions, internships, and part- and full-time experience all play a role in preparing students for study.

Are students without work experience at a disadvantage?
No, they are not.  In the absence of professional experience, however, a related academic background (such as a major in international relations, political science, etc.) becomes more important.  

Is international experience required for admission?
International experience is not required but is recommended.  International experience includes time spent living, studying, working, volunteering, or traveling outside of the applicant’s home country.

What is the average GPA of admitted students?
The average GPA for the fall 2007 admitted class was 3.50.  

Is proficiency in a second language required for admission?
No,  the SSP does not have a language requirement.  

I am still an undergraduate. Can I apply to the SSP?
The SSP accepts applications from students currently in their last year of university study. Applicants should include a transcript indicating their most recent grades. Those who enroll will be required to submit a final transcript that shows that all requirements for graduation were met.

I have taken master's level courses at another institution. Can I transfer credit towards the SSP degree?
No, the SSP does not accept transfer credit.

Visiting the SSP

Can I visit the SSP?
The SSP encourages prospective students to visit Georgetown and the SSP.  Informational interviews are available with the SSP Admissions staff, as are visits to SSP courses.  Should you wish to arrange a visit, please email sspinfo@georgetown.edu with the proposed date and time of your visit and a member of the admissions staff will contact you to confirm the details.  

Are interviews required as part of the application or admissions process?
No,  interviews are for informational purposes only and have no bearing on an application or admission.  Informational interviews are not available, however, from January through April due to the demands of the application review process.

Who will I meet with?
Prospective students meet with Tiffany Swanson, SSP’s Director of Admissions, or Rachael Schaffer, the SSP’s Admissions Officer.

Where is the SSP office?
The SSP is located in the Mortara Center for International Studies at 3600 N Street NW, approximately one block from Georgetown’s main campus.

For directions to campus, visit the map:
The Mortara Center is number 72 on the campus map.

Applying to the SSP

Can I request an SSP catalog?
In an effort to conserve resources the SSP no longer sends printed materials by mail. The entire SSP catalog is available as a PDF.

Where do I find the online application?
Applications and credentials are processed by the Graduate School of Arts and Science’s Office of Graduate Admissions.  You can open a file here.

How does the application process work? 
Early and electronic submission of materials is strongly recommended.  Applicants can open an electronic file at any time using Apply Yourself, the online application system.  

All applications are processed by the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Once credentials have been received and recorded they are placed in the candidate’s physical file.  The file 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.

Completed applications for spring admission are reviewed beginning in early October and applications for fall admission are reviewed beginning in early February.  Applications received after the published deadlines will be considered on a space available basis.  

How will I be notified of an admissions decision?
Applicants will be notified in writing by the Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.  Decisions cannot be released by telephone, email, or in person.

Is the application process different for international applicants?
No, with the exception of the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.  International applicants must submit the same set of required materials as US applicants.

How long does the process take?
Credentials are processed by the Office of Graduate Admissions and then forwarded to the SSP Admissions Committee for review.

Admissions notifications are mailed on a rolling basis.  Applicants for the spring semester will receive notification beginning in late October.  Notification letters for applicants to the fall semester are mailed beginning mid to late March.

When should I apply?
For spring 2008 consideration the application deadline is November 1 2007.  For fall 2008 consideration the deadline is January 16 to be considered for SSP scholarship awards, and February 15 to be considered without aid.  Applications received after February 15 will be considered on a space available basis.

The deadlines for fall admission to the joint M.A./Ph.D. program are January 3 to be considered for scholarship awards and February 15 to be considered without aid.  Please note that applicants to the joint degree program must submit two separate sets of credentials to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  One set goes to the SSP and the other to the Department of Government.

The deadlines for the fall admission to the joint M.A./J.D. program are January 15 to be considered for SSP scholarship awards, and February 15 to be considered without aid.  

The Law School application deadline is February 2.

Please note that applicants to the joint M.A./J.D. program must submit two separate sets of credentials:  one to the Office of Graduate Admissions and one to the Georgetown University Law Center.  For deadline information please visit their admissions page.  

