phd programs in george washington university

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Graduate Admissions

Whether you want to advance your current career or start on a fresh path, we’re confident you will find what you’re looking for at GW. With more than 240  graduate programs  in our  schools and colleges , there’s a program here that will fit your interests and lifestyle. If you want to work in labs with researchers who are changing the world or take a metro ride to class after work to study with world-renowned faculty, GW offers the variety and flexibility to meet your needs. With our graduate education, the relationships you build with your fellow students and faculty members will become a network you’ll carry with you.

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Flexible Programs

We welcome graduate students with diverse backgrounds. Our graduate student population includes everyone from those who recently completed undergraduate degrees to those who’ve been in the workforce for years or who have families and unique schedules. With a varied group of students, it is important that we provide options for study. Our programs are not only flexible in what and when you can study, but also where you can learn. We offer both full- and part-time programs. You can study with us in the heart of D.C. or in Virginia at either our  Virginia Science and Technology Campus  or one of our  graduate education centers  in Alexandria or Arlington. We also offer more than 100  online programs  where you earn the same degree as students who study in the classroom.

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14,800+ Grad Students

300+ Master's, Doctoral and Certificate Programs

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Average Graduate Class Size is 19 students

“The university has outstanding benefits for service members and the Military and Veterans Office provides excellent guidance on veteran-specific services. Some of my best experiences at GW were in the short-term study abroad programs I participated in. They exposed me to countries I would have never imagined I would work in and taught me how to operate on the international stage.”

Diego Lucero Professional MBA

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With student assistance programs like scholarships, graduate assistantships and fellowships, and various financial aid options including loans and grants, GW is an affordable option for any student who’d like to come here.

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Doctoral Programs

A Ph.D. in Business Administration from the GW School of Business (GWSB) is designed to prepare you for a successful career as a scholar at a leading research university. At GWSB, we believe in excellence in both research and teaching — and we'll prepare you to excel in both disciplines.

Because we're situated in the heart of the nation’s capital, the unique advantages to pursuing your doctorate at GWSB include access to regulators such as the SEC, the PCAOB and the World Bank, data hubs such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and area conferences such as the PCAOB/Journal of Accounting Research auditing conference.

Our program is challenging, but also supportive and collegial. Students develop close working relationships that will continue throughout their careers. With several areas of focus available, the Ph.D. program at the GW School of Business will put you on the right path to success.

For admissions information about any of these programs, please visit our graduate admissions page .

Latest News

All doctoral program applications for Fall 2024 are now closed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in Fall 2024.

Areas of Focus

Accountancy

Lead Professor: Oded Rozenbaum

Decision Sciences

Lead Professor: Young Hoon Kwak

Lead Professor: Vineet Bhagwat

International Business

Lead Professor: Meghana Ayyagari

Information Systems and Technology Management

Lead Professor: YoungKi Park

Management and Strategy

Lead Professor, Management: Herman Aguinis Lead Professor, Strategic Management and Public Policy: Jorge Walter

Doctoral Students

Our doctoral students page contains resources for doctoral students, such as dissertation help and publishing tips, as well as doctoral student profiles and information about the Doctoral Student Association at GWSB.

Visit the Doctoral Students page

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education

Become an education change agent.

Advance your career and take steps toward truly making a difference in your field by earning a PhD in Education at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) within the George Washington University . Our unique programs create opportunities for cross-disciplinary research, collaboration, and hands-on experiences—alongside leading experts—exploring solutions to a range of complex challenges facing our education system today.

Program Overview:

• Candidates apply to a cross-disciplinary research concentration, detailed below, that is focused on a related critical problem.
• Students engage in individual and collaborative research, using a cross-disciplinary lens, throughout the program.
• Candidates should aspire to careers in which the production of research is paramount.

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Choose a Concentration to Match Your Research Interests and Career Goals  

Why GSEHD at GW?

Our Location is Your Advantage

Our unique location in Washington, D.C., the policymaking capital of the world, along with GW’s vast connections, offer unparalleled opportunities for high-level, hands-on research experience and competitive employment opportunities with prestigious organizations, think tanks, federal agencies, and diverse school systems.

Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives

How do we educate people to interact with intelligent technologies? How can modern societies combat inequality and enhance opportunity for disadvantaged populations? To investigate critical national/global questions in the field, teams of students and faculty use—and contribute to—knowledge and methods from psychology, sociology, engineering, and economics, in addition to education.

Principles of Research + Hands-On Experience

Gain a deeper understanding of the responsible conduct of research with human subjects, research ethics, and how to consider the social impact of the work. You’ll bring your experience in education to the design, development, data collection, and analyses in a research project. Engage with peers from multiple concentrations within our inclusive cross-disciplinary team, as well as within more focused research projects.

You May Be Eligible

Learn more about benefits that may apply to you, depending on the program you choose >

No Application Fees

GRE is Not Required

Scholarships Available

 Upcoming Info Sessions

Society’s big problems don’t have tidy boundaries. Our approach prepares students to look for solutions through the lens of multiple academic disciplines, to build bridges that reinforce and connect established pillars of knowledge.

DR. COLIN GREEN Associate Professor, Curriculum and Pedagogy

  PhD Programs in the News

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April 10, 2024

Doctoral Students Attend Curriculum Camp

March 5, 2024

Dr. Streitwieser Receives CIES 2024 Teaching Comparative and International Education Innovative Curriculum Development Award

February 28, 2024

What Can You Do With an Organizational Leadership and Learning Degree?

February 19, 2024

PhD Candidate, InJung Cho, Published Peer-Reviewed Book Review in International Studies in Sociology of Education

February 15, 2024

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

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Accredited by the American Psychological Association , the clinical psychology PhD program follows a scientist-practitioner model. Students are trained as applied researchers and scientists, developing skills in research and practical methods used to advance knowledge of the causes, prevention and treatment of emotional, behavioral and physical health problems within diverse communities.

We embrace a community psychology orientation that emphasizes multiple influences on the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities and values engaging communities in all aspects of the work that we do.

Our training is grounded in developmental and social-ecological perspectives that attend to the intersection of multiple forms of diversity and recognize the impacts of systemic oppression on individuals and communities. We aspire to train behavioral scientists who are able to identify, implement and evaluate strategies to promote equity and social justice and to reduce health and mental health disparities in a variety of settings.

Faculty subscribe to a range of theoretical orientations, including cognitive-behavioral, family systems, social-ecological and community frameworks. These perspectives enable students to develop a broad base of knowledge and the opportunity to specialize in particular areas of research and evidence-based application.

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Program Information

American psychological association accreditation.

The clinical psychology program has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) Committee on Accreditation (COA) since 1970. COA is part of the Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation (OPCA).

View Student Admissions, Outcomes and Other Data

Further information on the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences’ accreditation status and the accreditation process may be obtained from the American Psychological Association:

American Psychological Association Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation 750 First St. NE Washington, DC 20002-4242 202-336-5979 [email protected]

The clinical psychology program is also recognized by the Society for Community Research and Action as a doctoral clinical-community training program.

