Georgetown University Top Questions

What are the academics like at your school?

Matthew

No response recorded

Matthew

My favorite class this year was Play Analysis taught by Christine Evans. If you Google her, you'll understand why I chose to take her class. A former circus performer, an accomplished playwright, and a saxophonist, Christine was an incredible lecturer and shared such a wealth of experience. We covered everything from Aristotle's Poetics and Greek Tragedy to Brechtian and Noh Drama. I walked into Christine's class a naive kid, but walked out as a (relatively) sophisticated audience member. My least favorite class was a Core requirement, Political and Social Thought. It was as difficult as it sounds, with long, dense readings assigned every Tuesday and Thursday. I disliked PST not for the subject matter (I was intrigued to learn about Plato, Marx, Mill, etc.) but because the grading was inconsistent. I found it difficult to understand how to write about philosophy, something I am still working on. How hard do students study at Georgetown? It's Georgetown. We study hard. Some classes are rife with discussion and others have crickets chirping. Most of my classes have fallen into the former category, especially those with fewer students (e.g. seminars and literature classes). As a student in the SFS, I am currently finishing my core requirements - an extensive list which you can find on Georgetown's website. Some of the features include: 4 Economics classes (just two short of a minor in the College), 2 Philosophy Requirements, 2 Theology Requirements, 2 Humanities/Writing Requirements, and Proficiency in a Foreign Language, among others. I am most impressed by Georgetown professors' ability to make links between subjects. Their interdisciplinary references and connections make learning fun.

Matthew

Choosing classes carefully is the most overlooked strategy to succeeding in college. I dedicated several hours each semester to choosing the right classes with the right professors. As a result, I had an awesome first year. My teachers knew my name and I did pretty well during my freshman year. My favorite class this year was Play Analysis taught by Christine Evans. If you Google her, you'll understand why I chose to take her class. A former circus performer, an accomplished playwright, and a saxophonist, Christine was an incredible lecturer and shared such a wealth of experience. I had never taken a drama/theatre class or acted in my life, but Christine made me want to star on Broadway. We covered everything from Aristotle's Poetics and Greek Tragedy to Brechtian and Noh Drama. I walked into Christine's class a naive kid, but walked out as a (relatively) sophisticated audience member. My least favorite class was a Core requirement, Political and Social Thought. It was as difficult as it sounds, with long, dense readings assigned every Tuesday and Thursday. I disliked PST not for the subject matter (I was intrigued to learn about Plato, Marx, Mill, etc.) but because the grading was inconsistent. I found it difficult to understand how to write about philosophy, something I am still working on. How hard do students study at Georgetown? It's Georgetown. We study hard. Some classes are rife with discussion and others have crickets chirping. Most of my classes have fallen into the former category, especially those with fewer students (e.g. seminars and literature classes). My major is Science, Technology, and International Affairs. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what that entails. As a student in the SFS, I am currently finishing my core requirements - an extensive list which you can find on Georgetown's website. Some of the features include: 4 Economics classes (just two short of a minor in the College), 2 Philosophy Requirements, 2 Theology Requirements, 2 Humanities/Writing Requirements, and Proficiency in a Foreign Language, among others. I am most impressed by Georgetown professors' ability to make links between subjects. Their interdisciplinary references and connections make my learning fun. Right now, I feel as though I am being prepared for my upper level courses more so than for a job. Until I figure out my emphasis, I can not say whether my degree is geared toward getting a job or learning for its own sake.

wanwen

Professor knows each person's name. And the class size is 20 people per class.

