Bill D asked:


I understand that Georgetown is a Jesuit-based university. I am apathetic toward religion, but have always had an interest in going there.

Is there any sort of religious requirement to be there/to graduate from there? I am planning on visiting Georgetown during the summer but do not want to waste my time if it is heavily-affiliated.

Is it more your option, and there are services available for the religious? Does this carry to most of the “religious” schools?

Thanks!

3 Responses to “What is the importance of religion at Georgetown University?”

1. Liz on February 29th, 2008 2:37 am

   Schools that have religious affiliations have different terms for what this means. For some, it means nothing but history. My school for example was founded Episcopalian, but besides having a chapel on campus, that means nothing. We do have a Christian community, but also a synogogue on campus, and one of the closest colleagues of the Dalai Lama is one of our professors. Other colleges require you to be involved in their religion. Messiah, for example, requires you to go to church so many times during the year.

   As far as Georgetown is concerned, I do not believe they have any requirements for religious practice. But they are affiliated with the Jesuit college community, so expect the community to be heavily Catholic, and devout. Your classes will be run by clerical officials most likely. Also Georgetown’s activities mostly revolve around religion, if you explore their website. More information about them as a Jesuit community can be shown by exploring their website as well, or just by emailing somebody from the college.

2. seducetheweak on March 2nd, 2008 9:41 pm

   I haven’t heard much talk about religion at Georgetown. Georgetown is mostly known for just being a great school for politics and such (I live around the area). I don’t think there is any religious requirement. Check the university website and just browse around or even call the admissions office or a counselor there if you can find a number.

   I am also apathetic about religion but I applied to Loyola College in Maryland last year which is known to be affiliated with the Society of Jesus, just for a backup. For my essay I plain out said I am not religious at all but I am open to meeting people with different beliefs. I was accepted and might have gone but it was pretty expensive for me to afford.

3. Anna P on March 4th, 2008 7:56 pm

   Georgetown has not been “heavily affiliated” (whatever that means) for a very long time. Most of the 15+ people I know who attended GU were not Catholics and did not take any religion courses. I believe that have chaplains and a chapel, as do many schools that have had religion affiliations (such as Columbia).

   Of course, there are visual signs of it being a Jesuit college, including an absolutely beautiful campus, so if the visual aspect of some religious reminders bother you, then you should check out George Washington U. If you want a good education and can be open-minded and not pre-judge (and can actually get in), then you would have a fabulous education.