Clinical Training

To build real-world clinical experience, students in the PhD program complete a minimum of two assessment practica and two therapy practica in the  Meltzer Psychological and Community-Based Services Center.

Additionally, students complete two externship placements in community settings. Clinical practice is supervised by licensed faculty members and clinicians at field placements.

Finally, as part of the PhD program in Clinical Psychology, students are also required to complete a one-year Psychology Internship Training Program. In almost all cases this will be an APA- approved pre-doctoral internship program.

Licensure Information

Our Clinical Psychology program trains graduates who are successfully licensed in many states. No graduate from our program has been turned down for licensure due to insufficiencies in our program’s education and training. However, the practice of psychology (licensure) is regulated at the state level. State licensing authorities, commonly referred to as “State Boards,” determine the specific educational and training requirements for licensure in their State. Licensure requires more training than our degree’s educational requirements and may vary by state. Most states have post-doctoral clinical supervision requirements, and some states have specific training requirements that may not be automatically covered in GWU’s program. For a general description of the licensing processes in clinical psychology and a state by state listing of our recent understanding of educational requirements and how GWU’s program aligns with the requirements of each state, please review our Consumer Disclosure Information report (PDF) .

Student Outcomes

The program develops students into well-rounded, confident professionals in several roles:

• Researchers and applied scientists
• Interventionists who use methods and substantive findings to inform assessment, prevention and treatment
• Professionals who consider applied problems from a lifespan developmental perspective and from multiple levels within human social ecology
• Clinical psychologists equipped with the specialized skills necessary for implementing promotion, prevention and treatment programs for diverse clients

Clinical Doctoral Student Handbook for Fall 2022 (PDF)

"Through class discussion, research and clinical experiences, I learned that the symptom is never bigger than the story. This has been a cornerstone of my work as a clinician."

Henry Prempeh PhD '13

Clinical Psychology News

Meet the Columbian Distinguished Fellows

July 14, 2021

Across disciplines and research fields, these Columbian College PhD fellows are leading scholarly studies and making real-world impacts.

Alumnus Doctor Takes Care Abroad

June 23, 2020

For more than 45 years, Dr. Bill Goldman, BA ’72, MD ’75, has brought care and kindness to his patients. After retiring from his pediatric practice, he found a new home for his passion: volunteering...

Follow Clinical Psychology on Facebook

New  NIMH T32 Training Program for Select Students

NIMH T32 Training Program in Approaches to Address Social-Structural Factors Related to HIV Intersectionally (TASHI)​

The George Washington University is offering full doctoral scholarships* to prepare the next generation of community-engaged researchers to develop and lead social-structural and intersectional approaches to promote equity and improve HIV and related health outcomes. The training program is supported by 18 multi-disciplinary faculty conducting both global and domestic research on HIV, mental health, substance use, and violence.

Trainees will receive instruction and mentorship in the following:​

Trainees must apply and be accepted to the PhD program. Individuals from underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply. To learn more about TASHI, visit  tashi.gwu.edu  or email  [email protected] .​

*Full Scholarships include tuition, living expenses, and health insurance.​​

• Grant writing, publication and presentation skills

Course Requirements

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program .

72 credits, including 54 credits in required courses, at least 6 credits in dissertation courses, and 15 credits in dissertation or elective courses. Students also take five 0-credit courses and successfully complete a comprehensive examination.

In addition, students are required to obtain clinical training, including a minimum of two assessment practica and two therapy practica in the  Meltzer Center ’s Psychological and Community-Based Services, and to complete a one-year psychology internship training program. In almost all cases this will be an APA- approved pre-doctoral internship program.

Milken Institute School of Public Health

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Public Health Doctoral Programs

The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) prepares PhD candidates to become an integral part of discovering and creating solutions to public health challenges nationally and globally. Our DrPH program provides experienced public health practitioners with advanced skills to lead domestic and global organizations into the future.

DrPH and PhD Programs Overview  

Ranked No. 11 as a best public health school by  U.S. News & World Report , Milken Institute SPH is the only public health school in the nation’s capital.

With 29 active Research Centers and Institutes as well as over 140 full-time faculty leading over 600 research projects, Milken Institute SPH provides students with access to leaders and experts in the field.

Doctoral students gain access to weekly seminars, monthly Lunch & Learn events, and yearly Research Days to discuss new topics, meet faculty, and showcase their research to compete for cash prizes.

With hands-on training opportunities and close interaction with research-leading faculty, you’ll gain an unparalleled education and the skills to lead diverse areas of global public health.

DrPH and PhD Degree Options

At GW, we are committed to provide doctoral students with practical training opportunities and access to our rapidly growing research infrastructure and mission-driven networks.

Our seven PhD degree programs and one DrPH program (on campus or online) prepare researchers and public health professionals to make significant contributions to various fields of public health.

Doctor of Public Health- DrPH

Online Doctor of Public Health - DrPH

Environmental Health - PhD

Epidemiology - PhD

Exercise Physiology and Applied Nutrition - PhD

Global Public Health Sciences - PhD

Health Data Science - PhD

Health Policy - PhD

Social and Behavorial Sciences - PhD

Why choose the george washington university for your doctoral degree in public health.

PhD and DrPH students will benefit from mentorship and proximity to experts and agencies immersed in the most current health policy and public health topics in the hub of health policy decision-making and debate.

The GWSPH is made up of seven departments, unified with the focused goal of advancing health around the world. Each doctoral program features a multidisciplinary curriculum and is taught by renowned faculty with a wealth of expertise.

Request information to learn more about earning your DrPH or PhD in public health from the George Washington University.

Department of Computer Science

School of Engineering & Applied Science

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PhD in Computer Science

The Ph.D. in Computer Science aims to build the next generation of scholars in computer science research. At GW, doctoral students can expect to work closely with a faculty advisor in their chosen research area to create a curriculum plan and guidance for the doctoral dissertation. Students have the opportunities to teach introductory-level courses to undergraduates, present conference papers, and work with faculty on research grant applications.

With its unique location of Washington, D.C., GW maintains access and connections to one of the highest concentrations of tech companies in the country, as well as research-granting federal institutes, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), NASA , National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Naval Research Laboratory . 

For Prospective Students:

Admissions requirements.

• If an applicant has obtained a master’s degree, a minimum grade point average of 3.5 (on a scale of 4.0) is required.
• If an applicant has only obtained a bachelor’s degree, the minimum grade point average must be a 3.3 (on a scale of 4.0).
• Completion of two math courses beyond pre-calculus.
• Strong academic background that includes courses in structured programming language, discrete structures and data structures.
• Successful submission of online application form, exam scores and other documents as outlined in the admissions requirements .

Faculty Advisor & Research Area

We strongly recommend that prospective doctoral students determine a faculty member in the department with whom they would like to work, as well as the research area of interest.