Jenna

Academics at Georgetown depend largely on the school and major you choose (there are four schools on campus; the McDonough School of Business - MSB, School of Foreign Service - SFS, School of Nursing and Health Studies - NHS, and the College - the liberal arts division). The MSB and SFS are specialty schools, and academics largely depend on the teachers you take and majors you choose. Students in the business school are usually able to double major with a minor if they schedule time appropriately, while the schedule for the SFS contains more requirements and students often either have one major or a major and a minor. The SFS is notorious for some very challenging courses, but each school has various majors and classes that continuously present challenges to students. Work load in the College depends entirely on choice of major (ranging from Medieval Studies to BioChem to English). The NHS is the smallest school, and thus most students are close with their teachers and able to maintain strong relationships with both teachers and fellow classmates - the drawback is there are more limited class options and more intensive requirements for some of the majors. In general, professors are highly willing to meet with students outside of class, and are usually quite helpful. Requirements are challenging but not overwhelming. Students are sometimes able to incorporate internships and jobs into their schedule, but your time commitments depend on extracurricular. Students are competitive, but against their own personal standards not usually each other. I have found that in classes where there is no mandated bell curve, students are very helpful and collaborative. Work at Georgetown is geared towards future employment, especially in the specialty schools (professors are very willing to help students acquire internships and jobs as necessary, and write very helpful recommendations).

Jenna

Academics at Georgetown depend largely on the school and major you choose (there are four schools on campus; the McDonough School of Business - MSB, School of Foreign Service - SFS, School of Nursing and Health Studies - NHS, and the College - the liberal arts division). The MSB and SFS are specialty schools, and academics largely depend on the teachers you take and majors you choose. Students in the business school are usually able to double major with a minor if they schedule time appropriately, while the schedule for the SFS contains more requirements and students often either have one major or a major and a minor. The SFS is notorious for some very challenging courses, but each school has various majors and classes that continuously present challenges to students. Work load in the College depends entirely on choice of major (ranging from Medieval Studies to BioChem to English). The NHS is the smallest school, and thus most students are close with their teachers and able to maintain strong relationships with both teachers and fellow classmates - the drawback is there are more limited class options and more intensive requirements for some of the majors. In general, professors are highly willing to meet with students outside of class, and are usually quite helpful. Requirements are challenging but not overwhelming. Students are sometimes able to incorporate internships and jobs into their schedule, but your time commitments depend on extracurricular. Students are competitive, but against their own personal standards not usually each other. I have found that in classes where there is no mandated bell curve, students are very helpful and collaborative. Work at Georgetown is geared towards future employment, especially in the specialty schools (professors are very willing to help students acquire internships and jobs as necessary, and write very helpful recommendations).

Francesca

Professors are a hit or miss. Either they are good or bad. You can definitely find a professor who has written 248572938572 books or journals on a particular subject and have 9875697 degrees from different prestigious schools but talks more to hear themselves talk, brags more to build up their ego, or has to be right at all times and doesn't do well at actually teaching. Certain departments are great! I love the sociology department, the theology/ catholic studies department, the theater department, the art department, and multiple others because I have had the best experiences with them. Georgetown has the reputation for being difficult which is completely true. Certain classes only give out X amount of As per semester making them extremely competitive. Overall, georgetown definitely is known for grade deflation which makes a B- extremely depressing but in comparison to some other schools it may be the equivalent of a B+ or A-. Students are always having intellectual conversations outside of class. You can be at a crazy party at one of the townhouses and sit with a group of people discussing the most recent republican debates while being "slightly" intoxicated. Students are always studying/ working, partying, or working out. Studies are almost everybody's main focus.

Kate

Georgetown is undeniably a lot of work. Students study a lot, but the majority of people find a good balance between school, a social life, and extracurriculars. Georgetown is a liberal arts institution, so there are certain course requirements that all students have to take--such as theology, philosophy/ethics, history, english, and science/math--but there's a large variety of choice within each department. Class size depends on your major field, but they tend to be on the smaller side. In my experience, professors emphasize learning for its own sake, but usually connect the material to the "real world." I'm an English major with minors in Theology and French, so I've been lucky to have small classes. Professors usually know your name and are more than willing to help in office hours--but it is up to you to take the initiative.

