GW Bulletin 2007-2008

The George Washington University awarded its first Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1888, one of the first institutions in the United States to do so. In 1892, the School of Graduate Studies was instituted. A number of organizational entities followed and, in 1965, after several decades of growth in a number of departments, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences was established. All undergraduate and graduate education and research programs in the arts and sciences were combined in 1992 under one administration with the formation of the Columbian College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, now simply called Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

All graduate programs in the arts and sciences, leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Forensic Sciences, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of Science, Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Psychology, and Doctor of Philosophy, are administered by Columbian College. The faculty of Columbian College sets requirements for admission, provides courses and programs of advanced study and research, and establishes academic standards for its degrees.

Admission Requirements

A detailed description of the policies that follow is available at columbian.gwu.edu. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. Applicants should have academic backgrounds of excellence, usually with majors, or equivalent, in the fields in which they intend to study for advanced degrees. Normally, a B average (or equivalent) from an accredited college is required. With evidence of special promise, such as high Graduate Record Examination scores, an applicant whose academic record falls short of a B average may be accepted on a conditional basis. Meeting the minimum requirements does not assure acceptance. The departments may, and often do, set higher admission standards. Moreover, the number of spaces available for new graduate students limits the number that can be accepted. Students who apply in their senior year must provide evidence of the completion of their baccalaureate work before registration in Columbian College is permitted. Applicants should be aware that graduate courses taken prior to admission while in nondegree status are not used in assessing admissibility to degree programs and may not be transferable into those programs.

With the exception of those applying to certificate programs and M.F.A. degree programs and those holding an earned J.D., M.D., or Ph.D., all applicants are required to submit scores on the GRE general test. In addition, some programs require scores on a GRE subject test (see the Columbian College section of the Graduate Admissions Application). The applicant must have the Educational Testing Service send the required score reports directly to Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. GRE scores are only valid for five years.

1. Applicants who do not hold a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The required minimum score is 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 80 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL, or an overall band score of 6.0 on the academic IELTS with no individual band score below 5.0.

2. Applicants for graduate teaching assistantships must have a minimum score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) or 100 (Internet-based) on the TOEFL, or an overall band score of 7.0 on the academic IELTS with no individual band score below 6.0.

3. Applicants admitted as degree candidates will be required to take the English for Academic Purposes Placement Test at The George Washington University before registering. Those who score 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) or 100 (Internet-based) or more on the TOEFL, or an overall band score of 7.0 on the academic IELTS with no individual band score below 6.0, are exempted. Depending on the applicant's performance on the placement test, EAP course work may be required.

Readmission—A student who wishes to resume a graduate program that had been interrupted must file an application form and provide supporting documentation to be considered for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed, and the application is subject to review by the department concerned and the dean. The student may be required to take additional course work and qualifying examinations on the course work completed. Application forms are available from the CCAS Graduate Office or see www.gwu.edu/~gradinfo.

CCAS Regulations

CCAS provides an on-line Graduate Student Handbook (see columbian.gwu.edu) that contains additional updated information on the School's policies, regulations, and other matters of concern to enrolled or admitted students. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of the information contained in both this Bulletin and the Handbook.

Grades

The symbol I (Incomplete) indicates that only a small portion of the required course work remains to be completed and that a satisfactory explanation has been given to the instructor for the student's failure to complete the required work for a course. Conditional students may not receive a notation of I. The Incomplete must be made up before the lapse of one calendar year; the grade will be recorded as an I followed by the grade awarded on completion. An Incomplete that is not changed within one calendar year automatically becomes a grade of IF on the student's record. The symbol I cannot be removed by reregistering for the course here or by taking its equivalent elsewhere.

The symbol IPG (In Progress) is given for all thesis and dissertation research courses until the thesis or dissertation is completed. Upon the satisfactory completion of the thesis or dissertation, the symbol IPG is automatically changed to CR (Credit). CR may be indicated for Advanced Reading and Research courses and independent research courses.

Scholarship Requirements

Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 (B) in all course work taken following admission to a graduate program in the College. Individual departments may require a higher average. Only graduate course work that is taken at the University or through the Consortium and forms part of the student's departmentally approved program of studies may be included in the grade-point average. When a grade of F is received for a course, the grade is included in the student's grade-point average whether or not the course is repeated.

A student may repeat a course in which a grade of C or above was received only when permitted to do so by the department concerned, unless the course description states that the course may be repeated for credit. A written statement of permission must be submitted for approval to the CCAS Graduate Office by the appropriate departmental advisor. If a course is repeated, the first grade received remains on the student's record and is included in the student's grade-point average.

