Georgetown University

What you'll study

This programme provides a broad, interdisciplinary grounding in the humanities and liberal arts. You will study core areas such as literature, history, philosophy, religious and cultural studies, languages, and the arts, alongside options in social sciences and quantitative reasoning. Typical modules include:

• Introduction to Western and World Literature
• Historical Methods and Period Studies (e.g. Early Modern Europe, US History, Global History)
• Philosophy and Ethics (logic, moral philosophy, political thought)
• Religious and Theological Studies
• Language study at multiple levels (modern languages or classical languages)
• Digital Humanities and Research Methods (text analysis, archives, digital tools)
• Interdisciplinary seminars on identity, culture, media and public discourse
• Capstone project or senior thesis options that emphasise original research and written argument

The degree is typically structured across four years with a mix of required core courses, a declared or flexible major pathway in humanities or liberal studies, elective credits, and opportunities for internships, Washington, D.C.-based experiential learning, and study abroad. Small seminars, tutorial-style classes and larger lectures are combined to develop strong writing, oral communication and analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Admissions are selective and take a holistic view of applicants. Typical entry requirements include a strong secondary school record with emphasis on academic coursework in humanities and related subjects. Successful applicants normally demonstrate:

• High achievement in relevant secondary qualifications (A-levels, IB, high school diploma or equivalent)
• Strong written work and personal statement showing intellectual curiosity and fit for a liberal arts curriculum
• Letters of recommendation that speak to academic potential and engagement
• For international students, evidence of English language proficiency (accepted examinations or school-based evidence)
• Standardised tests may be optional depending on the applicant’s context; applicants should consult Georgetown admissions for current policies

Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds are considered; transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and examples of college-level work. Specific programme pathways or honours options may have additional expectations, such as submission of a writing sample.

Career prospects

Graduates from humanities-focused liberal arts programmes pursue a wide range of careers. The degree develops transferable skills—critical thinking, research, writing and communication—that employers in many sectors value. Common career directions include:

• Law, public policy and government service (policy analyst, legislative staff, public affairs)
• Education and academic paths (teaching, further study at graduate school)
• Journalism, publishing and media (reporting, editing, content strategy)
• Non-governmental and international organisations (programme management, advocacy)
• Cultural institutions and the arts (museum work, curation, arts administration)
• Business and technology roles that prize analytical reasoning and communication (consulting, user research, corporate communications)

Many students also combine the undergraduate degree with internships in Washington, D.C., study abroad experiences, and graduate study (MA, MPhil, PhD, JD, or professional degrees) to specialise further.

Why study at Georgetown University

Georgetown offers a liberal arts education shaped by a Jesuit intellectual tradition that emphasises ethical reasoning, global perspectives and cura personalis (care for the whole person). Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides unrivalled access to internships, cultural institutions, courts, think tanks and international organisations, enabling applied learning alongside academic study.

The faculty are research-active scholars in humanities disciplines and the curriculum emphasises small seminars and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from interdisciplinary centres, robust study-abroad programmes, a strong alumni network and experiential learning initiatives that help bridge academic study and career development.