Kate

Georgetown is undeniably a lot of work. Students study a lot, but the majority of people find a good balance between school, a social life, and extracurriculars. Georgetown is a liberal arts institution, so there are certain course requirements that all students have to take--such as theology, philosophy/ethics, history, english, and science/math--but there's a large variety of choice within each department. Class size depends on your major field, but they tend to be on the smaller side. In my experience, professors emphasize learning for its own sake, but usually connect the material to the "real world."

Mimi

The professors in my classes know my name by the second week of classes. I'm fortunate in that, as an English major and as a student who continues to pursue liberal arts, I get the advantage of having more intimate relationships with professors due to smaller class sizes, less lecture-style teaching methods, and professors that I continue to take again, after a class has completed. My favorite class, for these reasons, would have to be my Italian language course; I have only had two different professors over the course of five semesters. I have, therefore, fantastic relationships with these two professors, and I feel comfortable coming to them about anything. This has allowed me to seek mentorship within my professors and to establish deeper, stronger bonds with them - both based on academic and personal levels. In other classes, however, where there are more students in a larger lecture hall with one professor and about six T.A.'s, I feel that students a) miss out on the opportunity to have a strong, fulfilling relationship with such a strong, knowledgeable mentor, but they also tend to become more competitive and treat classes less personally; they don't get to know one another as peers or as friends, and many students also take the larger lectures as opportunities to zone out, a bit - and get away with it. I must say, however, that regardless of what you study at Georgetown University, it is ultimately up to you how you walk out at graduation; YOU are the one who should take initiative to form relationships with peers and instructors alike, and YOU are the one who must now apply what you have learned to the real world. In most cases of graduated Hoyas, I believe that our education - regardless of the teaching style or of the major - has led us to great success in the workforce.

James

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

James

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

James

At Georgetown the motto "work hard, play hard" certainly rings true. The students here are dedicated to their studies, and passionate about their chosen majors/fields of study. Classroom discussion will often continue outside of class, and I am continually impressed by the intellectual debates that take place in social spaces (parties and bars included). An all-nighter in the library is not uncommon, and most of us have watched the sunrise more than once. The University, however, typically shows the same commitment towards its students that they themselves give to their studies. Georgetown's relative small size allows it to offer small class sizes and brilliant, accomplished professors. Granted, not every class is a slam-dunk, and not every lecture will especially "intellectually stimulating", but in general the professors here are dedicated to their students. I have personally had dinner at a professor's house on more than one occasion. I've even had my dean over for cookies and hot chocolate! Like at any university, academics will be what you make it at Georgetown, but you can't resist being impressed (and inspired) by the focused and high-achieving students that you will find yourself surrounded by.

Jacqueline

Georgetown is one of the top academics schools in the country and world so obviously academics here is challenging. You just have to know how to pick the right classes and professors. Talk to your friends and classmates. Ask around to see who has taken the classes you're looking into and their professors. Use ratemyprofessor.com, but don't rely completely on what you read. And know that you are going to have to take hard classes. It's just a fact. The thing you have to remember is that the professors are here to help you as long as you ask for it. If you want your teacher to know your name then I recommend taking seminars or other classes with fewer students. Most of the classes, besides the gen ed's, are on the smaller side so it shouldn't be hard for you to get to know your professors better. Try not to procrastinate with your school work and don't get too stressed over classes. Life will go on if you get a B.

Katy

Georgetown is divided into four colleges: the College (liberal arts, sciences), the Business School, the Nursing School, and the School of Foreign Service. All of these share a core curriculum of courses in science, theology, philosophy, and history. Additionally, each college has its own specific degree requirements. Georgetown academics are challenging. Students are expected to take five courses at once, which means a lot of juggling and the need for good time management. students balance their coursework with extracurricular activities and internships, which adds to the challenge. This is not a hand-holding institution. It is up to students to seek out their professors and deans to shape their educational journey and get the academic support that they need.