Top research areas of the department:

• Algorithms and theory
• Computer architecture, networks, parallel and distributed computing
• Computer security and information assurance
• Database and information retrieval systems
• Machine intelligence and cognition
• Multimedia, animation, graphics and user interface
• Software engineering and systems

Download Faculty & Research Factsheet (PDF)

For Current Students: 

The general requirements are stated under School of Engineering, Doctoral Program Regulations . 

Program Requirements

Relevant Forms

• Preliminary examination form
• Proposal defense report form
• Final examination approval form
• Dissertation completion form
• Additional forms and resources from SEAS

PhD Course Guidelines:

PhD students must work with their advisors to develop a program of study that meets the following requirements.

• For direct Ph.D. degree students: 54 credit hours (minimum of 42 credit hours of course work available for graduate credit and minimum of 12 credit hours of dissertation research credits (CSCI 8999)) are required. Additionally, a student should continue to enroll in Continuing Research - Doctoral (SEAS 0940) until their dissertation is completed.
• For post-Master’s Ph.D. students: 18 credit hours of course work available for graduate credit and 12 credit hours of dissertation research credits (CSCI 8999) are required. Additionally, a student should continue to enroll in Continuing Research - Doctoral  (SEAS 0940) until their dissertation is completed. 
• A maximum of 15 credits outside of the department for direct Ph.D. students; a maximum of 9 credits outside of the department for post-Master’s Ph.D. students.
• Algorithms and theory;
• Software and systems
• See details in the Preliminary Examination section below. 

Preliminary Examination

Failure of full-time students to pass the preliminary examination by the end of the fourth semester will lead to dismissal from the program.

Students who register for 6 credits or fewer in three consecutive semesters are part-time. Part-time students are required to pass the preliminary examination within their first three years, or 30 credits, of enrollment in the PhD program. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program.

To demonstrate competency, students may take one course in each of the following areas:

• Algorithms and theory: CSCI 6212 Design and Analysis of Algorithms or CSCI 6311 Theory of Computation
• Software and systems: CSCI 6221 Advanced Software Paradigms, or CSCI 6431 Computer Networks, or CSCI 6461 Computer System Architecture

Competency is demonstrated in one of two ways:

• By completing the course with a minimum grade of A-; or,
• By taking only the written, in-class examinations in the course. With this option, students must pass all exams given during a semester, earning a minimum grade of A- in each. 

Students who prove, via their official transcript, that they earned the requisite grades as part of their master’s degree may apply that result to the preliminary exam requirement. 

Students must submit a Preliminary Examination Form to the Department of Computer Science after completing the requirements for the preliminary exam. 

Publication Requirements

Students must have at least one peer-reviewed conference or journal paper accepted for publication at the time of the dissertation defense.

As a guideline, students are expected to have at least two or three conference or journal papers accepted for publication by the time of their dissertation defense, and the material from those papers should be the core of the dissertation.

Dissertation

Dissertation advisor and co-advisor(s).

Every PhD dissertation must be supervised by a faculty advisor who must be (1) a regular full-time faculty member of GW with a primary or secondary appointment in the CS Department, or (2) a research faculty member of the CS Department. Besides the dissertation advisor, a PhD student may have one or more co-advisor(s), who may be full-time or part-time faculty at GW, or professionals from outside the university. Co-advisors are expected to hold a terminal degree.

Forming a dissertation committee

• The dissertation committee must consist of at least three members, including the major advisor. Additional advisor(s) and co-advisors are optional and additional to the three members.
• The committee must have a presiding chair who is a regular full-time faculty member whose primary appointment is in the Department of Computer Science. The committee chair may not be the student's research advisor or co-advisor.
• Faculty with secondary appointments in the Department of Computer Science are not considered regular full-time faculty members in the Department.
• At least one member of the committee must be an external reviewer. The external reviewer must hold a doctoral degree. They may not be a research advisor or co-advisor of the student. They should have a primary appointment in another GW department or outside the University.
• The dissertation committee must be approved by the Chair of the Department of Computer Science.
• The committee membership is normally the same for the dissertation proposal examination and the dissertation defense. However, the membership may change with the approval of the advisor and department chair.

Dissertation proposal defense

• The defense may not take place before the student has passed the preliminary examination.
• The student’s advisor must approve the scheduling of the dissertation proposal defense.
• The student submits a written proposal, in the style of a dissertation, to the members of the dissertation committee. The proposal should contain preliminary results.
• The dissertation committee evaluates the proposal and conduct an oral examination of the student. The committee conveys its recommendation of pass/fail to the Department of Computer Science.
• A proposal defense report should be filed.  

Dissertation defense

• The dissertation defense may not be scheduled before the student has passed the dissertation proposal defense.
• The student’s advisor must approve the scheduling of the dissertation defense.
• The student submits a written dissertation to the members of the dissertation committee, normally two or more weeks in advance of the defense. The writing should follow the dissertation writing guidelines .
• The committee evaluates the dissertation and conducts an oral examination of the student. The committee conveys its recommendation to pass or fail to the Department of Computer Science.
• The final examination approval form and the dissertation completion form should be filed.

University Graduation and Scholarship Requirements

Students are responsible for knowing the University’s graduation and scholarships requirements. Consult the University Regulations section of this Bulletin. Students should consult the department for additional information and requirements.

Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering

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Online Doctoral Programs

The department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering also offers three doctoral degrees in a fully online format.

The  D.Eng. in Cybersecurity Analytics  degree is offered in a synchronous, online format with classes held on Saturdays. The Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics program enables professionals who are employed full-time to pursue advanced study in a focused environment alongside like-minded fellow students. This degree empowers the student to plan and implement security measures to protect an organization’s network and systems, implement strategies to track threats and monitor networks for security breaches, and build secure and resilient computer systems.

The  D.Eng. in Engineering Management  degree is offered in a synchronous, online format with classes held on Saturdays. The Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management program enables professionals who are employed full-time to pursue advanced study in a focused environment alongside like-minded fellow students. The Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management is designed for practitioners who wish to apply the knowledge they gain in a technical management environment. 

The online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning is a research-based doctoral program designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the latest AI&ML techniques, as well as hands-on experience in applying these techniques to real-world problems. Graduates of this program are equipped to lead AI&ML projects and teams in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. They are also well-prepared for academic research and teaching roles, as they will have developed advanced research skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences.

The  Ph.D. in Systems Engineering  is offered online, with classes that meet on Saturdays to enable professionals who are employed full-time to pursue doctoral study and research in an intense, focused environment alongside like-minded fellow students and leading faculty. Graduates demonstrate mastery of broad-based knowledge in systems engineering, and of a specific area of knowledge relevant to their own research interests, as well as the methods, tools, and ethics of conducting primary research. They develop and present an original study to the scholarly community that is based on research in primary sources and that makes a significant contribution to the field, and that demonstrates the ability to engage in a productive research career.

Looking for on-campus programs? We offer an on-campus Ph.D. in Systems Engineering and a Ph.D. or D.Eng. in Engineering Management .

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PhD in Statistics

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The STEM-designated PhD in Statistics program provides advanced training in topics including probability, linear models, time series analysis, Bayesian statistics, inference, reliability, statistics in law and regulatory policy and much more.

