First Year Seminar

The First Year Seminar (FYS) courses (BADM 1101) are designed for first-year students, including sophomore external transfer students, enrolled in Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Offered in the fall semester, students can explore a variety of unique topics that range from does finance benefit society and critical thinking in the digital world to the ethics of financial reporting, future of work, and the impact of managing scarce resources. Enrollment in each seminar is limited to 20 students, and prior knowledge of business or topics covered in the FYS courses is not necessary. The small class size allows students to develop a mentoring relationship with their faculty, embrace learning through seminar-based lectures, and engage in discussions with their peers. Each FYS course fulfills Georgetown University’s integrated writing requirement with an emphasis on strengthening students’ academic and business writing skills.

Key Features of FYS

• Interdisciplinary Exploration:
  Seminars connect students with diverse business disciplines, including global public policy, finance, marketing, ethics, and technology.
  
• Social Impact Consulting Project:
  A signature element of FYS, this project challenges student teams to develop strategic recommendations for a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. Each team is guided by faculty and peer mentors, with finalists presenting to the organization’s leadership team.
  
• Cohort-Wide Lectures:
  Throughout the semester, all FYS students come together for a series of special lectures led by Georgetown faculty and industry experts. One lecture features the executive leader of the nonprofit partner from the Social Impact Consulting Project.

Want to learn more?
Refer to the First Year Seminar Brochure or email us for additional details.