Ryan

The professors are very accommodating and, due to our size, have the opportunity to get to know you on a personal level in class sizes that hover around 20-30 in the majority of classes after freshman year intro level courses. As an English and Government double major, I can tell you that Georgetown is very flexible and allows you to take electives in a wide-range of courses, many of which will surprisingly go towards your major(s). For example, last year I took a course entitled "The Sociology of Hip Hop" and Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco visited one class period - that class went toward my English major. Being in the location we are, famous political scientists and artists alike visit as guests and professors all the time. Students here are eager to learn but they're not so intense that you feel as though everyone's competing against each other - rather, you'll find a lot of students work together. It's not uncommon to be at a house party and overhear students simultaneously drinking heavily and having an intellectual conversation or debate on politics, and for this reason you feel a part of a prominent academic community.

Ryan

The professors are very accommodating and, due to our size, have the opportunity to get to know you on a personal level in class sizes that hover around 20-30 in the majority of classes after freshman year intro level courses. As an English and Government double major, I can tell you that Georgetown is very flexible and allows you to take electives in a wide-range of courses, many of which will surprisingly go towards your major(s). For example, last year I took a course entitled "The Sociology of Hip Hop" and Hip-Hop artist Lupe Fiasco visited one class period - that class went toward my English major. Being in the location we are, famous political scientists and artists alike visit as guests and professors all the time. Students here are eager to learn but they're not so intense that you feel as though everyone's competing against each other - rather, you'll find a lot of students work together. It's not uncommon to be at a house party and overhear students simultaneously drinking heavily and having an intellectual conversation or debate on politics, and for this reason you feel a part of a prominent academic community.

Alexandra

As a new student, it can be overwhelming to hear professors say no one gets an A. Most are coming from high school where they were straight A students, so this news seems threatening. The thing to understand is that Georgetown professors set their bar high in order to push their students. Those who do excel can receive a real A (4.0), but it takes a lot of hard work and a higher knowledge of the information. That being said, Georgetown is competitive, but certainly not in a detrimental manner. Students work together to facilitate higher learning without being cut-throat or vindictive. It's actually very common to find yourself at a gathering or party where you get into a deep conversation with someone about religion, politics, government, etc. We thrive on those kinds of discussions! Class size depends on the type of class. Requirements tend to range from 65-250 people, while electives average around 16. Most language classes are even smaller (12 or so). In larger lecture classes, professors don't bother learning everyone's names. In smaller classes, though, they most certainly do. If you are assigned a recitation section (outside of class discussion of texts or concepts), your Teaching Assistant (TA) will definitely learn your name. Georgetown requires every student to take 2 philosophy and 2 theology classes. Following the Jesuit tradition, the university wants the students to be well-rounded, cultured intellectuals. Each of the 4 schools (School of Foreign Service, Nursing and Health Studies, College, and Business) have different core curricula that need to be fulfilled along with any requirements for the chosen major. I am an English Major in the College (the biggest school, with the most variety of majors). My core curriculum consists of 2 English classes, 2 History, a Math or Science, Language (through the intermediate level), 2 theology, and 2 philosophy. In high school, I took a few Advanced Placement tests, and received credits for some of the requirements. Most people in the College complete their required core by the end of their sophomore year. The college also has a variety of minors available. I chose to minor in Linguistics and Russian Language. There are really so many choices, it feels like you are building your own degree.