Nearly all GW statistics PhD graduates have secured job placements in the statistics or data science industry, with employers  including Amazon, Facebook and Capital One. During the program, PhD students work closely with faculty on original research in their area of interest. 

The degree provides training in theory and applications and is suitable for both full-time and part-time students. Most graduate courses are offered in the early evening to accommodate student schedules. 

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Graduate Program Advisors

Application Requirements

Prospective PhD students typically have earned a master’s degree in statistics or a related discipline. Students need a strong background in mathematics, including courses in advanced calculus, linear algebra and mathematical statistics.

Complete Application Requirements

"GW encouraged me to tap into expertise from within as well as outside the university while researching my dissertation topic. I learned about the value of collaboration throughout my doctoral studies. Collaboration is so important in science, and it’s been instrumental in our success at Emmes."

Anne Lindblad PhD ’90 President, The Emmes Company

Students in their first semester of the PhD in Statistics program must meet with the program director  prior to signing up for classes. Students should continue to seek advice from the advisor throughout the program, particularly when determining whether any previous coursework can be applied toward their degree.

General Examinations

The general examination consists of two parts: a qualifying examination and an examination to determine the student's readiness to carry out the proposed dissertation research.

Each PhD candidate is required to take and pass the PhD qualifying exam. The written exam is given at the beginning of the fall semester each year. It consists of two papers:

• Inference: STAT 6202 and 8263
• Probability: STAT 6201 and 8257

The written exam is required for the first attempt. If a student cannot pass it, then there are two options for the second attempt.

• Option #1 for the second attempt : after approximately a year, the student will retake the written exam (see above for exam description).
• Option #2 for the second attempt : within approximately half a year, based on the scope of the written exam (see above for exam description), the student must demonstrate satisfactory improvements through (open-book, take-home) problem solving and an oral exam (with questions and answers).

No more than two attempts are permitted.

After passing the qualifying examination, the candidate should select a dissertation advisor. In consultation with the advisor, the candidate should pass a readiness examination, usually consisting of a research proposal and an oral examination. A committee of at least two professors should administer the readiness examination.

Dissertation

Students are required to complete a written dissertation that should be defended before an examination committee of at least four examiners. The dissertation should contain original scholarly research and must comply with all other GW rules and regulations. For more guidance on dissertation process, review the CCAS PhD Student Handbook . For formatting and submission guidelines, visit the Electronic Theses and Dissertations Submission website .

Past Theses

Course Requirements 

The program requires 72 credit hours, of which at least 48 must be from coursework and at least 12 must be from dissertation research. Up to 24 credit hours may be transferred from a prior master’s degree (contrary to general GW doctoral program requirements , which allow up to 30 transfer credit hours).

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program

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The Ph.D. in Political Science program  prepares students  to be outstanding researchers and scholars at top universities, policy think tanks, consulting firms, and U.S. and international institutions. Working in small classes and with experienced faculty mentors, doctoral students construct a program around a major and minor field of study.

Recent dissertation topics have spanned women's organizations and the partisan gender gap, judicial politics in the Middle East, media freedom in Turkey, social justice in the corporate world, and coercive kidnappings in violent political organizations. Our students present their research at conferences around the country, earn awards and prestigious research grants for their scholarship, and publish articles in major journals, such as International Security, American Political Science Review, International Organization, Perspectives on Politics, and Journal of Politics.

Funding is guaranteed for five years, conditional on adequate progress.

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PhD Job Placement Data

The deadline for our MA program is April 1, 2025, for Fall 2025 admission. Our next PhD application deadline is Dec. 15, 2024, for Fall 2025 admission. If you have questions, please contact the Department Administrator by email: [email protected] .

Major and Minor Fields

Doctoral students choose both a major and minor field of study. Any of the major fields is also an option for a minor.

Major Fields

• American Politics
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics

Minor Fields

• Political Theory
• Public Policy
• Research Methods

Learn About Research by Field

Course Requirements 

Additional requirements

In addition to required coursework, program requirements consists of two comprehensive examinations covering a primary and supporting field, an original research paper, and a dissertation demonstrating the capacity to undertake original and significant research. The research paper, to be completed by the second year in the program, must reflect the student's ability to conduct original research. Students prepare for the comprehensive exams by taking at least five courses in their primary field and at least four courses in their supporting field, selected according to departmental guidelines. Three primary fields are available: American politics, international relations, and comparative politics. In addition, political theory, public policy, and research methodology are available as supporting fields. Petitions for a self-designed minor field (e.g., political communications) composed primarily of courses not offered by the established fields can be jointly proposed by students and faculty. All students must complete a sequence of courses in research methodology comprising PSC 8101 , PSC 8108 , and PSC 8109 . 

A recommendation to the Dean for Admissions to candidacy, or the dissertation research stage, will be considered upon satisfactory completion of all coursework, research paper, field examinations, and successful defense of the dissertation prospectus. Students must pass their primary field examination with a satisfactory pass or above and must pass their supporting field examination with a bare pass or above in order to be considered eligible for promotion to candidacy. Admission to candidacy is permitted only if the student’s performance on the examinations and in the coursework gives a good indication of success in the second unit. Passing the field examinations does not in itself ensure admission to candidacy.

The dissertation prospectus must outline the central research question(s), relate the proposed research to the existing literature, detail a research methodology, and explain the nature of the original contribution that the completed project will provide. The prospectus must be presented and defended in an open forum, which all faculty and doctoral students are invited to attend. The full dissertation must be similarly defended. A dual degree program enables students to earn the master of public policy along with the PhD in the field of political science.

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The doctoral program in the Department of Mathematics offers the personalized attention of a small department while also providing a wide range of faculty who offer expertise to support dissertation research. The  graduate student environment  in the department is collaborative and rigorous, with many opportunities for mentorship, peer interaction and interdisciplinary opportunities across and outside the university.

PhD graduates go on to work as policy makers, consultants, data analysts, professors, researchers at internationally renowned institutions and much more. 

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Teaching Assistantships and Funding

Full-time PhD students in mathematics are supported primarily through teaching assistantship (TA) positions. Students making acceptable progress in the PhD program are normally funded for at least five (and sometimes six) years.

While teaching assistant (TA) positions are usually offered to PhD students, master’s and part-time students are also invited to apply through the  Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships website .

• A stipend in the form of a GW fellowship
• Tuition credits (up to nine credit hours per semester)
• A salary in exchange for teaching work

PhD students apply for teaching assistantships as part of the general GW application process. Applications to the doctoral program completed before February 1 will receive full consideration for TA positions.

The duties of TAs may include teaching a course, conducting recitations, assisting in a computer lab, holding office hours, grading homework and proctoring and grading exams. Such duties typically take about 15 hours per week. 

The graduate committee, in consultation with students' advisors, makes recommendations to CCAS for renewal of support; these recommendations are subject to the approval of the CCAS Associate Dean for Graduate Studies. Students making good progress toward earning a PhD and performing their teaching duties well usually receive at least five years of support. Requests for a sixth year of funding can be made when there is good evidence that the student is likely to complete the degree in the sixth year.

