Comprehensive Guide to Georgetown University Degrees and Academic Programs

Georgetown University offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across ten specialized schools located in Washington, D.C., and internationally. As of 2026, the university maintains its reputation for academic excellence in international relations, law, medicine, and business, rooted in its Jesuit heritage of "Cura Personalis" or care for the whole person.

As the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States, Georgetown University has evolved into a global research powerhouse. Students seeking an overview of Georgetown’s degree offerings will find a complex ecosystem of traditional liberal arts, highly specialized professional training, and interdisciplinary graduate research. Whether you are a prospective undergraduate or a professional seeking advanced certification, understanding the distinction between Georgetown’s various schools is essential for navigating the admissions and academic landscape.

Undergraduate Degrees: The Four-Pillar Foundation

Georgetown’s undergraduate education is primarily delivered through four distinct schools, each with its own admissions process, core curriculum, and degree requirements. While students are encouraged to take classes across different schools, their primary degree is conferred by their home division.

Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences

The College is the oldest and largest undergraduate school at Georgetown. It confers the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees across more than 40 majors. The curriculum is defined by a rigorous liberal arts core that includes philosophy, theology, writing, and science.

The College is ideal for students pursuing traditional disciplines such as English, History, Mathematics, or Physics. However, it also houses many of Georgetown’s most popular social science programs, including Government and Psychology. The flexibility of the College allows students to pursue interdisciplinary minors and double majors within the arts and sciences framework.

The Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS)

Founded in 1919, the SFS is world-renowned for its focus on global affairs. It confers a single degree: the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS). Unlike a standard political science degree, the BSFS requires a deep dive into international history, geography, and economics.

A hallmark of the SFS degree is the "Map of the Modern World" course and a strict foreign language proficiency requirement. Students must pass an oral proficiency exam in a non-English language to graduate, ensuring that SFS alumni are prepared for careers in diplomacy, international development, and global business.

The McDonough School of Business (MSB)

The MSB confers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA). The curriculum combines a strong liberal arts foundation with a technical business core. Students choose from majors such as Finance, Marketing, International Business, and Accounting.

What sets the MSB degree apart is its emphasis on global business ethics. In line with the university’s Jesuit values, students are taught to view business as a tool for the common good. The school’s location in Washington, D.C., allows for a unique integration of policy and commerce, preparing students for the intersection of the public and private sectors.

The School of Nursing and The School of Health

In recent years, Georgetown transitioned its nursing and health programs into two distinct entities to better address the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.

• The School of Nursing: Confers the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program is known for its high clinical hour requirements and integration of ethics and humanities into medical training.
• The School of Health: Offers degrees such as the B.S. in Health Care Management & Policy, Human Science, and Global Health. These programs focus on the systemic and biological aspects of health rather than direct bedside care.

Graduate and Professional Degree Offerings

Georgetown’s graduate landscape is expansive, catering to researchers, legal professionals, and medical practitioners. By 2026, the university has further integrated data science and technology into its traditional graduate pathways.

The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

This division oversees Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. The Ph.D. programs are highly selective and research-intensive, focusing on producing the next generation of scholars in fields ranging from Biology and Chemistry to Philosophy and Government.

Professional master's programs within this school, such as the M.S. in Data Science for Public Policy or the M.A. in Communication, Culture & Technology, are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry application.

Georgetown Law (GULC)

Located on Capitol Hill, separate from the main Hilltop campus, the Georgetown University Law Center is one of the most prestigious law schools in the world. It offers several primary degrees:

1. Juris Doctor (J.D.): The standard degree for those seeking to practice law in the United States.
2. Master of Laws (LL.M.): Advanced training for those who already hold a law degree, often focusing on taxation, national security, or international law.
3. Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.): The highest terminal degree in law, aimed at aspiring legal academics.

The School of Medicine

Georgetown’s School of Medicine confers the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. The curriculum is famous for its "Journeys" program, which integrates clinical experience early in the first year. The school operates in conjunction with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, providing students with a robust clinical environment. Additionally, the school offers various dual degrees, such as the M.D./Ph.D. and M.D./M.B.A., for students looking to lead in medical research or healthcare administration.

The McCourt School of Public Policy

The McCourt School is a top-tier policy school that offers the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of International Development Policy (MIDP), and Master of Science in Data Science for Public Policy (MS-DSPP). As of 2026, the McCourt School’s new facilities in downtown D.C. have strengthened its ties to federal agencies and think tanks, making its degrees highly sought after by those entering the legislative and regulatory arenas.

Continuing Studies and Executive Education

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) serves non-traditional students and working professionals. It offers Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degrees in high-growth fields like Cybersecurity Risk Management, Applied Intelligence, and Real Estate.

The SCS is also the home of Georgetown’s Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, designed for adult learners who wish to complete their undergraduate education. These programs emphasize flexible scheduling, including online and evening options, while maintaining the same academic rigors as the traditional schools.