A graduate student may take an advanced undergraduate course (courses numbered 101–200) for graduate credit only upon the approval of the dean and the department at the time of registration. Such approval is granted only with the provision that the student complete additional work in order to receive graduate credit. No courses numbered 100 or below may be taken for graduate credit.

Program of Studies

The program of studies is a formal agreement between a student and a department of the requirements to be met in completing a specific degree program as well as the dates by which each requirement must be completed. Students should consult their department graduate advisor to outline their program of studies early in their program.

Students must make sure that they are fully informed of the requirements of Columbian College of Arts and Sciences as well as the requirements of their department or program. It is especially important for those admitted with conditions to consult with their departmental advisors as early as possible regarding completion of the additional requirements specified in the letter of admission.

Academic Work Load—Full-time students register for 9 to 12 credit hours each semester; part-time students must register for 3 credit hours each semester. These requirements do not apply to students who have fewer than 9 credit hours (full time) or 6 credit hours (part time) remaining to complete their programs. No more than 15 credit hours may be taken during any one semester. Students who are employed more than 20 hours per week are expected to apply for part-time academic programs and will not be permitted to register for more than 6 credit hours in any semester.

Continuing Research

All students must be continuously enrolled while working toward a degree, except during the summer sessions. (A few programs may require summer registration as well.) Students who have completed all course work and thesis or dissertation research requirements must register for CCAS 920 or 940, Continuing Research (1 credit), each semester until completion of the program. If continuous enrollment is not maintained, the student is dropped from the degree program unless a leave of absence is granted by the CCAS Graduate Office.

Leave of Absence

A student who, for personal reasons, is temporarily unable to continue the program of studies may request leave of absence for a specific period of time, not to exceed two semesters during the total period of degree candidacy. If the request is approved, the student must register for leave of absence each semester. If a student fails to register, degree candidacy is terminated.

Graduation Requirements

All students must file an Application for Graduation by the date indicated in the University Calendar for the semester or summer session in which they intend to graduate. Students must be registered in active status in the College during the semester or summer session in which they plan to graduate. Degrees are conferred in January, May, and August. Students who have completed the requirements for a degree but have not yet been awarded the degree will be issued a letter to this effect upon request. A commencement ceremony is held annually in May.

Degrees

Listed below are the graduate degree programs of Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the specific degrees offered, by field. The programs are directed by the departments concerned. Degree programs that bridge two or more departments are directed by committees composed of members of the departments concerned. For further information write to the chair of the appropriate department.

Graduate Fields

	Degrees Offered
Humanities
American Studies	M.A.	Ph.D.
Art History	M.A.
Classical Acting	M.F.A.
English	M.A.	Ph.D.
Fine Arts	M.F.A.
Ceramics/Sculpture, Drawing/Painting,
Interior Design, New Media, Photography
Human Sciences		Ph.D.
Museum Studies	M.A.
Theatre Design	M.F.A.
Women's Studies	M.A.

Social and Behavioral Sciences
Anthropology	M.A.
Art Therapy	M.A.
Counseling*		Ph.D.
Criminal Justice	M.A.
Economics	M.A.	Ph.D.
Geography	M.A.
History	M.A.	Ph.D.
Media and Public Affairs	M.A.
Organizational Sciences	M.A.
Political Science	M.A.	Ph.D.
Professional Psychology		Psy.D.
Psychology		Ph.D.
Public Administration	M.P.A.
Public Policy	M.P.P.
Environmental and Resource Policy	M.A.
Philosophy and Social Policy	M.A.
Women's Studies	M.A.
Public Policy and Administration		Ph.D.
Sociology	M.A.
Speech–Language Pathology	M.A.

Natural, Mathematical, and Biomedical Sciences
Applied Mathematics	M.S.
Biochemistry	M.S.
Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics		Ph.D.
Biological Sciences	M.S.	Ph.D.
Biostatistics	M.S.	Ph.D.
Chemistry	M.S.	Ph.D.
Epidemiology	M.S.	Ph.D.
Forensic Sciences	M.F.S.
Genomics and Bioinformatics	M.S.
Hominid Paleobiology	M.S.	Ph.D.
Mathematics	M.A.	Ph.D.
Microbiology and Immunology		Ph.D.
Molecular Medicine		Ph.D.
Physics	M.S.	Ph.D.
Statistics	M.S.	Ph.D.

Requirements for the Degrees

The Master's Programs

1. General Requirements—For a master's degree program that includes a thesis, satisfactory completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of approved graduate work, including 6 credit hours of thesis research, is required. For a master's degree program that does not include a thesis, the number of credit hours of approved graduate course work is determined by the department and normally consists of from 30 to 36 credit hours. The program without the thesis is not an individual student option and is not available in every department. Departments can and often do set requirements above the minimum required by Columbian College. Undergraduate courses taken to make up deficiencies are not counted toward program requirements.

