FAQs
Master’s Program
Below are frequently asked questions about the Center for Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (CERES) and the Master of Arts in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (MAERES) Program. Please feel free to contact Lisa Gordinier, Director of Academic Programs, with questions about the MAERES program or the admissions process at lag33@georgetown.edu.
How many students are enrolled in the MA in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies (MAERES) Program at any given time?
The MAERES program generally has 30 to 40 enrolled students at any given time. The majority of the students study full time, however, there are part-time students in the program.
What is the typical profile of a MAERES applicant?
MAERES students come from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds and there is no “typical MAERES student.” The MAERES student body is composed of students with varied professional experience, as well as students who begin the program immediately upon completion of an undergraduate degree.
If you are applying directly out of an undergraduate program, your application should demonstrate a strong academic background, language study and a variety of extracurricular activities including internships, volunteer experiences and leadership activities.
How do I apply to the MAERES Program?
In order to apply to the MAERES Program, you must complete the online Graduate School application. All application materials are submitted through the Graduate School application portal.
Are GRE scores required for admission?
GRE scores are not required for admission to the program.
What should I include in my statement of purpose?
This is your opportunity to convey to the Admissions Committee why you are a strong candidate for the MAERES program. In your statement of purpose, outline your academic and professional interests and goals. Describe what you hope to accomplish during and upon completion of the program. Demonstrate your compatibility and preparation for the program, including background information on the language that you plan to study to proficiency.
Why does CERES require language study prior to entering the MAERES program?
CERES wishes to ensure that students have the best possible preparation for professional and academic careers working with this vast region. MAERES graduates are sought after because of their strong language skills in addition to their knowledge of the region and strong writing and critical thinking skills.
In their final semester in the program, students are required to conduct research for their Capstone project in the language they are studying to proficiency. This research requires language acquisition at the advanced or post-advanced level.
In order to demonstrate proficiency in a language, MAERES students are required to take two courses at the advanced level or post-advanced level. They may also satisfy the language proficiency if they are a fluent speaker of a language of the region.
When applying to the program, applicants should demonstrate the equivalent of three years of university-level coursework in a regional language prior to starting the program. Language study at this level ensures that students will not have trouble completing the language proficiency requirement for the program.
If I have had some language study, but not a full three years of study, will my application still be considered?
If the Admissions Committee believes that you will be able to satisfy the language requirement without three years of experience in a language prior to matriculation in the program, you would be considered for admission.
Applicants without three years of language study might consider enrolling in an intensive summer language course prior to commencement of the program.
You are encouraged to contact the Director of Academic Programs should you have questions about language preparation: Lisa Gordinier at lag33@georgetown.edu.
How can I demonstrate that I meet the admissions requirement for a regional language?
A college transcript is the best way to demonstrate that you have taken three years of coursework in a regional language. The admissions committee looks for rigorous, graded coursework in Russian, Turkish, Persian, Polish, or Ukrainian. The committee will also consider coursework on transcripts from study abroad or intensive summer language programs. If you were unable to study a regional language during your undergraduate program, indicate when and how you did study a regional language (for example, “I studied Russian three times a week for ten months with a private tutor in Chelyabinsk while I worked as a Fulbright ETA”).
I am a fluent speaker of a regional language. What should I do to satisfy the language requirement?
If you are a fluent speaker of a regional language and are able to speak, read and write it at the university level, CERES will waive the MAERES language requirement. To indicate language proficiency in your application, please tell us briefly how you came to know the language (e.g., “I grew up in Bulgaria and completed high school there”). Upon entering the program, you will be required to take a proficiency exam.
What kind of paper should I submit as a writing sample?
Ideally, applicants will submit an academic paper on a regionally related topic in the social sciences or humanities. If you do not have an academic paper on a regional topic that meets the criteria, you may submit a paper that relates to a different part of the world. Papers not written on topics in the social sciences or humanities or non-academic writing samples are less desirable, however, they will still be reviewed.
The writing sample must be in English and should be approximately, 10-15 double spaced pages in length including footnotes and bibliography. Quality is valued over length.
Whom should I ask to write my recommendations?
The Admissions Committee prefers recommendations from professors who have taught you in class. Recommendations from employers and supervisors provide a sense of character, but are less helpful in providing information on an applicant’s preparation for a rigorous graduate program. If you are a recent college graduate or still in school, three letters should be from a professor or advisor who is familiar with your academic work.
If you have been out of college for more than three years, a recommendation from an employer or supervisor is very helpful. This is particularly true if you believe that your undergraduate record will not accurately reflect your potential for the program.
Applicants who are not fluent speakers of a regional language should provide at least one recommendation from a language instructor who has taught you and is able to assess your language ability or your readiness for advanced language study.
Am I required to submit transcripts from all institutions that I have attended?
Yes. At the time of application, you are required to upload copies of official transcripts to your Graduate School Application from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, even if you did not receive a degree from the institution. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. For additional information on transcript requirements, you may wish to review the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences transcript requirements for additional details and FAQs.
When are Admissions decisions announced?
Admissions decisions for the fall semester are announced in late February or early March. Decisions for the spring semester are announced in late November or early December.
May I study a regional language beyond what is required for my degree?
You may choose to continue to study the language that you have pursued to proficiency after you have satisfied the language requirement. Additional language courses at the post-advanced level may satisfy elective or distribution requirements toward the degree.
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers Language Scholarships to cover the cost of one undergraduate-level language course (courses numbered below 3999) each semester. Undergraduate-level language courses are taken in addition to the required graduate coursework and do not count towards the degree. This affords students the opportunity to begin a new language or continue language study at the beginning or intermediate level at no additional cost.
May I apply to more than one SFS graduate Program?
You may apply to more than one SFS graduate program. Applicants must complete a separate application and pay a separate application fee for each program. Dual degree applicants must also submit a separate application and application fee for each program.
Tuition and Financial Aid:
What is the cost of the MAERES program?
Graduate tuition for School of Foreign Service graduate programs is $2,452 per credit hour for the 2023-2024 academic year. A full-time MAERES student typically takes six 3-credit courses each academic year with a total tuition cost of $44,136 per academic year.
What proportion of students receive merit-based funding from CERES?
Generally, over 70 percent of MAERES students receive merit-based funding from CERES. Some of the awards are scholarships and fellowships that cover the cost of a student’s tuition. Others are partial awards that cover the cost of a portion of the student’s tuition.
Where might I find additional information on tuition and financial aid?
Most questions are answered on the CERES tuition and financial aid page, or on the website for the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS). Please contact either CERES or the OSFS with questions if the websites do not have the information that you need.
Where should I go for information regarding resources for international students?
The Office of Global Services (OGS) is an invaluable resource for international students. OGS works closely with international students regarding questions about immigration documentation, work authorization and related issues such as application for a social security card and driver’s license. Both OGS and CERES work with students regarding adjustment to student life in a new country.
Upon admission to a graduate program, international students may begin working with the Office of Global Services (OGS) regarding paperwork required for an international student visa. International students will continue to work closely with the OGS throughout their time at Georgetown.
Are international students eligible for merit aid?
International students are eligible for merit aid and CERES Fellowships.
As a veteran, where might I find additional resources available to me on campus?
The Georgetown Military and Veteran’s Resource Center works with veterans and members of the military community to support and advise them throughout their time at Georgetown.