Alexandra

As a new student, it can be overwhelming to hear professors say no one gets an A. Most are coming from high school where they were straight A students, so this news seems threatening. The thing to understand is that Georgetown professors set their bar high in order to push their students. Those who do excel can receive a real A (4.0), but it takes a lot of hard work and a higher knowledge of the information. That being said, Georgetown is competitive, but certainly not in a detrimental manner. Students work together to facilitate higher learning without being cut-throat or vindictive. It's actually very common to find yourself at a gathering or party where you get into a deep conversation with someone about religion, politics, government, etc. We thrive on those kinds of discussions! Class size depends on the type of class. Requirements tend to range from 65-250 people, while electives average around 16. Most language classes are even smaller (12 or so). In larger lecture classes, professors don't bother learning everyone's names. In smaller classes, though, they most certainly do. If you are assigned a recitation section (outside of class discussion of texts or concepts), your Teaching Assistant (TA) will definitely learn your name. Georgetown requires every student to take 2 philosophy and 2 theology classes. Following the Jesuit tradition, the university wants the students to be well-rounded, cultured intellectuals. Each of the 4 schools (School of Foreign Service, Nursing and Health Studies, College, and Business) have different core curricula that need to be fulfilled along with any requirements for the chosen major. I am an English Major in the College (the biggest school, with the most variety of majors). My core curriculum consists of 2 English classes, 2 History, a Math or Science, Language (through the intermediate level), 2 theology, and 2 philosophy. In high school, I took a few Advanced Placement tests, and received credits for some of the requirements. Most people in the College complete their required core by the end of their sophomore year. The college also has a variety of minors available. I chose to minor in Linguistics and Russian Language. There are really so many choices, it feels like you are building your own degree.

Bonnie

The academics at Georgetown are obviously top-notch, though I think something that separates us from most elite universities is accessibility of our professors. All of my professors have known my name and most know my personal interests and background. Professors often invite students to lunch or even over to their house for dinner. I've have very little courses at Georgetown that I didn't love. The courses I have taken are fascinating. Though I'm an English major, my English courses are not the stereotypical Dickens and Faulkner (though we have those too!). Some of my major courses are titled: Human Trafficking, Narratives of Violence, Cultural Constructions of Motherhood and Ghost Stories just to name a few. We also have classes like Philosophy of Star Trek for all you trekkies reading this. There are no shortage of interesting classes to take at Georgetown. Being a Jesuit liberal arts university, all students are required to take 2 philosophy, 2 theology, 2 history, 2 social science, 2 math/science, 2 humanities and up to advanced level in a foreign language. While the core requirements are sometimes frustrating (I'm looking at you history requirement) there are generally so many classes offered that people generally enjoy the variety. Another option to get those pesky requirements out of the way is during study abroad. A large, large majority (emphasis on the large) study abroad. As a matter of fact, I am writing this review from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Georgetown has great study abroad programs on all 6 major continents, and...financial aid covers them all if you qualify. All in all, academics at Georgetown rock. While finals and midterms are never fun, students generally like going to class and learning from the proffessors...generally.

Ciara

Academic life at Georgetown is challenging but doable. I have only taken a couple courses that had more than 30 students, and even in each large course that I've taken my TA's still recognize me on campus and know me by name. One of the best things about Georgetown is definitely the faculty; they're brilliant, and they all seem to care deeply about their students. When I took Calc I, I took it with 25 other students from the head of the mathematics department - an experience you won't get at many other institutions. Overall, academics at Georgetown are based on individual experiences; it is what you make of it. Some professors are much more difficult than others, but all courses are rewarding and fun. Academic life often spills over into other aspects of the college experience; I've had many rewarding intellectual discussions in the cafeteria, with my roommate, or hanging out at the gym. I have also had a lot of opportunities to speak with my professors outside of the classroom; my french professor took our class to eat at the French embassy, and I watched the Lion King with my African Policies professor and the rest of my class. The high level of academic rigor definitely pays off.

Erika

Most of my professors knew me on a first-name basis; however, some times it was difficult to get to know the professors in some of the larger classes. Academics are challening, but also stimulating and thought-provoking, and student participation in class facilitates learning. Professors are always willing to help students outside of class. The university requires Philsophy and Theology courses, but I believe these topics only help to fully round the students by encouraging them to take courses that may lie outside the comfort zone.

