Admissions

Admission FAQs

When is the application deadline?

Students who wish to have their application fee waived need to apply by January 15, 2023. The final application deadline for all students is April 1, 2023.

Is LDT a STEM Eligible program?

Yes, it is. To learn more about what this means, please visit the Office of Global Services. 

When do classes start?

Students begin the program during our Fall Pre-Session in mid-to late-August with a one-week intensive introduction course. Students will begin their remaining Fall classes on the first day of the regular Fall schedule.

Where should I mail documents?

Please note that the only documents that need to be mailed are official transcripts. Test scores must be sent directly from testing agencies and the remaining materials must be submitted online. Mail your transcripts to: 

Does the LDT program admit students for spring term?

While we encourage prospective students to apply for the fall term, the LDT program does admit students for the spring term under special circumstances. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you are interested in applying for the spring term.

Do you offer a part-time option for students?

Yes. We offer part-time enrollment for accepted Learning, Design, and Technology students.

Is there an application fee?

A $90.00 non-refundable fee is payable by credit card at the time of application submission.

How will I know my application has been received?

When the Graduate School receives your online application, you will receive an application verification email. After you apply online, you can sign into your account to access an electronic checklist detailing what application items have or have not been received. Your checklist is posted the day after you submit your application and application items are logged as soon as they are processed. During our high volume application season (December through March), please allow up to two weeks for your application items to be updated. Online recommendations are automatically updated to a status of “received” when submitted by the recommender. You can also check the status of your application materials by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions at 202-687-5568, or by sending an email to gradmail@georgetown.edu with your full name and the department to which you have applied.

When will I know if I was accepted?

Generally, decisions are released 6-9 weeks after the application deadline.

What is the academic statement?

The academic statement provides you with an opportunity to share information not already demonstrated in your resume, transcripts, and other documentation and it should answer the following question: Why is Learning, Design, and Technology the program for you? It should explain your motivation to study learning design at Georgetown, discuss professional goals, and reflect on past professional and academic achievement, with particular emphasis on skills and knowledge that make you a strong candidate for the LDT program. Be thoughtful and specific to help application reviewers picture you thriving in our program’s environment. If your transcripts or test scores do not accurately represent your ability, explain why this is so. The maximum length for the academic statement is 500 words.

Which tests do I need to take?

TOEFL or IELTS: All applicants are required to demonstrate a level of proficiency in the English language sufficient to meet the admission requirement of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. Proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following:

• the receipt of 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 language of instruction for the entire institution, or
• submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of approximately 550 (paper-based test) or approximately 80 (internet test), or
• submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.0.The TOEFL and IELTS must be received directly from the appropriate testing organization. Photocopied/faxed documents will not fulfill this requirement

The GRE is not required, but applicants are welcome to submit their scores if they wish. Our application committee will consider the scores during the review process.

How do I report my official test scores?

You need to request that ETS (Educational Testing Services) send your GRE or TOEFL scores to Georgetown University. To request scores, use the code associated with the program to which you are applying. The GRE code is 5244 and the TOEFL code is 5244. For the IELTS code, visit the IELTS website. We are not able to accept copies or unofficial score reports. You may contact ETS at 1-800-473-2255 in regard to GRE scores and at 1-800-468-6335 regarding the TOEFL. You can also visit ETS’s GRE page and ETS’s TOEFL page. For more information about IELTS visit the IELTS website.

Is there a language proficiency requirement for admission?

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

• the receipt of 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 language of instruction for the entire institution;
• submission of an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report with a minimum score of approximately 80 (internet test); or
• submission of an official International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – Academic Module score report with a minimum score of 7.0.

TOEFL and IELTS must be received directly from the appropriate testing organization. Photocopied/faxed documents will not fulfill this requirement. Exception: International students who received a bachelor’s or advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education where the primary language was English will be considered for an exemption from this requirement.

How many recommendations are required?

We require that applicants submit three recommendations. Ideally, applicants should include at least one academic recommendation and one professional recommendation.

How should my references submit recommendations?

References must submit recommendations using the online application portal. The online application utilizes a secure online recommendation system which will:

• automatically email your recommendation providers with instructions for online submission of the recommendation;
• allow applicants to track recommendations received or not received and follow up with recommenders who still need to submit their appraisals; and
• expedite the processing of recommendations, which will be included in the online application once submitted.

What if my references can’t access the online recommendation?

In the event a reference cannot access the online recommendation, please contact the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions staff for instructions.