Several activities for new graduate students are held the week before the fall semester begins: 

• a  Graduate Teaching Assistant Program  (GTAP) orientation organized by the  GW Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships ;
• an English test and interview for international students; and
• an orientation for mathematics graduate students, organized by the Department of Mathematics.

At the GTAP orientation, each new TA gives a five-minute sample presentation to a small group of peers and is evaluated for effective communication. All students, especially international students, are encouraged to discuss their presentation in advance with their academic advisor.

"I owe my success to my beginning days in the U.S. — to all the wonderful professors at GW. If not for their constant support, I would not have completed my PhD and all this would be moot!"

Sita Ramamurti PhD '95, 2020 Leo Schubert Teaching Award

Course Requirements

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program .

Pre-candidacy

Pre-candidacy requirements include satisfactory completion of 48 credits of coursework and achievement of a passing grade in the general examination.

After completing 36 credits of coursework, students may petition the graduate committee for approval to take MATH 6995 , but students may take no more than 12 credits in any combination of MATH 6995 and MATH 8999 in a single academic year.

Students wishing to take courses outside the department must petition and obtain the approval of the graduate committee.  The committee may limit the number of such courses that students take.

Subject to the approval of the graduate committee (requested via petition), students may take up to 12 credits of courses  offered by other institutions  in  the  Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area .   Students wishing to take such courses must petition and obtain the approval of the graduate committee.

Subject to the approval of the graduate committee (requested via petition) and the agreement of the instructor, students may take up to 12 credits from the following upper-level undergraduate courses for graduate credit, provided that additional graduate-level coursework is completed in these classes.

General examination

The general examination consists of two preliminary examinations. One examination is in two to four subjects selected from algebra, analysis, topology, and applied math, and the other is a specialty examination in a research area approved by the department.

Post-candidacy requirements

Post-candidacy requirements include the successful completion of an additional 24 credits of graduate coursework, including at least 6 credits of MATH 8999 ; the completion of the dissertation; and the successful defense of the dissertation in a final oral examination.

No more than 15 credits in any combination of MATH 6995 and MATH 8999 may be among the student's final 18 credits of required coursework.

Once a student successfully completes 24 post-candidacy credits, they must register for 1 credit of CCAS 0940  each subsequent fall and spring semester until they have successfully defended their dissertation, thereby completing the degree program.

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The PhD in Chemistry program offers a small student-to-faculty ratio, close access to research and mentorship opportunities and a vibrant community of 40–50 peers.  Faculty are deeply invested in helping PhD students develop their professional portfolios, offering ample opportunities for research presentations, publications and awards.

In addition to research in their focus area of choice, many students enrich their program through consortium classes or collaborations with peers in medicine, engineering and nearby federal research laboratories — including the National Institutes of Health, Naval Research Laboratory and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

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Doctoral Exams & Dissertation

"The faculty had a profound impact on my life and opened many doors for me. … In a few short years since graduating, my career has already far exceeded the goals I set as a graduate student and I feel this is largely due to the result-based education I received at GW.” 

Keegan M. Caldwell PhD '14 Managing Member of Caldwell Intellectual Property

Doctoral students perform original research in one of five fields: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic (materials) chemistry, organic chemistry or physical chemistry. Students begin with core courses in focus areas and quickly move on to join research groups that match their interests. Most students spend about five years in the chemistry PhD program.

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Degree Requirements

All doctoral students must complete a set of core courses, cumulative and candidacy  examinations  and a dissertation . They must also present at required seminars. For more questions, please contact the  Director of Graduate Studies .

Prior to the second semester of study, a Doctoral/Examining Committee must be formed. At least three members of the department, including the research advisor and ideally one faculty member from within the chosen division and one faculty member from another discipline.

Before the second semester of study, the advisor will report the committee members to the DGS.

The advisor should schedule the first committee meeting during the second semester of study. Thereafter the group should convene at least annually in the presence of the student. Second and subsequent meetings should focus on the dissertation progress and implement suggested changes to the course of study as needed.

Student progress will be characterized by majority vote as excellent, good or failing. Should a failing mark be given, the committee must choose one of two options: probation with further guidance or recommendation for termination from the PhD program. This evaluation, or any changes to the course of study, should be reported in a document signed by all committee members to the Graduate Affairs Committee and the student following each meeting.

Students must present at least two seminars. The first takes place prior to the start of the fifth semester. It should be 25–30 minutes long, covering either a topic from the literature or preliminary research results. The second usually takes place in the summer prior to dissertation defense. It is an hour-long seminar on the research. Students should write an abstract (about 50 words) to advertise each seminar.

Students who do not show satisfactory progress might be either placed on probation with further guidance or recommended for termination from the PhD program. The GW Chemistry Department defines satisfactory progress in the PhD program as:

• Placement exams: Incoming graduate students are expected to pass four placement exams in Analytical, Inorganic, Physical and Organic chemistries. If a student does not pass all placements exams in a second attempt by May 31 (Fall admits) or August 31 (Spring admits), they will be subject to a Graduate Affairs Committee review and may be asked to leave the program.
• Research group: The student should formally choose and be accepted into the research group of a full-time professor in our department prior to the start of the student’s 2nd semester in the program. Thereafter, the student must continuously maintain membership in a chemistry department research group. Research advisor consent is required to join a research group. A “Join/Exit Research Group” form must be signed by the student and the research advisor and submitted to the Chemistry Department Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) by the deadline to initially declare membership in a research group (or to exit/change research groups at a later date). Please note that students who fail to achieve satisfactory progress in their research programs can be removed from their research group at the discretion of the research advisor, in which case the student must join another chemistry department research group within 30 days.
• Grades: The student should achieve an average grade of “B” (3.0) or higher in all core courses taken by the end of the student’s second semester in the program and continuously maintain that cumulative average each term thereafter.
• 30-min seminar: The student should present a 30-minute seminar to the department prior to the candidacy exam, typically before the start of their fifth semester.
• Cumulative Exams: The student should accumulate 10 points in 7 exams or 12 points in 10 exams prior to the end of the sixth semester in the program.
• Candidacy Exam: Students should complete the candidacy exam prior to the end of the sixth semester in the program. The examination committee should be composed of the members of the student’s doctoral committee: the research advisor and two other faculty members. A research summary document no longer than 10 pages plus references and figures (Times font, 12pt, 1.5 spaced, 1” margins) should be submitted to the examination committee at least one week before the date of the exam.
• Teaching duties: The student should satisfactorily carry out GA duties as determined by the chair-person and/or laboratory supervisors/instructors.
• Chemistry seminars: The student should show regular attendance to chemistry seminars (80% or higher per semester) and participate in other departmental activities, such as the annual retreat, poster sessions, and other duties required by the research advisor. Students are encouraged to regularly check their progress in the program on DegreeMap. Reasonable exceptions to the above may be considered by the DGS in consultation with Graduate Affairs Committee.