Comparative Overview of Georgetown Schools

The following table summarizes the primary degree types and core focus areas across Georgetown’s major academic divisions.

Interdisciplinary and Dual Degree Programs

One of Georgetown's greatest strengths in 2026 is its emphasis on interdisciplinary study. The university recognizes that modern global challenges—such as climate change, pandemic preparedness, and artificial intelligence ethics—do not fit neatly into one department.

Dual Degree Pathways

Georgetown offers several accelerated and dual degree programs that allow students to earn two degrees in less time than it would take to earn them separately. Common pairings include:

• B.S.F.S./M.A.: A five-year program allowing SFS undergraduates to begin graduate work in their fourth year.
• J.D./M.P.P.: For students who want to combine legal expertise with rigorous policy analysis.
• M.D./M.P.H.: Focused on the intersection of clinical medicine and public health.

The Earth Commons

The Earth Commons is Georgetown’s institute for environment and sustainability. While it is not a standalone "school" in the traditional sense, it confers specialized degrees like the M.S. in Environment and Sustainability Management (offered jointly with the MSB and Graduate School). This reflects Georgetown's commitment to addressing the climate crisis through a multidisciplinary lens.

Core Curriculum: The Jesuit Difference

Regardless of the specific degree, almost all Georgetown undergraduate students must complete a shared Core Curriculum. This is not merely a set of "general education" requirements; it is a structured academic philosophy designed to encourage critical thinking and moral reflection.

1. Philosophy and Theology: Every undergraduate takes two courses in philosophy and two in theology. This requirement is intended to help students grapple with "ultimate questions" regarding ethics, existence, and faith.
2. Writing and Humanities: A heavy emphasis is placed on clear, persuasive communication.
3. Science and Quantitative Reasoning: Students are required to engage with the scientific method and data analysis, which is increasingly relevant in 2026’s tech-driven economy.
4. Engaging Diversity: Students must take courses that explore domestic and global diversity, reflecting the university’s commitment to inclusion and global citizenship.

The Global Campus: Georgetown in Qatar

The Walsh School of Foreign Service maintains a significant international presence through its campus in Education City, Doha, Qatar. Students at Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) earn the same Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree as students in Washington, D.C. The curriculum is identical, but the location provides a unique vantage point for studying Middle Eastern politics, energy security, and regional economics. Students are encouraged to participate in zones of exchange, spending semesters at both the D.C. and Doha campuses.

Research Opportunities and Fellowships

Degrees at Georgetown are often defined by what happens outside the classroom. The university hosts numerous research centers, such as the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) partnerships.

Undergraduate and graduate students have access to the Center for Research and Fellowships (CRF), which helps students secure prestigious awards like the Rhodes, Marshall, and Fulbright scholarships. For many students, the "degree" is the culmination of a four-year research trajectory that includes a senior thesis or a capstone project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular undergraduate degree at Georgetown?

The Bachelor of Arts in Government and the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service are consistently the most popular programs. Because of the university's location in the nation’s capital, students are naturally drawn to majors that offer proximity to federal government internships and political organizations.

Can students double major across different schools?

Generally, no. While students can take minors in other schools (for example, a College student minoring in Business), double majoring across schools—such as a BSFS and a BSBA—is typically not allowed due to the distinct core requirements of each school. However, students within the College of Arts & Sciences can easily double major in two different subjects within that school.

Does Georgetown offer fully online degree programs?

Yes, primarily through the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) and the School of Nursing. These programs are designed for working professionals who require flexibility. Most traditional undergraduate degrees and Ph.D. programs remain residency-based, emphasizing the importance of the campus community and the D.C. environment.

What is the difference between the School of Nursing and the School of Health?

The School of Nursing is focused on clinical practice and the training of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses. The School of Health is broader, focusing on the science of human health, healthcare policy, and global health systems. If you want to be a practitioner, choose Nursing; if you want to be a researcher or policy-maker, choose Health.

How does the Jesuit heritage impact a degree at Georgetown?

The Jesuit influence is felt through the Core Curriculum (specifically philosophy and theology requirements) and the ethos of "Women and Men for Others." This means that degree programs often include a service-learning component or an ethical focus that encourages students to use their education for social justice and public service.

Next Steps for Prospective Students

For those interested in pursuing a degree at Georgetown, the first step is to identify which school aligns with your career goals.

• Undergraduates should review the specific "First-Year Application" requirements for their chosen school via the Georgetown Admissions portal.
• Graduate applicants should contact the specific department of interest, as admissions criteria (GRE/GMAT requirements, portfolios, and deadlines) vary significantly between the Law Center, the Medical School, and the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Visiting the campus in Washington, D.C., or engaging with virtual information sessions is highly recommended to understand the unique culture of each school and how a Georgetown degree can serve as a lifelong credential in an increasingly complex world.