MS-ESM Application Process

Application Deadlines

Applications for the Fall 2025 start will be reviewed according to the deadlines below:

Application Requirements

The MS-ESM Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach when making an admissions decision. Therefore, it is necessary to submit all application components so the Admissions Committee can make an informed decision about your application.

The Admission Committee will only review completed applications that include the following components:

Required Components

• Online Application Form
• CV or Resume
• Personal Statement
• Video Essay
• Two Professional/Academic Recommendations
• Academic Transcripts
• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
• Non-refundable Application Fee: $90 USD
• Re-Applicant Essay*

*The re-applicant essay is required for applicants who previously applied and were not accepted.

Optional Components

• Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions Essay
• Additional Information Essay
• Standardized Test Scores

International Applicants

• Non-U.S. College or University Academic Records
• Demonstration of English Language Proficiency

Online Application Form

Applications must be submitted through our online application portal.

CV or Resume

Submit a current CV or resume that corresponds to the information submitted on your online application. We recommend a 1-2 page CV or resume.

Personal Statement

Prompt: Your personal statement should provide answers to the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in the field of environment and sustainability management?
2. Why do you want to pursue this particular degree at Georgetown University?
3. What are your career goals after completing the MS-ESM program?

Format: Essays should be approximately 500 words, typed in a 12-point font, and double-spaced.

Guidance on Use of AI in Essays:

The final work you submit with your application should authentically reflect your lived experiences, interest in our degree program, and future goals. We recognize that generative AI may be a useful tool as you structure and refine your essay, and if you choose to use generative AI, we recommend that you use this tool to enhance your original work. Think of generative AI as a supportive resource, much like asking a friend for brainstorming assistance or feedback, or using spell check in your computer software.

Keep in mind that your essay is an essential way to personalize your application and present your unique story—personal, professional, and academic—to the Admissions Committee. We value hearing your authentic voice and perspective, so ensure that your essay genuinely reflects who you are and what you hope to achieve.

Video Essay

Video Essay Prompt: Tell us three things about yourself, not included on your resume, that you believe will be a strength to the cohort/community.

Video Guidelines:

1. The Admissions Committee would like for you to appear in person, speaking directly to the camera.
2. We strongly encourage you to speak outside of the experiences we can read in your application.
3. Videos should be between 1-2 minutes.
4. You may use your phone, computer, or other means to record the video but please ensure all audio and visual components are clear. We recommend a well-lit room and minimal noise distraction.
5. Videos should be submitted as either an “unlisted” YouTube link or a password-protected Vimeo link. For your privacy, do not include your name in the title of the video.
6. Please note that all videos must remain active and accessible to the Admissions Committee until the first Friday of September. The video is for admissions purposes only and will not be used for any other purposes after your decision is provided.

Re-Applicant Essay

This essay is required for re-applicants. How have you strengthened your candidacy since your last application? We are particularly interested in hearing about how you have grown professionally and personally (300-350 words, approximately one page, double-spaced).

Recommendations

We require and strongly prefer only two recommendations, though a third recommender may be added to your application. You should choose recommenders who have an academic or professional relationship with you; faculty, academic advisors, and current supervisors are preferred. Former supervisors or high-level clients (if you are an entrepreneur) also are accepted.

Recommendations from family members or colleagues/peers are strongly discouraged.

We are interested in gaining insight from individuals who can objectively evaluate your academic or professional performance, as well as your managerial and leadership potential.

Academic Transcripts

Applicants to Georgetown University are required to hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an equivalent degree from a foreign country. Students who attended or graduated from a non-U.S. college or university should review the instructions on the International Applicants page.

To apply: We require that you upload unofficial copies of your transcripts from all institutions that you have attended regardless of whether a degree was conferred (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, Ph.D., M.D., J.D., etc.).

If admitted/enrolled: All applicants who are admitted and enroll will be required to submit official transcripts from all institutions that have conferred a degree to you. Georgetown University reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if there is a discrepancy between the uploaded unofficial transcript and/or translation and the official original language transcript and/or the official translation.

All submitted transcripts must display the following:

• Student’s name
• University name
• Course names
• Type of degree and degree conferral information (if applicable)
• Grading scale
• Cumulative GPA
• All grades received (including from transfer credits and study abroad programs)

We require proof a degree was conferred and the date of graduation:

• If your transcript does not explicitly state that a degree was conferred or the date of graduation, you should obtain an official letter from your university indicating the date of your graduation and the degree conferral date. This letter should be enclosed in a signed, sealed envelope and included with your transcript.