What materials will I need to submit with my application?
A complete application consists of the following:

  • undergraduate academic record (a minimum of 3.0 GPA is required)
  • other academic records (all transcripts, such as non degree or graduate degree course work, are required)
  •  scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), TOEFL, or IELTS exams
  • letters of recommendation
  • professional experience
  • résumé or curriculum vitae
  • academic statement of purpose (applicants should explain how the SSP will help them fulfill their academic and professional objectives. The statement should not exceed 500 words and is a critical component of the SSP application)
  • Supplemental Data Form

What materials do I submit if I am applying to a joint degree program?
Applicants to the joint M.A./Ph.D. degree program must submit two separate sets of credentials to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  One set goes to the SSP and the other to the Department of Government.

Please note that applicants to the joint M.A./J.D. program must submit two separate sets of credentials:  one to the Office of Graduate Admissions and one to the Georgetown University Law Center.  For Law Center application and deadline information please visit the GULC admissions page.

How do I know if my application materials have been received?
If you applied online you will be able to check the status of your credentials through the online status checklist.  To access this checklist, login to your Georgetown online application (please remember to save your pin and password).  Once within your application, you will see the status of your supplemental materials.  However, please be aware that it may take the admissions office approximately one to two weeks to process all materials and update your checklist.

If you have not applied online, or if you have questions regarding the online status checklist, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for a check on the status of your supplemental materials.  The office can be reached via email or by phone at (202) 687-5568.  

What if some of my materials arrive after the application deadline?
Applicants are asked to note the relevant deadline and to ensure that all required materials arrive before the date. The Admissions Committee will not review an application file until it is complete.   

Occasionally, because of a processing delay with the testing organizations or because a recommender submits a letter late, the material will arrive after the deadline. Provided that the applicant completes his/her portion of the application by the appropriate deadline, the Admissions Committee will make every effort to read and review the file once the late material is received.

Will I be notified if my file is incomplete?
No, you will not be notified. The Graduate School and the SSP follow a self-directed application process.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the admissions file is complete in every respect.  Applicants will not be contacted by the Office of Graduate Admissions or the SSP regarding missing credentials or incomplete files.

Does the SSP offer application deadline extensions?
Extensions are offered on a case by case basis and only granted in specific circumstances (unexpected military deployment, a problem with transmission of test scores, et cetera).

May I submit an application on paper or do I have to apply on-line?
The online application is user-friendly and we prefer that all applicants use it.   However, if you are in an area with difficult computer connections you may submit a paper application. Please email the Office of Graduate Admissions for an electronic copy of the paper application.

Where do I send hard copies of application materials?
Hard copies of application materials should be sent to:

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

May I submit more than three letters of recommendation?
Three letters of recommendation are required and normally sufficient. All applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one academic recommendation and one professional recommendation.  Please note that personal letters of recommendation (friends, family members and/or clergy) are not accepted. Letters should come from individuals who have supervised or taught you in an academic, military and/or professional setting.

May I submit writing samples in addition to statement of purpose?
A writing sample is not required.  Applicants will be contacted by a member of the admissions staff should the Admissions Committee have wish to see additional samples of your written work.

What transcripts do I need to submit with my application?
Please submit original academic transcripts from every college or university attended.

Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

If you participated in a study abroad program and those grades are not listed on your transcript, you must submit an official transcript with grades from the host institution.

If you are currently enrolled in an academic program, please submit an official report of mid-year grades as soon as it becomes available. Do not postpone the submission of your application if mid-year grades are the only part of your application that remains incomplete. Send a transcript that is complete at the time you submit the application and send mid-year grades when they become available.

Can I have the application fee waived?
SSP grants application fee waivers in extremely rare circumstances. Applicants requesting an application fee waiver must submit a letter outlining the reason for the fee waiver request with the application for admission.

Standardized Tests

What standardized tests are required?
U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents
All U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Subject tests of the GRE are not required.

International Students
If you are an international student and you have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in which English was the primary language of instruction, you are required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Subject tests of the GRE are not required.

If you are an international student and your native language is not English and you have not earned a university degree where English was the primary language of instruction, then you are required to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

What is the GRE and/or TOEFL code for Georgetown?
The code is 5244 for both exams.  There is no separate code for the Graduate School or the School of Foreign Service.

