The George Washington University is a private non-profit independent research institution of higher learning located in Washington, D.C. Its mission is to provide students with an academic environment where knowledge is shaped and obtained and creative activities seek to improve the experiences of an international society. It focuses on hands-on experiences and high quality education presented by exceptional faculty. The university values a vibrant, student-centered learning community that is inspired by intellectual and cultural diversity and built on a foundation of originality, integrity, and openness to the study of new ideas.
The George Washington University offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and individual courses in various areas such as clinical health sciences, paralegal studies, political management, educational leadership and administration, family nurse practitioner, transition special education, museum collections management and care, project management, and regulatory affairs. The university also combines online learning and classroom learning experiences. The online programs feature multimedia tools and content to create an interactive virtual learning environment. Online courses are presented via Blackboard and Embanet learning management systems. The George Washington University offers a variety of services to promote student success including Student Technology Services, Disability Support Services, GW Helpdesk, and Gelman Library Distance Education Services.
President George Washington had the aspiration to establish a national institution of higher learning and he died before he could carry out his vision. President James Monroe and members of the U.S. Congress and friends took on the effort and the university was founded in 1821 as Columbian College. In 1873, the college’s name changed to Columbian University. It then admitted women and started offering doctorate degrees. In 1904, the university became The George Washington University. From the 1930s to the 1960s the university added numerous buildings. Currently, the university enrolls over 25,000 students from all 50 states and approximately 130 countries.
Accreditation
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accredits The George Washington University.
Schools Of Education
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences: provides a rich and diverse curriculum with a variety of professional education programs. Houses The School of Media and Public Affairs and The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration.
The School of Medicine and Health Sciences: dedicated to improving the health and well being of communities at the local, national, and global levels.
The Law School: enables students to gain superior analytical, writing, research, and advocacy skills to become top professionals in the legal field.
The School of Engineering and Applied Science: offers excellent education and a variety of internship and partnership opportunities with federal organizations and high-tech companies.
The Graduate School of Education and Human Development: recognized for its innovative work in the education fields and it focuses on shaping the future.
The School of Business: offers renowned programs in business and management and it prides itself on its flexibility of academic offerings.
The Elliott School of International Affairs: strives to make the world a better place and offers an interesting environment to examine international affairs.
The School of Public Health and Health Services: aims to make a difference and it one of the 39 accredited public health schools in the country.
The College of Professional Studies: offers innovative programs that are designed to meet the needs of adult learners and working professionals. Home to The Graduate School of Political Management.
The School of Nursing: offers a lively range of academic programs designed to equip students with the necessary clinical abilities to provide excellent care.
Scholarships Offered
The George Washington University offers a variety of need and non-need based scholarships including the Board of Trustees Scholarship, University Scholarships, Presidential Academic Scholarships, Presidential International Scholarship, ROTC Scholars, Scottish Rite Scholarship, Engineering Scholarships, Arts Scholarships, Seven-Year Integrated B.A./M.D., Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholars, Phi Theta Kappa, and Alpha Beta Gamma. The university also accepts outside scholarships offered by high schools, community groups, and other organizations.
Financing Options
The George Washington University offers The George Washington Guaranteed Grant, GW Family Grant, and University and Alumni Award. The university also participates in various financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans, Federal Work Study, and private alternative loans. The George Washington University offers a GW Monthly Payment Plan that allows students to choose three plans (3 months, 5 months, and 10 months) to pay their tuition and fees.
Credit Earning Options
The George Washington University grants credit for previously completed coursework at other accredited postsecondary institutions. An evaluation of previous courses is completed upon admission and a grade of a C- or higher in all courses is required to receive credit. Students can also receive up to 24 credits through examinations such as Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate exams. Students are required to submit official transcripts, examination scores, and other supporting information.