A transcript is official when delivered via ONE of the following options.

• Submitted from your institution via a secure electronic delivery, such as Scrip-Safe, to: msesmadmissions@georgetown.edu.
• Requested from the appropriate institution’s registrar, returned to you, and submitted unopened.
• Submitted in an envelope issued by your institution(s) and sealed by your university’s registrar’s office (or equivalent) to our admissions office.
  
  Please reach out to msesmadmissions@georgetown.edu for mailing instructions prior to reaching out to your previous institution.

Discrepancies between self-reported/unofficial documents and official records may result in an admissions offer being rescinded.

Application Fee

All applicants must submit a $90 non-refundable application fee, payable online via credit card or e-check. We are unable to accept personal checks or money orders. 

You may receive an application fee waiver* if you belong to any of the following groups. Waivers will be applied automatically when you submit your application. 

• Georgetown University graduates
• Active duty, reservists, or veterans of the U.S. military
• Applicants from countries listed on the U.N. Least Developed Countries List
• Current and returned Peace Corps Volunteers
• AmeriCorps and Teach for America participants or alumni

Attendees of an event listed below will be eligible for an application fee reduction code*. Apply this code when you complete your application and the reduction will be applied to your account, making the total application fee $50.

• MS-ESM Information Session (Virtual)
• Student Panel Discussion (Virtual)
• Application Workshop (Virtual)
• Experience Georgetown Class Visit (In-Person)

*If you have already applied we regrettably cannot refund the amount of the application fee waiver or reduction.

Diversity, Personal Background, and Contributions Statement (Optional)

As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first-generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.

Additional Information Essay (Optional)

If you wish to inform the Admissions Committee of any additional information that you have not otherwise included in other sections of your application, you may take the opportunity to do so here. For example, you can use this space to describe inconsistent academic performance, gaps in employment, voluntary or non-paid experience related to the environment or sustainability management, or any other relevant information. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, and not exceed 500 words.

Test Scores (Optional)

Submission of a GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, or Executive Assessment test score is optional. If you wish to submit test scores, upload an unofficial copy of your test score (no more than five years old) directly into the online application. All score reports should include your name and test date.

Official scores only need to be submitted once you are admitted to the program. Discrepancies between self-reported/unofficial documents and official records may result in an admissions offer being rescinded.

International Applicants

Non-U.S. College or University Academic Records

Students who have attended or graduated from a non-U.S. college or university should follow these instructions:

• We require that all transcripts be submitted in English. Most major foreign universities will issue official transcripts in English. However, if your institution is unable to do this, you are responsible for providing Georgetown University with an English translation of your transcript. Your translator must certify that the original documentation was received in a sealed envelope from your university or issuing institution. After translating, your translator should enclose both the original (non-translated) and the certified translation in an envelope and seal and sign the envelope. The transcript should be enclosed in a signed, sealed envelope and submitted by mail to Georgetown University.

As an alternative to an individual translator providing certified translations, international applicants who attend institutions outside of the United States may submit their transcripts in the form of a credential evaluation. While this service is not required, we recommend the World Education Services (WES) ICAP evaluations. Credential evaluations may take the place of official transcripts, as long as they come to Georgetown University directly from the evaluation service provider and include a copy of the official transcripts you had evaluated.

• We require proof a degree was conferred and the date of graduation. If your transcript does not explicitly state that a degree was conferred or the date of graduation, you should obtain an official letter from your university indicating the date of your graduation and the degree conferral date. This letter should be enclosed in a signed, sealed envelope and included with your transcript.

Demonstration of English Language Proficiency

All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement. Proficiency can be demonstrated by:

• The receipt of a bachelor’s or advanced degree from a university or accredited institution of higher education where English was the primary language of instruction.
• A minimum score of either 100 on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS test, taken within the last 24 months.

The Office of Admissions reserves the right to ask an applicant for additional proof of English Language Proficiency, which could come through in the form of an evaluative interview.

Please note that while the information on this page provides guidance, applicants must refer to the full application form for detailed instructions. Should you encounter any discrepancies between instructions on this page and instructions in the application itself, you must follow the guidance provided in the application.