Academics
Our classrooms have more than four walls;
they have gallery halls, Capitol domes, low tides and high bays.
Academics
The George Washington University’s academic life is defined by not only its faculty and students’ unique abilities for turning knowledge into action, but also for taking full advantage of GW’s vast access to world-class partnerships, policy-research initiatives and one-of-a-kind learning opportunities.
As a leading research university, GW promotes the advancement of human knowledge across disciplines and throughout its 10 schools, 35+ cross-disciplinary research institutes, and expansive system of libraries—and, as a result, frequently produces invaluable contributions to policymaking that affects millions of lives worldwide. Moreover, all directly benefit from the firsthand knowledge of GW’s renowned faculty, which includes a Nobel Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winner, former White House staff members, diplomats, and other leading experts in business, media, law, science, arts and the humanities.
As a result, GW’s unmatched combination of accomplished faculty, deep network of collaboration and unique location unlocks countless opportunities for students to engage in the critical thinking and professional grounding they need to become innovative leaders who can solve the world’s most important problems.
“GW helped me become a socially conscious storyteller. I came into college with a passion for performing arts and politics but didn’t yet understand how the two intersected. In my second year, my former academic advisor convinced me to take his graduate course on Decolonizing Shakespeare. I learned how postcolonial and feminist theory could be applied to performance to disrupt and challenge power structures.“
ANITA SAGAR
Majors: Political Science and Theatre
6
Libraries
65+
Current and former Fulbright Scholars
125+
Endowed faculty positions
“My main design project one summer was to reimagine a ruined neoclassical theater in Lisbon—already restored as a modern event space—as a boutique hotel. Most of the design studio took place in D.C., but for the last few weeks of the semester, we actually went to Lisbon to see how the design might work in context. Walking through the halls of the monumental building, it was amazing to see my ideas come to life in a whole new way.“
STEVEN MION
Major: Interior Architecture
Explore an Area of Study that Interests You
Summer in the City
A summer at GW filled with learning and activities in the city might be exactly what you need to prepare for your future. We offer individual courses and multi-week programs for high school students, undergraduates, graduates and working professionals. Flexible schedules, smaller classes and the chance to explore D.C. make summer at GW a great way to kick off your year.
Non-Degree Students
From sculpture and interior design to biology and computer science, taking a course as a non-degree student will allow you to learn the basics, develop further expertise or explore something brand new. As a non-degree student, you do not receive a certificate or degree from GW, but you can earn grades and credits, and receive an official academic record.
“I took Arabic and international relations courses, but it never really clicked until I was speaking with local Jordanians who lived through the historical events I was studying in class. Studying abroad places you outside your comfort zone and challenges you in new ways."
NADA MOHAMAD-ALY, studied in Jordan
Majors: Political Science & International Affairs, Middle East concentration
Make Your Mark Through an Online Program
Spending time on our campuses is exciting, but with more than 100 online programs, you don’t have to be in D.C. to join in.
With programs in more than 12 areas of focus from nursing to engineering, you’ll get the same quality GW education and benefit from our access to the nation’s leaders and most powerful institutions.
