Curriculum

This in-person, year-long program explores what it means to live a life of enduring value through two concurrent core courses, immersive experiences, student mentorship and the option to audit additional select courses. The program culminates with the creation of a Purpose Plan, a practical roadmap for addressing a chosen societal issue.

Program Features

• Non-degree program for domestic Fellows
• Year-long residential program based on Georgetown’s Capitol Campus 
• Intentionally small cohort for intensive feedback and collaboration
• Flat tuition fee inclusive of core courses and audited courses

Purpose Plan

The Purpose Plan is the work you carry out of the Fellowship. You build it inside the program’s coursework, over the academic year, with the guidance of the Faculty Director and other program advisors, as the tangible outcome of your time as a Fellow. Plans will be presented to the entire cohort in May.

What you plan is yours to define: A new organization. A board seat or a volunteer commitment. A shift inside work you already do. A plan for your own growth and the next chapter of your life.

There is no required size, type, timeline, or scale; whatever you’re looking to achieve, the Fellowship is here to inspire and support your growth.

Courses

Fruit that Will Last: Meaning & Purpose (Fall and Spring)

A reflective course that focuses on using Ignatian values and texts from other faith traditions for discernment. Fellows will use these materials to examine what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose. Taught by Professors Erin Cline and Fr. Peter Folan.

Strategies for Addressing Societal Challenges (Fall and Spring)

An action-based course that teaches new methods of organizing and leadership designed to enhance Fellows’ prior experience and ultimately aid in creating their Purpose Plan. Taught by Program Director Professor Melissa Bradley, in conjunction with faculty from the McCourt School of Public Policy and the Law Center. 

Immersive & Practical Experiences

Exclusive Policy Briefings

Fellows will participate in bi-weekly, in-depth briefings from DC-based policy leaders and Georgetown scholars on leading societal issues such as environment, democracy, and ethics. Featured speakers include EJ Dionne (Democracy), Maggie Little (Ethics), and Peter Marra (Environment).

In addition to addressing topics of general intellectual interest, these briefings will help provide ideas and examples of areas which Fellows may want to explore as they develop their Purpose Plan.

Policy in Practice Immersions

Fellows will make regular visits to NGOs, think tanks, government agencies and advocacy groups that are on the forefront of thoughtful social change.

Mentorship Opportunities

Fellows will act as formal members for Georgetown undergraduate and graduate students, promoting intergenerational learning and collaboration on societal issues.

Course Auditing

Across both semesters, Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue their intellectual curiosity and explore additional Georgetown courses through course auditing (subject to program approval).

Outside Lectures

Fellows will have the opportunity to attend lectures and events across Georgetown University. View upcoming lectures at the University.

International Trip with Father Mark Bosco

Both Fellows and Partners will have the option to attend an additional international trip to Rome, Italy led by Father Mark Bosco, Georgetown Vice President for Mission & Ministry.

Father Bosco runs an annual Magis Immersion Seminar on pilgrimage and spiritual meaning, combining academic excellence and spiritual inquiry for a meaningful trip abroad. His trips transform the intellectual curiosity and rigor of Georgetown into unforgettable experiential learning opportunities.

Attendees will need to coordinate their own travel, accommodations, and meals for this optional excursion, but the itinerary will be determined by Father Bosco.