History
The George Washington University had its beginning in 1821 as The Columbian College in the District of Columbia. The name of the institution was changed in 1873 to Columbian University and in 1904 to The George Washington University.
Education
Housed in a city unlike any other, our students gain an education unlike any other. The whole city is our classroom, and our students emerge not just with a diploma, but with experiences that could only happen at George Washington University.
Research
GW’s unparalleled location and state-of-the-art facilities encourage students, faculty and staff to cultivate new collaborations and innovative solutions as they work with fellow researchers and policymakers alike.
If you’re destined to make a discovery, you’ll be right at home at GW. Here opportunities are endless and our partnerships with powerful institutions are longstanding.
Career
Our professional career coaches have extensive experience working with students in career development, employment advising, internship preparation, interview skills and document preparation.
Distance Learning Courses
Medicine & Health (20)
- Postgraduate Certificate Brain Injury: Educational and Transition Services
- M.S.H.S. Clinical Microbiology
- M.Sc. Health Care Quality
- M.Sc. Integrative Medicine
- M.S.H.S. Laboratory Medicine
- Master Medical Laboratory Science
- M.S.H.S. Molecular Diagnostic Science
- B.S.H.S. Molecular Diagnostic Sciences
- M.Sc. Nursing
- Postgraduate Certificate Public Health Generalist
- M.S.H.S. Regulatory Affairs
Business & Management (10)
- M.Sc. Engineering Management
- M.S.P.M. Project Management
- M.T.A. Tourism Administration
Education & Training (7)
- Postgraduate Certificate Brain Injury: Educational and Transition Services
- Postgraduate Certificate Job Development Job Placement
Social Sciences (5)
- M.I.P.P. International Policy and Practice
- Postgraduate Certificate LGBT Health Policy and Practice
Engineering & Technology (4)
- M.S.H.S. Biomedical Informatics
- M.Sc. Electrical Engineering
- M.Sc. Engineering Management
- M.Sc. Systems Engineering
Natural Sciences & Mathematics (4)
- M.S.H.S. Biomedical Informatics
- M.S.H.S. Clinical Microbiology
- M.S.H.S. Molecular Diagnostic Science
- B.S.H.S. Molecular Diagnostic Sciences
Computer Science & IT (3)
- M.Eng. Cybersecurity Analytics
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports (2)
Humanities (1)
Journalism & Media (1)
- M.P.S. Publishing
Law (1)
- M.P.S. Paralegal Studies
Housing services
As a portion of the Center for Student Engagement, GW Housing, in conjunction with Residential Engagement, the Division of Operations, Facilities Services, GW Safety and Security, and GW Information Technology, supports the academic experience of residential students by providing safe, scholarly-oriented communities. GW Housing also manages all aspects of the university's three-year residency requirement and summer housing program. We strive to foster and inclusive residential environment where students have opportunities to grow and develop into leaders, value civility and respect, and thrive as members of the GW community.
Library services
The GW Libraries organization is made up of three library buildings. Access to all three buildings is available to all GW students, faculty, staff, alumni and some visitors in certain circumstances. Access to electronic resources is available to anyone in the library buildings and remotely only to GW students, faculty, and staff.
ICT services
The Division of Information Technology (IT) is the chief provider of technology infrastructure, services and applications at the George Washington University. The division partners with stakeholders across GW to equip students, staff and faculty with the technology know-how and tools necessary to achieve academic excellence.
Medical services
A healthy lifestyle is an important part of maintaining your grades, succeeding in your internship and growing at GW. We have plenty of resources to keep you healthy and active. Our Colonial Health Center offers confidential medical and mental health services, as well as health promotion and prevention services.
Campus life
GW’s location in the heart of Washington, D.C., provides for unparalleled access to leading international institutions, multinational corporations, global media outlets, and the governments of 177 countries via their resident embassies.
Sports facilities
We don’t just cheer for our 27 NCAA Division 1 teams, we Raise High the Buff and Blue! Colonials have won more than 100 team championships in 18 different sports — from basketball to tennis, gymnastics to golf. With a Colonial Army of fans loyal to GW, it’s no surprise our teams have thrived in the Atlantic-10 conference and across the country.
Student clubs
- the White House
- Bloomingdale's
- Discovery Communications
- PwC
- National Institutes of Health
- World Bank
The University is accredited by its regional accrediting agency, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), which accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and several international locations.