How to Apply

Admissions Requirements for the Master of Arts in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (MAERES) Program:

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page.

The CERES Program welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.  All elements of a candidate’s application are considered, including academic performance, letters of recommendation, personal statement, internships, work experience and a commitment to a career related to the region. Successful candidates have strong critical thinking and writing skills.

Application Materials required in order to apply for the MAERES Program:

  • The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences online application
  • Non-refundable Application Fee
  • Academic Statement of Purpose:
    In your 500-word statement of purpose, describe your academic and professional interest in the region.  Describe your compatibility and preparation for the MAERES program.
  • Optional: Statement on Diversity, Personal Background & Contributions
  • Writing Sample in English: This should be a well-written academic or professional writing sample, approximately 10 to 15 double-spaced pages in length, including footnotes and bibliography.
  • Letters of Recommendation (3)
    Recommendations should come from faculty who have taught you in class.
    If you are not a fluent speaker of a language of the region, one recommendation should be from a language professor.
    If you have been out of college for several years, it can be helpful to have one professional recommendation.
  • Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Visit the Office of Graduate Admission’s Application Information page for additional details and FAQs regarding transcripts.
  • Resume/CV
  • GRE Test Scores are not required
  • TOEFL/IELTS  (if applicable)
    • TOEFL = 100 minimum (the TOEFL code for Georgetown is 5244)
    • IELTS = 7.5 minimum
  • Regional Language Information: All applicants should demonstrate that they have completed the equivalent of at least three years of college-level study in a language of the region relevant to their proposed course of study.  Students may satisfy the MAERES language proficiency requirement with a language of the region other than Russian.

All materials must be submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application portal.  The Graduate School’s Application Procedures website features up-to-date information on the application process.  Questions regarding the status of pending graduate applications should be directed to the Graduate School at gradmail@georgetown.edu.

Dual Degree Programs

Applicants should indicate on their Graduate School application whether they are applying to a dual degree program.

Those applying to a dual MAERES/Government PhD or MAERES/JD program must apply separately to both programs. 

Dual degree applicants should be aware that the joint department or school may have earlier deadlines and should confirm the deadline with the appropriate department.  Other departments and schools have test requirements specific to the program.

MAERES / Government PhD Program

For more information, click here to visit the Government Department’s admissions page or contact the Government Department at  (202) 687-6130 or email govtphdadmissions@georgetown.edu.

Prospective students must apply separately to the MAERES Program and the Government Department.

MAERES / Law Center JD

For more information, click here to visit the Law Center’s admissions page or contact the Law Center by emailing admis@law.georgetown.edu.

Prospective students must apply separately to MAERES and the Law Center.

MAERES Deadlines

Spring 2024 Enrollment

November 1, 2023 – Deadline for Spring 2024 admission
Please note: Students who matriculate in spring will only be eligible for merit-based aid beginning the following fall.

Fall 2024 Enrollment

December 1, 2023 – Applicants who submit their complete application by December 1 are not charged the $90.00 application fee.

January 15, 2024 – Priority Application deadline for Fall 2024 admission with consideration for scholarship support.

April 1, 2024 – Application deadline for Fall 2024.  Applicants who wish to be considered for merit funding should apply by the January 15 deadline.

Accelerated Degree Students

Undergraduate juniors from Georgetown University who are interested in applying to the five-year accelerated degree program should contact Lisa Gordinier for more information at lag33@georgetown.edu.  Applicants from all Georgetown undergraduate programs are welcome to apply.

Fee Waivers

Applicants who submit their complete application by December 1 are not charged the $90.00 application fee. To qualify, applicants must submit their complete application, including all letters of recommendation and unofficial transcripts, by midnight on December 1.

The following groups of applicants are eligible for the $90.00 application fee waiver, regardless of the deadline:

  • AmeriCorps Alumni
  • Congressional Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Alumni
  • EducationUSA Opportunity Funds Grantees
  • Foreign Fulbright Scholars
  • Graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
  • International Parliamentary Scholarship (IPS) Alumni
  • Jesuit Volunteer Corps
  • McNair Scholars
  • Members of the U.S. Military
  • Payne Fellows
  • Pickering Fellows
  • PPIA Fellows
  • Rangel Fellows and Scholars
  • Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV)
  • Those applying from Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Teach For All (including Teach for America)
  • Truman Scholars

To arrange for your fee waiver, contact Lisa Gordinier at lag33@georgetown.edu no later than January 2 to verify your eligibility.  Refunds are not available and waivers should be cleared prior to submitting the application.

Inquiries

Click here to join the Graduate School’s mailing list and select Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies as your desired area of study.

If you have any questions about the admissions process, please consult our list of frequently asked questions. For further admissions inquiries, please email Lisa Gordinier at lag33@georgetown.edu.