Which Graduate Program is Right for Me?
Congratulations on your decision to pursue an advanced degree!
As you consider the many opportunities for graduate business education at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, our admissions teams will help you navigate the process. Regardless of the type of degree that best fits your ambitions, McDonough is here to help you define your legacy.
In choosing a graduate business program, we recommend you explore these questions:
Where am I in my career?
Regardless of whether you are finishing up your undergraduate program, are seeking a mid-career boost, or are a c-suite executive, McDonough has the right program for you.
First take a look at what you hope to accomplish through graduate study. Do you want to further specialize in a particular field? Are you looking to pivot to a new career? Are you seeking skills to propel you to executive leadership? Understanding your goals will ensure you select the right program for you.
Depending on your level of professional experience, you will choose between pre-experience programs focused on students who recently completed their undergraduate degree, general programs for a range of experience levels, or programs that are tailored for those with more significant work experience.
Would I benefit more from a general management degree or a specialized master’s program?
Both types of degrees provide tremendous ROI for their graduates, yet they serve different purposes.
A general management degree, such as a Master’s in Management, an MBA, or an Executive MBA provides you with a well-rounded, foundational business education that incorporates an array of disciplines, including accounting, finance, management, marketing, and strategy. These programs offer the ability to succeed across many industries and functions in the business world.
A specialized master’s degree is a good fit for someone looking to add depth to their expertise in a specific area. These programs replace more general courses with content focused on specific aspects of an industry. At McDonough, this includes master’s programs in business analytics, business and public policy, environment and sustainability management, finance, and real assets.
Which modality is the right fit for me?
Business schools are offering new formats for their degree programs, ranging from in-person to online, hybrid, and blended, yet these terms can mean different things at different universities. And some programs have options across multiple modalities.
At McDonough, we have programs designed for working professionals, accelerated for those who prefer to study full-time, and in other modalities that accommodate those living outside of the D.C. area or who need more flexibility to complete their degree. Here is how we classify our program formats:
- In-person: These programs are 100% in-person, with classes on our campus. These programs typically have a robust campus experience, including clubs and other activities.
- Online: These programs are primarily online, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous coursework. However, at Georgetown, all students are required to meet in person for at least one week-long residency during the program and some require an international consulting project. These programs allow for greater flexibility in where a student is primarily located.
- Hybrid: Our hybrid programs offer a mix of fully in-person and fully online courses. These are ideal for students seeking to find a balance in their schedules.
- Blended: Blended programs offer the option to participate in-person or online within individual courses. This allows an online program to build an on-campus presence among those interested in attending classes in person.
Some programs also are full-time, meaning that students take a larger course load (completing the program more quickly) and do not hold a full-time job simultaneously. Part-time and flex programs are designed for working professionals so they can balance their work, academic, and personal lives with more convenience.
Other classifications you’ll hear at McDonough include lock-step and modular. All of our graduate programs are lock-step, meaning that you complete your core courses in a cohort format, where everyone takes the same classes at the same time. Our modular programs are offered outside of the traditional semester format, with classes being held every other weekend or monthly instead of week-to-week.
What are the benefits of attending a Jesuit business school?
Georgetown McDonough is differentiated by its values-based approach to business, rooted in a centuries-old Jesuit tradition focused on being people for others, educating the whole person, and building community in diversity.
How does this translate to our student experience? Students gain individualized attention from faculty and advisors. The community focuses on overall well-being and not just academic success. Our faculty, staff, and students represent diverse backgrounds and perspectives from around the world. And our programs all focus on how to use business as a force for good in the world.
What is my goal for completing a graduate business degree?
We know you are here to advance your career, but that can mean different things to different people. That’s why our McDonough Career Center is prepared to work with you on an individual basis to ensure your academic career leads to your career growth.
Every McDonough program has dedicated certified career coaches who specialize in the needs of students across the spectrum of work experience. For those entering a recruiting process, the team leverages its robust connections across industries and functions to help students find the right organization for them. Coaches work individually to personalize each student’s search, guided by an innovative career curriculum, high-tech assessment and preparation tools, and access to top recruiters. For those looking to grow within their current organization, the team provides strategies for securing a promotion. And for executive students, experienced coaches will help you understand your values, leadership style, and options as you navigate what’s next.
McDonough also has a global alumni network, which includes more than 220,000 Georgetown University alumni around the world. Alumni regularly mentor students, provide career advice, speak at industry events on campus, and participate in the classroom experience. Beyond graduation, alumni have strong ties to one another and continue to support each other.