All graduate students must display competency in scientific writing. Periodically, student’s research reports, examinations, papers for classes, seminar abstract and other material will be reviewed for writing competency. In the event of inadequate performance, a student may be required to take a course in scientific writing.

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PhD Students in the Lab

Sylwia Stopka

Sylwia Stopka (PhD ’17) of the  Vertes group  was the driving force behind an exciting project to develop new tools for the study of biological nitrogen fixation. In fall of 2017, the Chemistry Department received funding from the National Science Foundation as part of an interdisciplinary team formed with two other universities. The project explored plant-microbe interactions in biological nitrogen fixation using analytical tools developed in the Vertes laboratory. Combining a dual-channel microscope, capable of bright field and fluorescence imaging, with a laser ablation electrospray ionization system for the mass spectrometric analysis of single plant cells offered new insight into the biochemistry of self-fertilizing plants such as soybean.

Course Requirements 

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the  Doctor of Philosophy Program

Pre-matriculation requirements

All entering students in graduate chemistry programs are required to take the American Chemical Society Graduate Level Placement Examinations, given by the Department of Chemistry, prior to matriculation. The four placement examinations (in the disciplines of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry) are designed to cover the subject matter in the disciplines generally taught in undergraduate programs preparatory for graduate work in chemistry, and the results are used by the department to advise the individual student in planning a program of courses appropriate to the student’s background. All graduate students are required to participate in the seminar and colloquium programs. Upon consultation with course instructors, specific course prerequisites may be waived.

PhD program of study

Students develop a program of study in consultation with their doctoral committee, subject to the approval of the department’s Graduate Affairs Committee. The program of study must include coursework in a minimum of five graduate-level courses; at least three of these courses must be core courses as defined in the department’s Guide for Graduate Students and at least three must be offered by the Department of Chemistry. These course requirements cannot be fulfilled by achievement on placement exams. At least two graduate-level courses must be taken outside the student's subdiscipline and in at least two other subdisciplines/discipline. Equivalent courses offered by another university may be substituted at the discretion of the Graduate Affairs Committee.

General examination

Students must successfully complete the program's general examination, which consists of three parts: a 30-minute seminar, cumulative examinations, and a candidacy examination. To pass the general examination, students must present a 30-minute seminar covering topics from the literature and preliminary research results, prior to the start of their fifth semester in the program. They must also successfully complete their cumulative examinations and candidacy examination no later than the end of their sixth semester in the program.

Students also must present a 60-minute seminar on their research prior to the dissertation defense.

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)

Microbiology & immunology phd program.

The PhD in Microbiology and Immunology prepares graduates to become independent scientists in areas of GW faculty expertise, which include the study of host-pathogen relationships, inflammation, vaccine development, T lymphocyte activation, cancer immunology, molecular parasitology, molecular retrovirology (HIV/AIDS), and microbial genomics and proteomics.

GW is a proud partner in the  DC Center for AIDS Research  (DC CFAR) aimed at ending the HIV epidemic, and PhD students can pursue training and symposia from a number of experts in HIV research. Outstanding research programs also include the  Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty , which aims to mitigate the burden of human disease in developing nations. Students have access to the  Cell Enhancement and Technologies for Immunotherapy  (CETI) lab, a state-of-the-art  GW Biorepository  resource to facilitate research on HIV/AIDS and cancer, as well as cutting-edge university core facilities for flow cytometry, imaging, and computational biology.

The GW Training Program in HIV Persistence, Co-Morbidities and Therapeutics (supported by NIH T32 AI 158105) is a prestigious program to prepare doctoral students with the knowledge, analytic and leadership skills to become successful future HIV research investigators. Research is focused on 1) cure research including T cell therapy and reversal of viral latency, 2) co-morbidities including malignances and CNS disease and 3) prevention research including vaccines and novel therapeutics. Students apply for this program at the end of their first year, with their mentor and HIV related research.

The PhD in Microbiology and Immunology begins with the interdisciplinary coursework in molecular, cellular, and systems biology and research rotations offered through  GW’s Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum . In the second and third semester students add a comprehensive introduction to the conceptual and experimental underpinnings of microbiology and immunology. Further electives, career development coursework in scientific writing, oral communication, and research ethics and laboratory rotations are provided. Following required laboratory rotations, students complete a. grant-style qualifier and then work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Directors to complete remaining Microbiology and Immunology degree requirements, including the research dissertation.

Microbiology and Immunology Courses:

MICR 8210: Infection and Immunity MICR 8230: Molecular and Cellular Immunology MICR 8270: Advanced Topics in Immunology MICR 8271: Basics of HIV Persistence, Comorbidities and Treatment MICR 8998: Advanced Reading and Research Seminar Course MICR 8999: Dissertation Research

Some Suggested Electives:

PUBH 6276: Public Health Microbiology MICR 6292: Tropical Infectious Disease ANAT 6182: Fundamentals of Regenerative Biology and Systems Physiology

Courses in genomics, cancer biology, neuroscience, and pharmacology are also available.

Seminars/Journal Clubs:

MITM Seminar series is once a month on Thursday at noon.  CFAR seminars and events are posted .

Examples of Recent Microbiology & Immunology PhD Dissertations:

Indra Sarabia, PhD 2021 “In vitro tools to study the establishment of HIV-1 latency and evaluate latency revising agents for HIV-1 cure strategies” Mentor: Alberto Bosque. F31 awardee. (Now Scientist-Biosassay at BioLegend, San Diego, CA)

Allison Powell, PhD 2021 “Genetically modified immune cells secreting broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV: restoration of systemic immunity” Mentors: Russell Cruz, David Leitenberg. (Now Scientist at TCR2 Therapeutics, Washington DC)

Graduate Program Directors:

Alberto Bosque, PhD, MBA Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology, & Tropical Medicine Ross Hall 617 [email protected]

Rebecca M. Lynch, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine Ross Hall 622 [email protected]

How to apply  to the IBS and Microbiology and Immunology PhD program

For IBS Application Questions contact  Colleen Kennedy, IBS Program Manager  at [email protected]

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Online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

The cohort scheduled to start in August 2024 is now full. Applications for the January 2025 cohort will open on July 1, 2024.

Program Description

The online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning is a research-based doctoral program. The program is designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the latest AI&ML techniques, as well as hands-on experience in applying these techniques to real-world problems. Graduates of this program are equipped to lead AI&ML projects and teams in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Having developed advanced research skills, graduates are also well-prepared for academic research and teaching roles.

The degree requires completion of eight graduate-level courses (listed below) and a minimum of 24 credit hours of Praxis Research (SEAS 8588). During the research phase, the student writes and defends a research praxis on a topic related to AI&ML. The topic is selected by the student and approved by the research advising committee.

