Non GW Students:

You will be routed to the application process of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. You will be required to apply online for the "Spring 2010" semester at the Foggy Bottom Campus.

The following are required to be submitted DIRECTLY to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences:

1) 2 letters of recommendation

2) Your university transcript

3) The Personal Statement Essay *

Note: No GRE or other test is required for a certificate program.

All International students who are citizens of countries where English is not the official language will be required to take the TOEFL exam. The minumum TOEFL score for admission is 80 on the Internet-based test or 550 on the paper-based test. Additionally, please note that student visas are not available for certificate programs.

The application deadline is December 10th, 2009.

Please apply here

GW Students

Graduate students who successfully complete the full 9 credits will receive the Certificate in Documentary Filmmaking in conjunction with their Masters Degree.

Note: SMPA 230 is a prerequisite to SMPA 231 (which takes place during summer session.)

Students who wish to pursue the Certificate must submit the following:

1) A Registration Transaction Form

2) A Petition for Admission to the Certificate Program

3) The Personal Statment Essay *

For consideration and departmental signatures, please make an appoinment to deliver these materials.

Note: Upon the instructor's approval, the signed petition must be delivered to the Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, CCAS, by no later than December 15, 2009.

Students who wish only to take SMPA 230 do not need to submit a petition but still must request permission from the instructor to enroll in the class.

See page 2 of GW student course descriptions for further important registration information.

* The Personal Statement Essay

Please write a 250 word essay addressing the following questions.

1) Why do you wish to be a member of the Institute? What unique experience or attributes would make you an asset to a documentary production team? Note that selection is based on a variety of criteria, not only on your past academic or professional experience, but also on your personal interests, travel experience, and world-view.

2) Because the members of each Institute collectively produce a short documentary film, we are interested in learning more about your ability to work with others. Please carefully describe a significant experience in which you had to depend upon others and work in a group.