Ryan

Language programs are really good, as are most of the SFS courses. Art history was also amazing - the program is tiny of course, but most courses other than the intros have around 10-15 students taught by amazing profs. I'm not sure how other unis do it, but I never had a TA as a professor, and never went to the TA-led practice sessions for my econ classes, so never really met TAs at Gtown.

Jack

GU is small enough that you can really get to know professors. I've become long-term friends with quite a few professors, many of whom I think of as valuable mentors now. Beware of the School of Foreign Service, though. My major is Culture & Politics, the most interdisciplinary major of any in the SFS, yet I still was required to take a litany of courses designed to prepare students to follow orders at the State Department or the World Bank, rather than provoking critical thinking. The four required economics courses are the worst -- all SFS students moan endlessly about these courses, which are both the most difficult and least educational courses I've taken, since you memorize economic graphs rather than debating economic theory or policy. Seek out courses with professors dedicated to teaching their students to think critically about the world -- there are plenty! You can find them especially in the English, History, Women's Studies, Anthropology & Theology departments.

aj

Best academic thing about Georgetown is the good liberal arts curriculum. The science curriculum is good for pre-meds, but for hardcore science, look elsewhere. Being a chem major gets you lots of upperclass classes with very small numbers of students to faculty.

Pauline

Study all the time. very good education

Jillian

Georgetown wasn't as hard as I had hoped. There were too many classes that focused on "do X to get an A in the class" and not on community-based learning.

Julie

Most of the professors and classes are good. Required classes can go either way, but lots of them are really excellent, as well as quite difficult. Georgetown doesn't have grade inflation, so for the most part, you really have to show you deserve an A to get one. I haven't found Georgetown students to be too competitive, even though some classes are graded on a curve. Lots of interesting history, government, and theology classes. There is kind of a stigma that the foreign service school is the best of the four schools, which I wasn't aware of before coming here. I don't think that is true when it comes to the acceptance rates, but I have found there to be more of an academic focus on foreign service and government. The education is definitely geared towards learning for its own sake, not toward getting a job. Some professors are not flexible when it comes to missing class for interviews. The career center, on the other hand, is heavily biased towards finance and consulting jobs.

Ali

Georgetown is great about class sizes. A large percentage of my classes have been under 30 people, and the larger lecture-style courses have smaller group discussion sections so you never feel as if you don't have enough one-on-one time with professors.

Erin

Whether or not your professor knows your name completely depends on the professor. I had some professors that knew my name and addressed me by it almost every day in class and I had others that I'm sure wouldn't even recognize me. It's a combination of a) their personality and how well they remember people and b) how much you attend and participate in class. The class sizes are generally small enough (with the exception of big introductory liberal arts cores) that professors will get to know you by the end of the semester even if you're on the quiet side. There are a couple of classes tied for my favorite: Management and Organizational Behavior and Religion and Aesthetics. Now, the first class sounds like you should just start falling asleep right away - but my professor made it one of the most interesting classes I've taken and definitely one that I've gotten the most from. She is now my faculty adviser. Same thing going with the other one, although the subject matter was a bit more interesting she is definitely an amazing teacher that assigned provocative assignments that made me actually interested in writing a 10 page paper...rarely does that ever happen. Every now and then I get a smack in the face reminder that "yeah, I go to Georgetown." For instance when I'm standing in line at the keg on the rooftops and I overhear a conversation about correct grammar. And I don't think I even need to mention the demonstrations and activism that goes on in Red Square...oh, those funny SFS students. I like and dislike Georgetown's requirement system. I really like how they make it imperative to take classes outside of my major and in a wide variety of areas. What I don't like, however, is that there are so many requirements that I no longer have any room in my schedule for electives. My first two years were jam packed with introductory level courses that were mostly prerequisites for what I'm taking now and my last two years will be almost all business classes. I wish it was just a big more dispersed.

Madison

Georgetown students are the kind of people who would be nerds anywhere else; they'll continue classroom discussions well after classes are done for the day. It's not uncommon to hear passionate debates about obscure political figures during weekend parties. Interest in learning for its own sake goes hand-in-hand with the school a student is in: business students like myself, by and large, care little for academia; liberal arts students in Georgetown College or the School of Foreign Service are the kind of people who carry on academic discussions on the weekends.

Jill

Very personal feel, professors know your name, stimulating classroom discussions

Torry

One thing I would change about Georgetown academics is to reduce class size, especially in the business school. When you are in a class with 50 people, and this easily occurs given the popularity of the Finance major, it is more difficult to develop a close relationship with the professor and your fellow classmates.

Ashley

Professors do make an effort to learn everyone's name, even in my Philosophy lecture of 75. Students work hard and play hard. Certain majors focus on getting a job, others on learning for learning's sake.

Jill

My professors as a whole know my name after the first few weeks of class. They are very available to help and encourage. Students study an incredible amount at Georgetown. People are in the library everyday til very early hours of the morning and there on the weekends. There is generally a large amount of work that comes with all our classes.

Andrew

Most professors do know my name. The classes you really enjoy are the ones that get you involved and work off of student experiences. The classes everyone hates are the ones you always sleep through where teachers are absorbed into their own lecture. Students study a lot during the week and will definitely have intellectual conversations outside of class, particularly political discussions. Class participation is emphasized and, in the good classes, plays a vital role. Students are somewhat competitive, but especially so when it's time to apply for the big wall street jobs and spots at top law and med schools. Most unique class: Intercultural Communications. Finance major definitely has you well prepared and International Business is ranked at the top among undergraduate programs offering the major. So many students go abroad that many international business classes are highly driven by student experience and knowledge. I went to office hours rarely but I know many students who frequent them and many students who have dined a number of times with professors, advisors, or Jesuits. The academic requirements will certainly leave you well rounded and I thought gave sufficient time to allow for specialization. Depending on your major the education can be geared toward getting a job (i.e. business, medicine, law) or strictly academic (i.e. philosophy, theology) or a combination (i.e. history/gov't, poly-psy)

Andy

Almost all professors take the time to get to know students by name, and most want to get to know you even more. They're all very open and eager to help students perform to the best of their ability. The most unique class I've taken so far was Hindu Religious Tradition--such a great class and wonderful professor! Georgetown creates well-rounded students who are not only well-educated in liberal arts but are also ready for the work world in whatever field they choose. Almost all major firms recruit at Georgetown for full-time and internship positions. Class participation is common and you'll hear some very interesting debates in class, even in larger intro-level courses. The Theology requirement scared me at first, but when I got here and started taking the courses I fell in love with them--there is such a wide range to choose from!

Alex

Professors know me well - i participate in my classes. Favorite class: Financial Accounting with Prem Jain. Our professor was a funny, middle-aged indian gentleman, who had grown bored of teaching MBA students (too serious, no fun), and decided to pick up the freshman ACCT-101. It was an absolute hoot, the man has worked all around the world and always had a funny story to tell. The work was always a challenge but I earned my A. Really got me interested in finance and the market. Least favorite: macro & micro econ. huge 150 student classes taught by piss-boring lectures. Students study and prepare themselves for class responsibly - it depends from student to student based on their goals, but everyone is interested in pulling solid grades. class participation is common, and encouraged by faculty. we do have intellectual conversations outside of class. students are competitive, but not in a negative way. everyone just wants to do well, and curves are common. I'm still working on the core requirements, but my Problem of God theology class, and American Political Theory gov classes were both pretty interesting. My international business class is fascinating. My probable majors are Accounting & Finance, i don't know much about the departments, but in general there is enough overlap between majors in the Biz School you can easily double major. I rarely spend time outside of class with my professors, but often send them emails either about class or professional opportunities. Academic requirements are rigorous but reasonable - you'll definitely receive a well-rounded education here. The education at Georgetown is geared towards learning. However, students are self-motivated to put their education to use in the professional world, and often look for applications of what they've learned. The administration looks to help the students in their efforts.