How long does it take for GRE/TOEFL scores to be reported to Georgetown?
Applicants should allow a minimum of four to six weeks for their scores to be processed by both ETS and Georgetown University.  Files missing scores will be considered incomplete if the scores are not received by the published deadlines.

Applicants may email their unofficial scores to Tiffany Swanson, Director of Admissions.  Any offer of admission would be conditional based upon receipt of the official score report from ETS.

What is the average GRE score? How much weight is placed on testing?

The SSP Admissions Committee views standardized test scores as part of the applicant's total application, but not the most important part. The Admissions Committee does not have a minimum requirement for GRE score. In recent years the average verbal and quantitative scores of the admitted class have been in the mid to upper 600s.  

May I substitute the GMAT or LSAT for the GRE?
No, you may not.  The SSP does not accept either exam in place of the GRE.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  

What it the minimum TOEFL score?
Minimum scores of 100 on the Internet Based Test, 250 on the Computer-Based Test, and 600 on the paper-based exam are generally considered evidence of sufficient English language ability for graduate study at the SSP.   

Does the SSP accept the IELTS?
Yes, it does. International students may submit the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL.   The minimum IELTS score required for admissions consideration is 100.

I took the GRE/GMAT several years ago.  May I still submit it?
Yes, you may submit them if they are no more than five years old.  If they are over five years old, we will not accept them.

Will the SSP waive the testing requirement?
The SSP admissions committee knows that test fees can be high and standardized tests are not offered in every country. Nonetheless, all applicants are expected to submit test scores with their applications.

Applicants currently holding advanced degrees can request the GRE be waived.  Requests are evaluated on a case-by-base basis and are not guaranteed.  A memorandum requesting the waived should be included with the application for admission.

The TOEFL and/or IELTS requirement cannot be waived in any circumstance.

Reapplying and Deferring Admission

I was not accepted for admission.  May I reapply?
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.

How do I reactivate my file?
To reactivate an application, send the Reactivation Form to the Office of Graduate Admissions.  

The following items are required along with this form:  an updated statement of purpose; one new letter of recommendation; the Graduate School application fee ($70); and any items that may have been missing from your previous application (e.g. GRE scores, writing sample).

May I defer my admission to the SSP?
Admitted students are expected to begin the program in the semester for which they applied.  Should your professional or personal circumstances change, however, a deferral to the next semester or the next academic year can be requested.  If granted, a deferral cannot be extended to a subsequent semester.  Admitted students can request a maximum of one deferral.

How do I request a deferral?
Instructions on submitting a deferral request can be found on the Graduate Admission website

Scholarships and Financial Aid

How much does the program cost? Are fellowships and/or scholarships available?
For the 2007-2008 academic year full time tuition is $33,408, or $4176 per course.  

Are fellowships and/or scholarships available?  How are aid awards determined?
The SSP offers merit-based scholarships.   When considering admitted students for merit based aid, the Admissions Committee considers both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of a student’s application.  The scholarship represents a percentage of tuition ranging from 50 to 100%.  The SSP award does not cover living expenses, books, travel, or health insurance.

Because the amount of SSP merit based aid is limited, students should also apply for outside grants and scholarships in the event no funding is offered by the SSP.  Various search engines (link to http://finaid.georgetown.edu/schships.htm) are available to facilitate this process.

In addition, the Office of Student Financial Services offers a wide range of counseling services and information on federal student loan and grant programs.

Are there teaching and research assistant positions available?
A limited number of research assistantships are available.  These hourly waged positions generally provide compensation of up to $1,800 per academic year. Openings are posted as they become available and professors choose their own assistants. From time to time financial support is available for specific projects submitted by students or under special research assistantships developed by faculty members.

SSP students may serve as teaching assistants at Georgetown in various undergraduate departments.  Students interested in teaching assistantships should make inquiries directly to the individual departments at Georgetown as early as possible for full consideration.

Are there student employment and work study positions available?
Part-time jobs at many different work sites are available at Georgetown under the regular student employment budgets and, for those who qualify, the U.S. Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program. Information about Federal Work-Study can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services.

