OverviewThe Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University is one of the most dynamic professional schools of international affairs in the world. It traces its roots to 1898, when The George Washington University began instruction in international affairs. In 1988 the School was named for Lloyd Elliott, a former president of GW and a major benefactor of the school, and for his wife Betty. The Elliott School is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., one of the world's great international cities. Our incomparable location is just minutes away from a wide range of public, private, and non-profit organizations that regularly employ Elliott School students and alumni. Offering in-depth analysis of international economic, political, scientific and cultural issues, we train our students in the theory and practice of international affairs. The School's curriculum is interdisciplinary. Most Elliott School full-time faculty are jointly appointed in GW departments such as anthropology, communications, international business, economics, geography, history, law, political science, public policy, public administration, public health, and the humanities. Our widely respected faculty prepares more than 2,800 (approximately 700 graduate and 2100 undergraduate) students per year for global careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
StudentsThe Elliott School attracts some of the brightest students from across the United States and around the world. Representing 30 countries and almost all of the 50 states, their cultural and professional diversity enriches the learning experience and offers fresh viewpoints on today's global issues. UndergraduateOur undergraduate students are among the best qualified at The George Washington University, with a disproportionate number entering the University Honors Program. The credentials of our undergraduates are impressive: 65% of our freshman class rank in the top 10% of their high school class, while 92% rank in the top 25%, with average SAT scores over 1350. In addition, 69% studied abroad and 92% of 2007 undergraduates completed internships. GraduateToday's graduate students arrive at GW with more relevant experience, better language skills, and average entering grade point averages over 3.5 out of a possible 4.0. The skills they learn at the Elliott School prepare them for challenging and exciting careers around the globe. Six months after graduation, 92% of these graduate students were employed, with another 3% enrolled in further education programs. CurriculumUndergraduateThe Elliott School's undergraduate programs provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education focused on international affairs. In the first two years students take courses in the humanities, social sciences, sciences and foreign languages. This interdisciplinary approach provides students with a solid foundation for further specialization in their final two years in their chosen field. Major fields of study are: Some undergraduates double major in a foreign language or social science discipline. A minimum of three years of a foreign language is required. GraduateThe Elliott School's graduate degree programs prepare students for a wide variety of interesting careers in diplomacy and public service, international business and trade, the non-profit sector and other fields.
The Elliott School offers training in the basic and advanced skills needed for professionals in international careers. These professional skills courses are designed in consultation with top executives from government and business and taught by experienced practitioners. Graduate students also undertake a team capstone project where they produce an impressive written and oral project addressing a real world problem. Special CoursesSpecialized training through various for-credit non-degree programs is available. Programs include: The U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Institute, which offers a graduate and an undergraduate two-week program in U.S. Foreign Policy each summer and three-week courses in Reporting U.S. Foreign Policy for graduate and undergraduate students interested in careers in journalism. FacultyThe academic quality of the faculty is first-rate, encompassing the best of international affairs scholarship experience in political science, history, economics, anthropology, international development studies, international science and technology, international business and finance, public health, security policy, world regions and other fields of focus. The School's faculty also includes former ambassadors and international affairs practitioners. In addition:
See our Guide to Specialists for a full listing of faculty and their areas of expertise.ResearchSix world-renowned research centers significantly expand the educational experience of our academic programs by providing students with opportunities to meet and hear from the world's preeminent scholars in their fields. The scholarly centers are closely linked to our teaching programs and include both GW faculty and visiting scholars from around the world. They:
Career Development and InternshipsOnly blocks from the White House, World Bank, State Department, and other prominent organizations and institutions, the Elliott School encourages students to complement their studies with work experience. A range of resources are available for both undergraduate and graduate students to help them define their career goals and obtain internships and jobs. Undergraduate Students:The GW Career Center offers career counseling, resume critiquing, skills workshops and other self-assessment tools for undergraduates. Students can also take advantage of the thousands of job and internship listings posted each year at the Career Center. Graduate Students:From their first day on campus, Graduate Student Career Development prepares students for a very competitive job market by assisting with interviews, developing career plans, career advising, mock interviews, and offering numerous opportunities to network with employers, alumni, and other important contacts for professional career development. The Elliott School encourages students to work at internships while completing their programs and offer numerous resources for finding desirable internships at leading institutions, organizations and businesses in the private, public and non-profit sectors. The Elliott School also has an internship grant program, which provides funds to graduate students who participate in international unpaid or low paying internships. These grants are awarded through a competitive application process International Partnerships and Study AbroadUndergraduates at the Elliott School, 75% of whom study abroad, can choose from over 250 overseas programs through GW study abroad programs, exchange partners, and affiliated providers. With eighteen international exchange partners, the Elliott School offers considerable variety to graduate students who want to study in another country during their M.A. program. AlumniMany of the School’s 16,000+ alumni are leaders in the private, public and non-profit sectors and can be found in decision-making positions all over the world. Among the Elliott School's graduates are many distinguished American diplomats, including several former ambassadors; several members of Congress; a former chairman and a former vice-chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as chiefs-of-staff of the Army and Air Force and a commandant of the Marine Corps. In the business arena, our alumni include the president of Merrill Lynch International. Other alumni hold key positions at the United Nations, World Bank, and other international organizations. OutreachThe Elliott School frequently hosts events featuring prominent political and intellectual leaders, visiting scholars and professors on vital issues. During the fall and spring semesters public programs are listed on our events page and a weekly listing of Elliott School and other pertinent events is sent to a growing audience of students, alumni and friends. Add your name to our list. FacilitiesAs part of a major university community Elliott School students have access to a wide variety of facilities and amenities. These include state of the art computer labs and libraries, sports facilities and a broad range of social and interest groups and clubs. The Elliott School is housed in a new building with state-of-the-art classrooms and meeting rooms. Support the Elliott SchoolAs with most professional schools, the Elliott School of International Affairs accepts charitable gifts from individual benefactors, foundations, and corporations to provide funds for student scholarships and fellowships, new full- and part-time faculty positions, faculty research and travel, and major public events. The Office of Development works with alumni, parents and other Elliott School supporters. To make a gift to the Elliott School, please click here or call 202-994-2585 for further information. The Elliott School's International Council is an advisory body composed of prominent alumni and friends who support The Elliott School in a variety of ways. The International Council meets semi-annually and provides counsel to The Elliott School faculty and staff on a range of issues. Last updated: 02.15.08 |
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The Elliott School of International Affairs The George Washington University 1957 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20052 Tel: (202) 994-6240 / Fax: (202) 994-0335 |
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Copyright © 2000-2008 by the Elliott School, GWU. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2000-2008 by the Elliott School, GWU. All rights reserved.