Tom

About half of my professors know my name. Most are nice and helpful, but there are a few bad ones. Politics are widely discussed on campus, but besides that students don't often have intellectual discussions. The business school is definitely geared towards getting a job. It seems why most of the business students are their, and the professors understand that.

Dylan

Classes are often very tough and professors are very demanding. It is very hard to get A's without putting a lot of work each week into classes. Students are extremely competitive and often don't help out others just to better themselves. Some kids raise their hadn in class just to hear themselves talk and suck up to the teacher. I did not have any relationships with my professors as i did not take classes as seriously as some of my peers

Lauren

Our economics department is ridiculously difficult. If one is not already pretty proficient in econ, you will have great trouble.

Dave

Most of my professors know my name. My favorite class was international business. Students study alot, but they also have a lot of fun.

Ed

As in most colleges, academics vary by major and school. I am both a Government and English major, and perhaps no two departments are more different. The Government department is huge, which means it is very competitive and diverse, but offers a very wide variety of courses, interests, and opportunities. There are more adjunct professors here, and until the higher levels classes are often bigger, with fewer professors probably knowing your name, though again this can be overcome easily with some student initiative to get to know professors. This is an incredible, awesome department, but not as cozy and it can be challenging to make your impact felt on the department and the professors. The English department is much smaller (though still not "small" compared to something like anthropology or sociology), you get to know all of your professors very well, and it's less about competition and more about taking just really interesting and engaging classes. Professors have generally been at Georgetown for a very long time and are less focused on weeding students out than on making sure every student learns something. I ended up adding English as a major because I found it such a good counterpoint to my experience in the Government department, where the tone was so different.

Jennifer

Most professors get to know your names, unless of course its a very large intro class. Even then, if you make an effort to see them, they will usually make an effort to remember you. Students study on a varying degree. Work usually comes in cycles so there will be lulls, but when people need to get stuff done they do it. Class participation is common, and is often a part of your grade. Georgetown students have been known to have many an intellectual conversation over a keg... they don't just leave it in the classroom. Students are not really competitive. Everyone wants to do well, but is not as a result wanting others to do poorly. I haven't taken anything really unique, but my roommate too history of jazz. Wouldn't have seen that offered here.

Rebecca

I came to Georgetown to study International Politics, and the school has certainly lived up to my expectations in this category. For Freshman and Sophomores, classes can be large. Introductory courses in economics, for example, have between 50 and 100 students. Even in these classes though, professors are generally accessible, holding weekly office hours. Larger classes also usually have discussion sections with a T.A. once a week. My T.A.s have all been quite knowledgeable and helpful, although occasionally I have heard stories about T.A.s who don't know their subject matter very well. In this case, I think a student should always feel comfortable going to their professor for help. Georgetown academics are very much what you make of them. Professors are willing to help and discuss subjects at great length if you as a student make the effort. It's hard for me to gage how much time students spend studying. My friends and I spend most of the days doing work, especially on the weekends-- but we do all our reading, and have generally reading-heavy courses. My boyfriend and his friends work hard during the week, and generally take the weekends off to go to basketball games or explore Washington. Students at Georgetown work hard for good grades, but aren't too competitive with one another. In general, students are willing to help each other, and even in courses with curved grades (such as the economics or government departments), students will form study groups before exams and help each other review. Education at Georgetown can be geared either towards getting a job or learning for its own sake. I think generally the social sciences and philosophy draw students who are very much interested in the subject matter and less concerned with future careers, while courses in government, business and science all tend to focus on future career. The Career Center at Georgetown reflects this, focusing largely on careers in law, consulting and banking. There are fewer resources for students who hope to go into public service or research.