A Message From Associate Dean Duff

An undergraduate education in the arts and sciences provides the flexible skills and knowledge that will enable students to succeed as citizens of our increasingly complex and increasingly globalized world. The Office of Undergraduate Studies of the Columbian College is charged with providing these skills and knowledge not only to our own students but to all GW undergraduates through core courses in the liberal arts, the social and behavioral sciences, and the natural and quantitative sciences.

I am happy to welcome you to the world of the Columbian College (CCAS) and to introduce you to our people and our mission.

The Columbian College, the original foundation for the George Washington University, offers our undergraduates a wide choice of academic majors and minors and the opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest as they complete their general curriculum requirements or GCRs. Taking GCR courses in seven different areas of knowledge enables them to discover unsuspected strengths and passions as they build skills to be applied to more focused study in the major.

CCAS students have over 50 majors to choose from and they may combine their CCAS majors with majors or minors in CCAS or in other Colleges of the University. Our students have many opportunities to focus their study beyond or in combination with the major through a series of special programs such as the Dean's Scholars in Globalization and the Shakespeare Scholars. They may also be invited to participate in accelerated programs leading to the master's degree, the MD, or the JD. First year students are introduced to academic methods and the search for knowledge through The Dean's Seminars, small classes taught by distinguished faculty. Undergraduate research is encouraged and supported through the Luther Rice Research Fellowships for juniors and seniors.

All of the programs in the college are made possible by a distinguished and dedicated faculty and a staff of professional advisors who help students navigate the many choices and decisions that will lead them to the achievement of their goals. You will learn more about these individuals and our mission on this site.

Paul B. Duff
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies