Admitted Student Profile

Admission to SSP is a holistic and competitive process, and the acceptance rate changes each admissions cycle. Applicants are evaluated on the entirety of their application, including their undergraduate record(s), standardized test scores (if submitted), relevant professional experience, letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose.

Holistic Profile

Successful applicants come from a wide range of undergraduate majors, including international relations and other social sciences, the humanities, business, applied and physical sciences, technology, and engineering.

SSP strives to enroll a diverse class of students who have demonstrated academic excellence, a wide range of personal and professional experiences, and a strong desire to pursue a career in the field of security. SSP seeks students who, by virtue of their background and experience, can contribute to the education of their peers and to the scholarship of security studies.

Work experience is not required for admission, but is strongly recommended. The Admissions Committee carefully reviews each applicant’s personal and professional experience to assess readiness for rigorous graduate coursework at SSP and Georgetown at large. Volunteer positions, internships, part-time and/or full-time work experience play a vital role in preparing students for graduate study.

International experience is not required but, likewise, is recommended. International experience includes time spent living, studying, working, and/or volunteering outside of the applicant’s home country.

Statistical Profile

Below is a statistical and demographic overview of the Fall 2023 incoming class. The statistics below are intended for information only and should not be taken as minimum requirements for admission to SSP.

Average Quantitative Metrics

GPA (U.S. students only): 3.72
GRE Verbal: 163*
GRE Quantitative: 158*
GRE Analytical Writing: 5*
TOEFL (iBT): 110**
IELTS: 7.5**

*170 is the highest possible score on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam; 6 is the highest score on the analytical writing section. SSP does not have a minimum required standardized test score, nor are they required for application.

**Per the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, SSP has a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the Internet Based Test (iBT), 250 on the Computer-Based Test, or 600 on the paper-based exam, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.5.

Student Demographics

Average Age: 26
International Students: 20%
Military Affiliation: 20%
Average Work Experience: 4-6 years
Female: 50%
Male: 50%