Do I need to submit proof of funding?
Proof of funding is not required for the application process, but international students who enroll will need to submit proof of funding as part of the visa process.

I am an international student.  Am I eligible for financial aid?
International students, although ineligible for federal student loans and most work-study programs, are eligible for SSP scholarship consideration.   International students who require a large amount of assistance should investigate the possibility of aid through their home governments or outside agencies.  For additional resources on aid for non-US citizens, please visit the GU financial aid office.

Student Profile

What is the makeup of the student body?
The SSP student body is diverse.  Among the communities represented are the US and foreign militaries, the security and defense industries, embassies, and non-profit organizations.  International students are an important part of the SSP and comprise roughly fifteen per cent of the student body.  

Many admitted students have related professional experience.  Newly graduated students are admitted to the program as well; however, in the absence of professional experience academic credentials (such as a major in international relations, political science, or regional studies) become more important.

What is the average age of the student body?
It is 29.

What is the breakdown of male versus female students?
Forty-one per cent of the student body is female while fifty-nine per cent is male.  

What types of professional experience have students had before studying at the SSP?
Students come to the SSP from a wide range of professional backgrounds in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Professional experience is not limited to paid work and may include voluntary positions and internships. Any enrolling class will include students who have been government employees, U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, journalists, attorneys, intelligence analysts, financial consultants, engineers, diplomats, and military personnel prior to enrolling at the SSP.

Career Services

What type of career services are offered by the SFS and the SSP?
The School of Foreign Service Graduate Career Development Center offers professional guidance in identifying potential employers and preparing for the job search.  Center activities include:

  • on-campus interviewing
  • employer information sessions
  • posting position listings
  • resume drops
  • reference library

In conjunction with the School of Foreign Service Graduate Career Development Center the SSP assists students and graduates by:

  • establishing and maintaining contact with prospective employers in the Washington area and elsewhere about internship and job opportunities;
  • organizing on-campus functions to bring students and alumni in contact with professionals in the security studies community;
  • sponsoring a mentorship program which provides students with in-depth career advice from leaders in the field;
  • providing students with weekly internship postings via the SSP electronic newsletter;
  • hosting an SSP résumé database, which employers can use to contact current students;
  • advising students on resources available elsewhere at Georgetown University to help them in their job searches, and;
  • fostering a network of SSP alumni dedicated to providing internship and job opportunities specifically for SSP students.

What is the SSP’s  placement rate?
Over the past five years more than 90% of SSP graduates seeking a position have received jobs within three months of graduation.  

Where do SSP graduates work?
SSP graduates work in every sector of the security and defense communities.  The program prepares students for security related careers by developing strong analytical and communication skills, as well as a broad knowledge of security issues and challenges.

Approximately 50 % of SSP graduates work in the public sector, 36 % in the private sector, and 9 % in the nonprofit sector. Other alumni find positions overseas or continue their education at the Ph.D. level or at law school.  For positions held by recent SSP graduates visit our 2007 Career Placement Report

Student Life

What is SSP graduate student life like?
A graduate education differs greatly from what many students experience in their undergraduate years.  The SSP student population is far more varied and includes recently graduated students, mid career professionals, military personnel, and embassy officials.  Some students are pursuing a second career or changing careers entirely while others work in the security community and are looking to advance their professional prospects.   Students coming directly from undergraduate studies may be surprised by this shift from a structured social/work community to a more autonomous environment.  

Are there campus activities available to SSP students?
Ye, there are.  The SSP and other departments offer academic and social events for graduate students, and the Graduate Student Organization (GSO) plays a role in bringing together students from different programs to meet socially or participate in campus issues.  Many campus-wide lectures provide opportunities for stimulating thought beyond specific disciplines.

Where do graduate students live?
Most SSP students live Washington and the surrounding areas.  The many social and professional opportunities available provide graduate students with the freedom to construct their own lifestyles in the diverse culture of greater metropolitan area.   Most campus activities, buildings, and events are open to all students; however, graduate students are not confined to life within the campus walls.  Most welcome the independence that comes with life as a graduate student.