ESM Application Process

Application Deadlines

The fall 2026 application cycle will open at the end of August and applications will be reviewed according to the deadlines below:

Admissions Policies

• Applicants who would like to be considered for multiple degree programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business must submit separate applications with a different email address for each program.
• Your online application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on the deadline date. Applications that are received after the deadline or do not contain all of the required components may be considered for the next admissions round.
• Documents submitted to the Office of Admissions become the property of Georgetown University and will not be returned to the applicant.
• Should you be admitted, you will receive a conditional offer and will be required to mail all original/official copies of each application document (transcripts and test scores, if applicable) to the Office of Admissions. Discrepancies between self-reported/unofficial documents and official records may result in an admissions offer being rescinded.
• If any application materials are found to be forged, falsified, or altered in any way, the university will notify all relevant officials, including the individual or institution issuing the document and, as appropriate, immigration officers. If an offer of admission has been made, it may be rescinded.
• We are unable to provide specific feedback to applicants who are not offered admission. Please note, the decision of the Admissions Committee is final and we cannot recommend whether or not you should reapply for a future cycle.
• You may only apply once in a given application cycle, and your admissions decision is final. You are eligible to reapply in a future application cycle.

If you are a visually-impaired applicant and need an accessible application, please contact us at msesmadmissions@georgetown.edu.

Application Requirements

The 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
• One 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 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

Required Components: One Recommendation

The Admissions Committee is interested in gaining insight from individuals who can objectively evaluate your academic or professional performance. We discourage letters from family members.

We require that you identify one recommender. Your recommendation may come from a current or former professor attesting to your academic performance or from a current or former supervisor speaking to your professional performance. If you would like to submit recommendations from both an academic and professional setting, you have the option to submit two recommendations. Note that the Admissions Committee will not read more than two recommendations per application.

All recommendations must be submitted electronically via the application system. Recommenders will receive detailed instructions once you complete the “Recommendations” section of your application.

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 choose to 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.

• If your institution uses Parchment: Digital Credential Service or National Student Clearinghouse, search for “Georgetown McDonough School of Business – Specialized Masters” to have your transcript sent directly.
• If your institution does not utilize Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse, the institution’s registrar may send the transcript via email 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

We are also pleased to offer application fee reduction codes for applicants who apply after attending select admissions events. If you attend an application fee reduction code event, your application fee will be reduced to $50

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

Required for qualifying applicants noted below or required if requested

Applicants who fit the criteria below are required to upload an official English Language Proficiency Exam score report to the online application.

• Non-U.S. citizens
• Non-U.S. permanent residents
• Applicants who have not obtained a four-year or advanced degree from a university where the only primary medium of instruction was English

Please note: If you meet any of the following criteria, you are not required to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score:

• You have received a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction
• Your native language is English
• You have worked full-time for the last 3+ years in an English-speaking country.

The Office of Admissions reserves the right to ask an applicant to submit proof of English Language Proficiency.

You may choose one of the following two exams to demonstrate your level of competence in English.

• TOEFL (internet-based) – The minimum required score is 100. Your test result must not be more than two years old. At the time of application to the program, official scores must be sent directly from ETS to Georgetown University Executive Education Admissions using ETS Code Number: 5781.
  • We now accept MyBest Scores. Test dates on your MyBest Scores report that are older than two years are expired and not valid. All dates must be valid.
  • We are currently accepting the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. For more information and registration details visit the following ETS page: TOEFL site.
• IELTS – We accept only academic module results. The minimum required score is 7.5. Your test result must not be more than two years old. At the time of application to the program, official scores must be sent electronically to us directly from Cambridge (IELTS). When requesting your scores from the test center, please enter the following information exactly as provided below:

Account Name: Georgetown University Sch of Business- MiM, MA-IBP, MSBA
Address: Executive and Specialized Degree Programs
37th and O Streets
Rafik B. Hariri Building, Suite 359
NW Washington, DC 20057

If you are a visually-impaired applicant and need an accessible application, please contact us at msesmadmissions@georgetown.edu.