Upon approval, up to one-half of the required graduate work may be taken in courses offered by another degree-granting division of this University. With approval, up to one-quarter of work toward a master's degree may be taken in courses offered by the other affiliated institutions of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. In all cases, at least one-half of the hours counting toward the master's degree must be taken after entering the program, in courses offered by Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

2. Transfer of Credit—A maximum of one-quarter of the credit hours of graduate course work required for a degree may be approved for transfer to a graduate program in Columbian College from enrollment at GW in nondegree status or from another degree-granting school of this University or another accredited college or university. For a transfer of credit to be approved, all of the following conditions must be met: the course work must be from an accredited institution and must have been taken within the two years prior to admission to the College, it must be approved by the department as part of the student's program of studies, it must not have been applied to the completion of requirements for another degree, it must be post-baccalaureate graduate-level course work, and the student must have received a grade of B or better in each course for which a transfer of credit is requested. This action must be requested in writing and approved by the departmental advisor and the dean. An official transcript of the course work must be on file before the request can be considered.

4. Master's Comprehensive Examination—Most programs require degree candidates to pass a Master's Comprehensive Examination in the major subject. Examinations are held on dates fixed by the departments. The nature and form of the examination are the responsibility of the department or program. A student who fails to pass the Master's Comprehensive Examination may, with the approval of the department, repeat the examination at the next scheduled examination date. If the student fails a second time, no further opportunity to take the examination is permitted, and the student's degree candidacy is terminated.

5. The Thesis—The main purposes of a master's thesis are to demonstrate the student's ability to make independent use of information and training and to furnish objective evidence of constructive powers in a chosen field. The student registers for 6 credit hours of thesis research. Registration for thesis research entitles the student to the advice and direction of the member of the faculty under whom the thesis is to be written. The thesis subject must be approved by the faculty member who will be directing the thesis. All theses must meet the form, style, and other requirements set forth on line at columbian.gwu.edu.

The Doctor of Philosophy Program

The Doctor of Philosophy program is divided into two parts: precandidacy and candidacy. During precandidacy, a student completes the general requirements and the General Examination. Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements associated with precandidacy, the student is considered by the department or program and the dean for admission to candidacy. During candidacy, the dissertation is prepared and defended in the Final Examination.

1. General Requirements—The programs leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy require the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 72 credit hours of approved graduate course work, including at least 12 and at most 24 hours of dissertation research. A minimum of 48 of these hours must be taken in the precandidacy stage, in preparation for the General Examination. A maximum of one-sixth of these hours may be taken in courses offered by the other affiliated members of the Consortium of Washington Area Universities. The exact number of credit hours required for any part of the total program is assigned by each department and may exceed the minimum required by the Columbian College.

2. Transfer of Credit—Entering students who hold a master's degree relevant to the proposed doctoral field of study may request transfer of up to 24 hours of credit toward a doctoral degree for acceptable post-baccalaureate graduate work taken at the master's degree level at an accredited college or university. For those who do not hold the master's degree, a maximum of 24 hours of credit may be transferred, provided the conditions listed under The Master's Programs (Item 2) above are met.

3. Special Program Requirements—Certain programs require their degree candidates to demonstrate a reading knowledge of an appropriate foreign language or languages, a competence in quantitative methods, or some other such special subject requirements. Courses taken at the undergraduate level to fulfill special program requirements may not be counted in the number of graduate credit hours required for the student's doctoral program, except that up to 6 hours of course work at the 100 level may be so counted, with the approval of the department. For further information on these and other regulations, consult the Graduate Student Handbook and the departments and programs concerned.

A student who fails to pass any part of the General Examination may, with the approval of the department, repeat the examination at the next scheduled examination date. If the student fails a second time, no further opportunity to take the examination is permitted, and the student's degree candidacy is terminated.

Satisfactory performance on the General Examination is required for admission to candidacy but does not guarantee it. A department will recommend advancement to candidacy only if satisfied with the student's performance in every aspect of the program, only after a dissertation advisor has been selected and a dissertation area determined, and only if the department is confident of the student's ability to complete the dissertation within the allotted time.

5. The Degree of Master of Philosophy—Upon departmental recommendation and approval of the dean, the degree of Master of Philosophy may be awarded to students who have been advanced to candidacy and successfully completed all requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree up to and including the General Examination. Not all departments recommend students for this degree.

