Admissions FAQs
Q: How do I apply to one of your graduate programs?
A: Applications to our program must be made through the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences - not through the Department. Information about the admissions processes, including the application form, which can be filed online, is posted on the CCAS website.
» Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Admissions
» Application Forms & Instructions
A: All information about our programs is posted on the Political Science Department web page, including information about degree requirements, faculty, and political science graduate students.
» Ph.D in Political Science Requirements
» M.A. in Political Science Requirements
» MPP/Ph.D Public Policy & Political Science Requirements
» Faculty
» Graduate Students Roster
A: The application deadline for fall admission is January 15. For spring admission, the deadline is October 1. **Please note: the fall admission deadline for international students requiring a student visa is January 15, regardless of degree program. The deadline for spring admission for international students requiring a student visa is September 1. Also note: financial assistance is only awarded during the fall admission cycle.
Q: What kind of financial assistance is available to graduate students in the department?
A: We offer teaching assistantships (TAships) to our best applicants. These pay tuition and a salary/stipend in exchange for leading discussion sections in one of our introductory undergraduate classes. To be considered for a TAship, simply check the box on the application form indicating your would like to be considered for financial assistance. Note that the application deadline for such consideration is earlier than for those not requesting assistance.
The university also has some university-wide fellowships for which students may apply. Details of these are available through the Graduate Student Fellowship Office. Student loans are also available through the Financial Assistance for Graduate Students Office.
» Graduate Student Fellowship Office
» Financial Assistance for Graduate Students Office
A: Yes. All applicants need to submit scores from a GRE test taken within the past 5 years.
Q: Can I submit LSAT or GMAT scores instead of GRE scores?A: No.
Q: What kinds of GRE scores are you looking for?A: Last year the average GRE scores for admitted students were about 670 verbal, 720 quantitative, 5.1 analytic. Scores for students receiving funding were significantly higher.
Q: What GPA is required for admission?A: We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. Last year the average GPA was 3.7 for those entering with a BA and 3.8 for those entering with a MA.
Q: Are TOEFL scores really required for international students?A: Yes, however TOEFL scores are not required if you have received a degree from a university in an English speaking country. If admitted, however, you will be required to take the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) placement test prior to registering for courses. This test is necessary to determine if additional English studies are advisable.
Q: Is a writing sample required for admission?A: Yes. Good writing samples demonstrate research ability and capacity for critical, original thought.
Q: What are you looking for in the Statement of Purpose?A: The Statement of Purpose is your chance to introduce yourself intellectually to the committee. What political science questions motivate you to pursue a Ph.D.? How might you tackle those questions? Which of our faculty might be well-positioned to assist you?
Q: Do I need to have a Master's degree to apply for your PhD program?A: No, only a Bachelor's degree is required.
Q: Should I contact individual professors and request them to intervene in the admissions process on my behalf?A: No. Admissions decisions are made by a committee of faculty members representing the different fields of political science. Individual faculty members do not choose their own students to admit.
Q: What kinds of people should I ask to write letters of recommendation for me?A: The most useful letters are from professors who know you well and can speak in some detail about your academic abilities. Letters from employers are useful only to the extent that they can provide information about your intellectual capabilities.
Q: Can credits be transferred into the master's program?A: Yes, you can transfer up to nine credits, as long as: the course work was taken at an accredited college or university; it is in political science or a related field; it was taken within the past two years; it did not count as part of the requirements for another degree; and you received a grade of "B" or better.
Q: I already have a master's degree. Can some of my credits be transferred into the PhD program?A: You can transfer in up to 24 credit hours, as long as your degree is in a field relevant to political science (e.g., international affairs, area studies, etc.). If you have taken graduate classes, but have not finished a degree, you can still transfer in up to 24 credits; in this case, which classes can be transferred in is on a case by case basis depending on the topic of the class and how recently you took the class.
Q: Do you accept part time students?A: Yes. Classes meet in the late afternoon and early evening, which makes part time study possible for a number of our students.
Q: How do I obtain more information about the admissions process?
A: Frequently asked questions about the admissions process are posted on the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website. This website provides information about deadlines, submitting application materials, transcripts etc.
» Graduate Admissions FAQ
A: A prospective student is always welcome to visit. Having said that, it is not required and does not play a role in the admissions decision. After the admissions decisions have been made, we encourage those who are contemplating studying at GW to visit campus, meet faculty, and to get the perspective of current graduate students. We hold an Open House each spring to facilitate this process for students. Admitted students will be informed of Open House dates with their letters of admission.