SEAS 6414 Python Application for Data Analytics:  Introduction to Python programming tailored for Data Analytics. This course covers Python’s applications in automating data cleaning, feature engineering, outlier detection, implementing machine learning algorithms, conducting text mining, and performing time series analysis. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8500 Fundamentals of AI-Enabled Systems:  Operational decomposition for AI solutions, engineering data for algorithm development, and deployment strategies. Systems perspective in designing AI systems. Full-lifecycle of creating AI-enabled systems. Ethics and biases in AI systems (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8505 Applied Machine Intelligence and Reinforcement Learning:  Theory and practice of machine learning leveraging open-source tools, algorithms and techniques. Topics include intelligent model training, support vector machines, deep learning, transformer methods, GANs, and reinforcement learning (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8510 Analytical Methods for Machine Learning:  Mathematical tools for building machine learning algorithms: linear algebra, analytical geometry, matrix decompositions, optimization, probability and statistics (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8515 Data Engineering for AI:  Developing Python scripts to automate data pipelines, data ingestion, data processing, and data warehousing. Machine learning applications with Python including text mining and time series analysis (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8520 Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing:  Fundamentals of deep learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Techniques for designing modern deep learning networks using Keras and TensorFlow. NLP topics include sentiment analysis, bag of words, TFIDF, and Large Language Models (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8525 Computer Vision and Generative AI: Explore AI's visual realm. Learn image processing object detection, and models in generative adversarial networks and neural networks. Master tools for creating AI applications in art, design, ethical considerations, and societal impacts of generative AI technology (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8599 Praxis Development for AI & Machine Learning:  Overview of research methods. Aims and purpose of the praxis. Development of praxis research strategies, formulation, and defense of a praxis proposal (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8588 Praxis Research for D.Eng. in AI & Machine Learning:  Research leading to the degree of Doctor of Engineering in AI and Machine Learning (24 Credit Hours)  

Classroom courses last 10 weeks each and meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM—12:00 PM and afternoons from 1:00—4:00 PM (all times Eastern). All classes meet live online through synchronous distance learning technologies (Zoom). All classes are recorded and available for viewing within two hours of the lecture. This program is taught in a cohort format in which students take all courses in lockstep. Courses cannot be taken out of sequence, live attendance at all class meetings is expected, and students must remain continuously enrolled. Leaves of absence are permitted only in the case of a medical or family emergency, or deployment to active military duty.  Please see below for the dates of our upcoming cohort.

No classes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Fourth of July,  and Memorial Day Weekends 

To proceed to the research phase, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.2 in the eight classroom courses, and no grade below B-. Students are then registered for a minimum of 24 credit hours of SEAS 8588 Praxis Research: 3 ch in Summer 2025 (Session 2), 9 ch in Fall 2025, 9 ch in Spring 2026, and 3 ch in Summer 2026. Throughout the research phase, students develop the praxis under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor. Faculty research advisors are assigned by the program office and meet individually with students every two weeks.

Sample research areas are listed below:

•    Developing algorithms and methods that can explain how AI systems reach their decisions or predictions, making them more transparent and trustworthy •    Investigating how reinforcement learning can improve robotic performance and control, particularly in complex environments •    Examining how to ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased in their decision-making, particularly in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice •    Developing more advanced natural language processing models and algorithms that can understand and interpret human language more accurately and effectively •    Investigating how to apply transfer learning techniques to improve the performance of AI systems in new and different domains, with less data and less training time 

Tuition is $1,750 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 year and is billed at the beginning of each semester for the courses registered during that semester. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $995, which is applied to tuition due the first semester, is required when the applicant accepts the offer of admission.

Admissions Process

• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, applied science, business, computer science, or a related field from accredited institutions.
• A minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.2
• Capacity for original scholarship.
• TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language.  Check our  International Students Page  to learn about the SEAS English language requirements and exemption policy. Test scores may not be more than two years old.

Note: GRE and GMAT scores are not required

Please note that our doctoral programs are highly selective; meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.  

• Attach up-to-date Resume 
• Attach Statement of Purpose – In an essay of 250 words or less, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Discuss your qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not mentioned.
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Normally, all transcripts must be received before an admission decision is rendered for the Doctor of Engineering program. 

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Master of Arts in Environmental & Sustainability Policy

The Master of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (MA-ESP) at the Trachtenberg School offers an interdisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies. This STEM program prepares students to enter and excel in environmental policy  careers  in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and environmental advocacy groups.

Students will take courses in the areas of science, law, policy, culture and ethics, economics, research, and more. The program curriculum is integrative, flexible, and reflects the knowledge and skills required of environmental policy leaders.  

The program culminates in a  capstone project , during which students collaborate in small groups on a pro bono product for a client of their choice.

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Program Highlights

Multidisciplinary.

The ESP curriculum draws on disciplines including environmental economics, environmental law, public policy, research methods and a two-semester environmental science course. This STEM program teaches students to craft policy using science-based evidence, understand economic incentives and develop a clear-eyed understanding of environmental law and politics.

Practical and Theoretical

The curriculum blends theory and practical experience, culminating in a professional, client-oriented capstone project based on a real-world environmental policy issue. Through group work, students gain experience collaborating on environmental policy issues.

Tailored to You

Master's students can customize their coursework around the required core curriculum by choosing electives from virtually any academic department in the Columbian College. Additionally, GW offers courses at consortium partner schools including American University, George Mason University and Georgetown University.

MA-ESP Course Requirements

The MA-ESP curriculum consists of 36 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the MA-ESP in two years. Part-time students complete the degree in three to four years. The MA-ESP program is available at the George Washington University's Foggy Bottom campus in downtown Washington, D.C. It is not available as a distance-learning program.

Students complete a common core and select elective coursework in a field of study tailored to their unique interests and career objectives. Other core requirements provide the broad intellectual base and tools necessary for making multidisciplinary environmental and resource decisions.

Note: Students who feel that their prior undergraduate coursework duplicates one of the core requirements may seek a waiver of the requirement. If approved, an elective course can be taken instead. All core courses and most electives are three credits. Please also note that some courses outlined below may have prerequisite requirements.

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

36 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

*Students with a strong statistics background can request to be exempt from taking PPPA 6002 and take an additional 3-credit economics and tools course from the list above.

**Students with limited economics background must take PPPA 6007. PPPA 6007 must be taken before ECON 6237 and students may substitute ECON 6217 for PPPA 6007.

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My Experience in the Global Bachelor's Program

I wanted to take this blog post to talk more widely about my experience with the Global Bachelor’s Program. For those who do not know, the GBP is a study abroad research program, where students choose to go abroad for either three semesters, or do two semesters and a summer internship abroad. In our senior year, students will give a research presentation based on their time abroad. Through studying abroad in Northern Ireland, Morocco, and France, I have learned so much about the world, different cultures, history and life. I have experienced places and things that without this program, I perhaps never would have seen.

Because of GW’s range of study abroad programs, students are able to fine tune their GBP experience to their individual interests. For me, after studying with my cohort in Belfast, I prioritized French language studies by heading to Morocco and France. In both semesters, I had homestays with families. In addition to constant language immersion, with these families I gained a family away from home for my time in each place. Language immersion has helped me advance in French to the point that I am considering applying to graduate programs in France after my undergraduate degree. In my experience, this kind of language learning helps people who otherwise struggle with the traditional language study in classrooms.

My time abroad enabled me to travel all across Europe in a once in a life time experience. Before

the GBP, I had never traveled abroad, but by the completion of my third semester, I had been to 25 different countries. In each place, I learned so much about different histories and cultures. Although I visited some of Europe’s greatest tourist destinations like Paris and Venice, I also ventured off the beaten path to amazing places like Lithuania, Macedonia, and Albania. Perhaps my most remarkable trip was to Georgia and Armenia, where I soaked in the region’s truly unique and spectacular culture. The Caucasus Mountains and the local art and cuisines were awe inspiring, Georgia just captured my imagination in such a remarkable way, and it has further fueled my hunger to travel and explore more in the future.

I can honestly suggest that everybody at GW should consider and apply to the GBP. Yes, the amount of time abroad can seem daunting, but I am confident that everybody who embarks on this experience will grow in amazing ways and will take lessons and knowledge that will last a lifetime. Most importantly, through different GW scholarships and the fact that study abroad usually saves students money from their bill, this is a program that anybody can participate in.

Blaze Grabowski Spring 2024 -  GW Paris - Universite Paris-Dauphine (GW Study Program) Fall 2023 - IES - Rabat Fall 2022 - Global Bachelor's Program, Belfast Cohort Semester Elliott School of International Affairs  International Affairs Major The Global Bachelor's Program

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All applicants to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the on-campus Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng) in Engineering Management program at the School of Engineering & Applied Science must meet the admissions requirements for entry.

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The Graduate Teaching Assistantship Program prepares newly-appointed Graduate Instructional Assistants (GIAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) for success in their first semesters in an instruction-related assistantship. Students are nominated for the GTAP by their department or school/college after they have been offered a GIAship or GTAship. After being nominated, students will receive a welcome email with provides details on the program requirements and timelines. 

Newly appointed GIAs and GTAs are required to completed the GTAP during their first semester in their assistantship and must successfully complete all requirements to continue to serve as an instruction-related assistant in future semesters. The GTAP is offered each fall and spring semester.

While the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships oversees the GTAP, it does not appoint graduate assistants. Students are nominated directly to the program by departments and schools/colleges. If you are a professor intending to appoint a Graduate Assistant, please contact your Chair or DGS for information on the nomination process.

Components of GTAP

1. online orientation.

The online orientation is asynchronous and completed during the summer or winter break.

• Overview of university resources that Graduate Assistants can consult for questions about their responsibilities, instructional continuity, interacting with students (both in-person and virtually), and educational technology.
• Guidelines of the legal requirements regarding Title IX and Disability Services.
• Review of the payment process (salary, stipend, tuition) and the available resources.
• Identify the broad responsibilities of a university instructor and the University's service expectations.
• Research-based higher education teaching and learning principles as well as grading practices.

2. Oral English Proficiency Requirement

The purpose of the Oral English Proficiency Requirement is to evaluate the communicative capacities of graduate assistants to determine their readiness to enter the classroom as Graduate Teaching Assistants and Graduate Instructional Assistants. All students must fulfill this requirement in one of the following ways:

Have a post-secondary degree from one of the following exempted countries or institutions:

Exempted Countries

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Canada (except Quebec)*
• New Zealand
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

*Students from Quebec will be exempted if their university’s language of instruction is English

Exempted Institutions

• American University, Bulgaria
• American University in Cairo, Egypt
• American University of Paris, France
• American College of Thessaloniki, Greece
• American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
• Deree College, The American College of Greece
• Hellenic American University, Greece
• Central European University, Hungary
• John Cabot University, Italy
• American University of Rome, Italy
• American University of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan
• American University of Beirut, Lebanon
• Lebanese American University, Lebanon
• Franklin College, Switzerland
• Gilon Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland
• Les Roches School of Hotel Management, Switzerland
• American University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Zayed University, United Arab Emirates

Provide a qualifying English proficiency test result with scores at or above the following benchmarks: 

• TOEFL iBT Speaking: 25
• IELTS Speaking: 7.5
• PTE Core Speaking: 84

Complete a 15 minute virtual screening interview with the English for Academic Purposes program.

 The screening is organized into five parts: 

• Interviewer greeting, self-introduction, and brief explanation of what will happen (1 minute)  
• Professional self-introduction (1 minute)  
• A brief policy or procedural explanation, for example a course policy or explanation of a class activity or assignment (1-2 minutes)  
• Mini-lesson on an introductory topic in the subject area with a target audience of non-specialist undergraduate students (5-6 minutes)  
• 2-3 questions from the interviewer (3-4 minutes)   

Parts 2, 3, and 4 should be prepared in advance by the interviewee to simulate the types of oral communication activities that GTAs and GIAs are typically involved with. Additional details to help students prepare for their screening will be shared by GTAP in advance of taking the OEPS.

Interviews will be evaluated using a rubric with weighted values for the various communicative tasks.

Rubric categories include:

• Comprehensibility: The speaker is easy to understand; minor pronunciation or grammar errors do not interfere with comprehensibility. 
• Language Use: The speaker chooses vocabulary appropriate for the topic, purpose, and audience; the tone of speaking reflects expectations for academic communication. 
• Organization: The speaker logically organizes information, effectively using language structures to help the audience easily follow the ideas. 
• Timing: The speaker controls both overall timing and internal pacing well. 
• Handling Questions: The speaker easily understands questions from the interviewer and responds appropriately, clearly, and concisely (part 5 only).  

If it is determined that additional development of a graduate assistants’s oral academic communication skills is necessary based on OEPS assessment, they will be registered for the following course and re-take the OEPS screening after the class is complete.

EAP 6016: Oral Academic Communication

This one-credit course prepares multilingual international graduate instructional assistants (GIAs) and graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) to meet the communicative expectations of their teaching positions at GW. It consists of eight 90-minute interactive workshop sessions. Four sessions are facilitated by faculty in the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program, focusing on oral academic communication and language use; and four sessions are facilitated by faculty in the Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, focusing on pronunciation and vocal delivery.

3. UNIV0250: Graduate Teaching Assistantship Certification

UNIV0250 is an online course designed to be an introduction to the complex process of teaching and learning in undergraduate and graduate education settings as well as an overview of relevant university policies. This course is asynchronous and completed via GW Blackboard throughout the semester. The course is a credit/no-credit course that is not counted towards a student's degree or GPA and is free of charge to students in GTAP. 

The coursework will focus on: (1) philosophical and research foundations of higher education, and (2) practical suggestions and examples of skills relevant for GAs. In addition, the course will provide valuable resources for you to consult throughout your teaching career. Some of the topics that will be covered in the course are:

• Cultivating a Safe Learning Environment Fostering Learning Community
• Applying Effective Teaching Strategies
• Providing Meaningful Feedback to Learners
• Reflecting on your Current and Future Roles and Responsibilities

Even if you do not have plans to embark on a teaching career, these fundamentals can be applied to other careers and professions!