Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
FAQs
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program at Georgetown University is proud to include adult learners from across the Washington metropolitan area among its students and alumni. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about our program:
What is the program all about?
When are classes held?
Who are your students?
What do I have to do for the degree?
What can I major in?
How much does it cost?
Do you offer any online classes?
How long will it take to get my degree?
How much transfer credit do you accept?
Do you accept CLEP tests?
Do you grant credit for military training?
Do you grant credit for life experience?
Can I transfer from your program into Georgetown’s business school or school of foreign service?
How do I apply?
Do you accept international students?
Do you really need my high school transcript?
I took college courses in another country. Do you need a transcript?
I cannot get an official transcript from a previous college because they have placed a hold on my record. Will an unofficial transcript suffice?
Do you accept the U.S. government's Yellow Ribbon benefit?
Must I take the SAT?
I have a GED. Can I apply?
What are the deadlines for applying?
How selective are your admissions?
Can I visit?
Whom can I contact for more information?
Where do I send my application materials?
What is the program all about?
The Liberal Studies Degree Program at Georgetown University rests on the beliefs that human life and human action have meaning and that human beings, throughout their lives, must seek it out and live by its implications. Liberal Studies courses—which engage students in reading, reflection, writing, and discussion—are meant to bring them the range of knowledge and vision to lead wise and rewarding lives.
The program is designed to meet the unique needs of working adults, with stimulating classes held in the evenings and on Saturdays. A student can complete a degree without ever setting foot in a classroom during traditional working hours.
The average B.A.L.S. student is about 35 years old, and most have had some college education before coming to Georgetown. Most work during the day, and many have children, so they juggle many pressures in completing their course work.
What do I have to do for the degree?
You must earn 120 credits, including 51 credits in core classes, 48 credits in a concentration, and 21 credits in electives.
The available concentrations are:
American Studies
Catholic Studies
Classical Civilizations
Communications
Entrepreneurship
Ethics and the Professions
Humanities
International Affairs
Leadership
Literature and Society
Organizational Leadership
Religious Studies
Social and Public Policy
The Theory and Practice of American Democracy
Urban Analysis and Community Development
Please visit our Admissions Page for tuition rates.
Do you offer any online classes?
We highly value the interaction among students and faculty members that occurs in the classroom, so we do not offer any classes that are exclusively online. However, many of our faculty members make extensive use of online technology in their courses.
How long will it take to get my degree?
That depends on you. You can take one, two, three or more classes at a time, as you choose.
How much transfer credit do you accept?
We accept up to 64 credits from regionally accredited institutions. The grade in a course must be at least C, and the course must be relevant to our curriculum. Contact us for more information regarding the transfer of credits.
Do you accept CLEP tests?
Yes. We grant credit for scores on CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests that are equivalent to a grade of B. Credits granted for CLEP tests count toward the 64-credit limit on transfer credits.
Do you grant credit for military training?
In many cases, yes. We follow the American Council on Educations recommendations on granting credit for military training and experience. Have your AARTS (Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System) or SMART (Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript) transcript sent to the program for evaluation. Credits count toward the 64-credit limit on transfer credits.
Do you grant credit for life experience?
No. But one of the many advantages to choosing Georgetown University is to gain exposure to a diverse population of students and alumni, providing a wealth of unique perspectives, insights and networking connections.
Can I transfer from the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program into Georgetown Universitys School of Business or School of Foreign Service?
No. These schools have curricula that are very different. If you are interested in these programs, please visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.
Please visit Admissions for application instructions.
Do you accept international students?
The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program is categorized as a part-time program. Students in our program are not eligible for a visa that requires full-time study; this is the case regardless of how many credits they are registered for. Someone who is neither a U.S. citizen nor a permanent resident must possess a visa that permits part-time study.
Do you really need my high school transcript?
Yes. The high school transcript will certify that you are a high-school graduate. This is a requirement for admission.
I took college courses in another country. Do you need a transcript?
Yes. Please submit the transcript to World Education Services, which will advise the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program on U.S. equivalency of your study.
I cannot get an official transcript from a previous college because they have placed a hold on my record. Will an unofficial transcript suffice?
Sorry, but no. We must have an official transcript from every college that you have attended.
Do you accept the U.S. government's Yellow Ribbon benefit?
The School of Continuing Studies is pleased to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to accept the governments new Yellow Ribbon benefit. If you are a veteran or dependent of a veteran who has served in the armed forces for 36 months after Sept. 11, 2001, you may be eligible to take courses without paying anything up front for tuition. Georgetown University accepts the Yellow Ribbon payment as full payment for tuition doe courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program.
To take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon benefit, you must first obtain a Certification of Eligibility from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Submit the Certification of Eligibility to the Georgetown University Veterans Office: veteranservices@georgetown.edu. Call the office at (202) 687-2708 for more information.
No. We do not require the SAT.
Absolutely. Submit certification of your GED instead of your high school transcript.
What are the deadlines for applying?
We accept applications on a rolling basis with priority deadlines for each semester.
How selective are your admissions?
As an outreach effort of Georgetown University, the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies program tries to be as inclusive as possible while upholding the universitys academic standards. When reaching admissions decisions, we very much take into account extenuating circumstances and students life stories. Contact us for a personal interview if you wish to discuss your situation prior to applying.
Yes. Campus tours are offered throughout the year. If you would like to sit in on a class, please contact us.
Whom can I contact for more information?
Please visit the Contact Us page.
Where do I send my application materials?
Georgetown University
School of Continuing Studies
Office of Admissions
3307 M St NW, Ste. 202
Washington DC 20007