Columbian College: Graduate Requirements




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Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to graduate studies in Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence, usually with a major (or equivalent) in the field you intend to pursue, and hold an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Normally, a minimum of a B average is required.

Some programs require materials in addition to those listed below. To see if your program requires additional materials, please consult our graduate programs listing .

Official Transcripts

One transcript is required from each college and university attended, regardless of whether or not a degree program was completed. Transcripts must be received in their original sealed envelopes. If academic records are in a language other than English, a certified English translation must be provided. Translations alone will not be accepted.

Letters of Recommendation

Three recommendations are required for doctoral applicants (if you have completed a significant amount of graduate work, at least two references should be from professors in your major program).

MFA applicants must submit two letters of recommendation.

Most other Master's programs require one letter of recommendation. To determine if your program requires more than one recommendation, please check your program's profile page .

Certificate applicants must submit one letter of recommendation.

Recommendations should be returned in signed sealed envelopes. The recommendation form is available here .

Standardized Tests

All programs (except our Master of Fine Arts programs and our certificate programs) require that you submit scores from the general test of the GRE. Some of our departments will waive the GRE requirement for students with a prior, earned JD, MD, or PhD. If you hold one of these degrees, you must check with your department to determine if the GRE is required.

Some programs also require submission of GRE subject test scores.

Information regarding the GRE is available at www.gre.org .

In addition, TOEFL scores are required of all applicants who are citizens of countries where English is not an official language. Exceptions may be made for applicants who hold a degree from a college or university in a country where English is the official language and the medium of instruction.

The minimum TOEFL score for admission to any graduate degree program is 550 on the paper-based test, 213 on the computer-based test, or 80 on the Internet-based test. Some departments may require a higher score. Those applying for graduate teaching assistantships must achieve at least a score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test.

Information regarding the TOEFL is available at www.toefl.org .

As an alternative to the TOEFL, students may also submit scores from the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum for the academic IELTS is an overall band score of 6.0, with no individual band score below 5.0. As with the TOEFL, some departments may set higher standards.

Information regarding the IELTS is availabe at www.ielts.org .

TOEFL and IELTS scores may not be more than two years old.

Standardized tests should be taken early enough to allow scores to reach the admissions office before the application deadline. The ETS reporting code for GW's Arts and Sciences is 5246.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should be an essay of approximately 250 to 500 words in which you state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form. (If you are applying for a graduate teaching assistantship, you should include information on any teaching experience that you have had.)