6. The Dissertation and Final Examination—A dissertation is required of each doctoral candidate as evidence of ability to perform scholarly research and interpret its results. The student normally enrolls for 12 to 24 hours of dissertation research after admission to candidacy. Dissertation Research must be taken in units of no less than 3 credits per semester.

When the dissertation has been approved by the director and the members of the Dissertation Research Committee, the candidate takes the Final Examination. A committee of examiners (composed of Columbian College faculty and outside scholars) conducts the examination. If the candidate passes, he or she is recommended to Columbian College for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy Dual Degree Program

A dual degree program is available to qualified students who seek both the Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The requirements that must be fulfilled for both degrees are identical to those currently and separately established in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences and Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. A student working toward these degrees may apply a maximum of 24 credit hours of approved course work in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences toward the Doctor of Philosophy degree. The estimated time for the completion of this dual program is six years. In order to enter the dual degree program, a prospective student must apply for and gain admission both to Columbian College and to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences separately through established procedures. Upon admission to both schools, the student may then apply for affiliation with the dual degree program.

The Doctor of Psychology Program

1. General Requirements—The program leading to the degree of Doctor of Psychology requires the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 83 credit hours of approved graduate work. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be taken in courses offered by the other affiliated members of the Consortium of Universities. Doctor of Psychology degree candidates normally have an overall five-year time limit for completion of all requirements for the degree. If supported by the program, extensions beyond this time may be obtained in exceptional circumstances by petitioning the dean.

3. The General Examination—Each student is required to complete the General Examination no later than the beginning of the final semester of the program. A student who fails to pass any part of the General Examination may, in exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of the program, repeat the examination at the next scheduled examination date. If the student fails a second time, no further opportunity to take the examination is permitted, and the student's degree candidacy is terminated.

Fellowships and Financial Aid

Many departments offer graduate teaching and research assistantships and fellowships; students should check with their department concerning funding opportunities. Graduate teaching assistants and University Fellows are appointed by the dean of the School, based on department recommendations. Other kinds of sponsored and University awards are also available. Awards are based on academic excellence, and only full-time graduate degree candidates in Columbian College are eligible to be considered. Doctoral candidates receive preference in the awarding of full graduate teaching assistantship/fellowship packages. Doctoral candidates may be funded for a maximum of six years, M.A. and M.S. candidates for a maximum of two years, and M.F.A. candidates for a maximum of three years. No student will receive more than six years of University support altogether.

Students applying for admission who also wish to apply for a fellowship should submit a completed application for admission by February 1. Students currently enrolled in the College should also submit the fellowship application to their department or program by February 1 and should check with their departments concerning additional application requirements. Filing the fellowship application entitles the student to consideration for all awards available in the student's department.

Students who wish to apply for loans should indicate their intent to do so on the Graduate Admissions Application. Information concerning loans is contained in a booklet available from the University's Office of Student Financial Assistance; an overview of funding opportunities is available from the University's Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships and at www.gwu.edu/~gradinfo.

Cooperative Programs

The American Studies Program at The George Washington University has a cooperative arrangement with the American Studies Program of the Smithsonian Institution. Members of the staffs of the Smithsonian's American Studies Program, National Museum of American History, National Portrait Gallery, and National Museum of American Art offer seminars and tutorial instruction in fields that provide students with an unusual opportunity to develop new dimensions in the discipline of American civilization. This program of study is open to students working toward the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy and is intended to prepare them for research, teaching, and museum-related careers.

In the Department of Fine Arts and Art History, students in the Master of Arts in the field of art history with a concentration in museum training may take internships in the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Freer Gallery, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Museum of African Art, National Museum of American Art, Phillips Collection, Renwick Gallery, and Textile Museum.

The Museum Studies Program has forged strong relationships with more than forty local museums, historical houses, and government agencies. Each student is required to undertake 6 credit hours of internships—the equivalent of 520 hours of museum work. Most students elect to divide this requirement into two internships to maximize their exposure to different institutions and projects.

The George Washington University, in cooperation with two other universities and the Folger Shakespeare Library, helped establish the Folger Institute for Renaissance and 18th-Century Studies as a cooperative venture in graduate studies in the humanities. Fifteen universities are now member institutions. Seminars (limited to 12 students each) are offered each semester under the direction of American and foreign scholars. The Folger Library forms the core of the Institute. All participants enrolled in the seminars are granted access to the collections of rare books, manuscripts, and reference materials of the Library. All registered students are eligible to apply for admission to one or more of the seminars, although priority in enrollment will be accorded graduate students working on dissertations and postdoctoral scholars from the sponsoring institutions. Further information, including a listing of seminar topics, is available at the Folger Shakespeare Library.

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