MA-IBP Frequently Asked Questions
What sets MA-IBP apart from other programs?
What is the structure of the program?
The Master of Arts in International Business and Policy (MA-IBP) program is a 12-month hybrid graduate program consisting of six week-long residencies (four at Georgetown and two abroad), and two four-week online courses. The program also includes a social action project that is designed and implemented by each participant under faculty supervision. The modular format allows students to maintain their current employment and a manageable work-life balance.
Are any courses completed online?
Yes. Throughout the program, students will complete two four-week online courses between the in-person modules.
What is the expected size of the cohort?
We expect to enroll approximately 40-50 students from a variety of backgrounds, industries, and job functions.
Do you offer graduate assistantship opportunities?
No, we do not offer graduate assistantship opportunities through the MA-IBP program.
How do you incorporate Ignatian values into the program?
At Georgetown, we pride ourselves on our Catholic and Jesuit heritage, and this program is the first to require that students design and implement a Social Action Project that addresses an issue of social concern.
What are the program’s learning goals for students?
The MA-IBP curriculum is designed around a series of learning goals that include:
- Leadership
- Functional Knowledge and Stakeholder Value
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Communication Skills
- Ignatian Values
- Global and Diversity Mindset
Do I need to provide my own course materials?
No. Participants will receive all reading materials and syllabi about 30 days in advance of each module, which includes the assignments with due dates indicating when participant presentations or any written work and deliverables are to be submitted.
How many hours per week should I expect to work on course preparation outside the classroom?
Depending on your work experience and familiarity with the subject matter, the amount of preparation time will vary. Students report spending an average of 12 to 15 hours per week on coursework outside of the classroom.
How are the courses taught?
Individual faculty members deliver course content using different approaches, including case studies, lectures, experiential learning, simulations, and group projects. Teamwork is emphasized throughout the program. It creates a rich learning environment in which students are exposed to various industry perspectives and learn from their classmates’ experiences.
How many credits are awarded per course?
The program is a total of 30 credits. On average, courses are awarded 1.5 credits. Find out what to expect from the Master of Arts in International Business and Policy admissions process.
What are the qualifications for admission to the program?
It is strongly recommended that applicants possess a minimum of three years of work experience and demonstrate the potential for leadership. We seek junior to mid-level to senior-level applicants who endeavor to enrich the business environment and who represent a variety of nationalities, backgrounds, and industries. International experience is preferred but not required.
What degree do I earn upon completion of the program?
Graduates of this program receive a Master of Arts in International Business and Policy from Georgetown University.
Must students be employed full-time?
We expect students to hold full-time employment throughout the program. As members of an executive learning community, students bring real-world experience into the classroom and are able to immediately apply academic concepts gained through our curriculum in their workplaces. However, the Admissions Committee is willing to review and consider applicants who currently do not hold full-time positions.
May I apply for deferral if admitted?
Students who are admitted to the program may apply for a deferral for up to one academic year. Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions Committee once the admitted student submits a formal written request.
Can I begin the MA-IBP program at a different time during the year?
The MA-IBP program only has one intake per year, at the start of the spring semester in January.
What are the required admissions materials?
Please review our admissions page for a comprehensive list of the required application components.
What is the application fee?
Applicants must submit a $175 non-refundable application fee, payable online via credit card or e-check. Please do not send a personal check or money order. The MA-IBP program will grant an application fee waiver to candidates who are active duty, reservists, or veterans of the United States military. You can also receive an application fee waiver by attending select events.
When are the application deadlines?
Please review our admissions page for detailed information on application deadlines and admissions rounds. Early applications are highly encouraged to maximize your opportunity to secure a seat in the upcoming cohort (if admitted) and for scholarship consideration.
Are interviews required for admission?
Yes, interviews are required for admission and are conducted by invitation only.
How do I submit my official transcripts and degree certificate?
Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions in which a degree has been conferred. An official evaluation company must translate all international transcripts in English. Please mail the physical transcripts to the address below or send electronic versions to
Mailing Address:
ATTN: MA-IBP Admissions
Rafik B. Hariri Building, Suite 474
37th & O Streets, NW
Washington, DC 20057
What should I do if my institution issues only one academic document?
If your institution issues only one original document, upload a copy of this document into your online application. Upon admission to the program, you will be required to bring these original documents to our office for verification before matriculating into the program.
If my transcripts or academic documents have to be translated, how should these be submitted?
If your original documents are not in English and require translation, you must upload both the certified translation as well as the original documentation to the online application. Once admitted and prior to matriculating into the program, translators are required to send both the original documentation and certified translation in a signed and sealed envelope to our office. Your translator should certify that the original documentation was received in a sealed envelope from the institution. Do not submit a translation only.
What is the admissions process?
- Complete and submit an application: The Admissions Committee will evaluate a candidate’s application only when all application requirements have been met. Upon submission of your online application, you will receive a confirmation email that will reflect the date and time of submission. Please review our admissions page for detailed information on application deadlines and admissions rounds.
- Interview (by invitation only): Candidates with strong, compelling applications will be invited to the next stage of the admissions process, which includes an interview with members of the admissions committee. If you are requested for an interview, you will hear from the program within two weeks following the round deadline for which you submitted.
- Admissions Decision: The Admissions Committee aims to release a final admissions decision on the round decision notification date that corresponds with the round deadline for which the applicant submitted. Typically, this is anywhere from one to three weeks after a candidate successfully completes their interview.
- Enrollment Decision: Candidates admitted to the MA-IBP program will need to follow the instructions in their online admissions letter to submit their enrollment decision. Those seeking to secure a seat in the upcoming class will be asked to submit two non-refundable $2,500 deposits that are applied toward their first tuition payment and deducted from the first-semester balance.
Does Georgetown waive or remove requirements based upon prior study?
Waivers are not granted based on any prior study.
Does Georgetown consider transfer credit?
Because the MA-IBP program is a lock-step program, we are unable to accept transfer credit.
Is an English competency examination required?
International students are required to demonstrate a level of competence in English sufficient to meet the admissions requirements of the MA-IBP program. Non-U.S. applicants are required to submit a current TOEFL or IELTS score unless 1) You have received 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 primary language of instruction, 2) your native language is English, or 3) you have worked full-time for the last 3+ years in an English speaking country.
Is there a minimum score for the TOEFL, IELTS?
TOEFL
Official scores must be sent directly from ETS to Georgetown University Executive Education Admissions using ETS Code Number: 2509-02. The minimum required score is 250 (computer-based), 600 (paper-based), or 100 (internet-based). Your test result must not be more than two years old.
IELTS
Official scores must be sent directly from Cambridge (IELTS) to your admissions counselor. We accept only academic module results; the minimum required score is 7.5. Your test result must not be more than two years old.
How is tuition billed?
Tuition is billed on a per-credit rate. The MA-IBP program spans three semesters and has three payment periods. Review MA-IBP tuition information.
What does the tuition fee cover?
The tuition fee includes tuition, specified meals during residencies, hotel accommodations for Ho Chi Minh City and Frankfurt residencies, international travel insurance, and course materials. Tuition fees exclude individual healthcare or health insurance premiums, round-trip airfare to and from international project locations, accommodations for Washington D.C. residencies, visas, and incidental expenses while traveling.
What kinds of scholarships does Georgetown offer?
Georgetown McDonough offers partial scholarships for MA-IBP students based on merit. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must include a scholarship essay with their application. The Admissions Office notifies students of scholarship awards at the time of admission to the program.
Join Our January 2025 Intake
The next MA-IBP intake launches in January 2025. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you throughout the admissions process to learn more about your background and interests.
Questions? Contact Our MA-IBP Admissions Team
ma.ibp@georgetown.edu / +1 (202) 687-0971/ Frequently Asked Questions