What Is the George Washington University and What Does It Offer?

The George Washington University (GW) is a private university in Washington, D.C., and its Elliott School of International Affairs is the university's hub for global affairs education. The Elliott School prepares nearly 3,000 students each year for careers in international affairs, offering 5 bachelor's degree programs, 10 master's degree programs, and graduate certificates. If you are considering GW specifically for international affairs, policy, or related fields, the Elliott School is the unit to explore first.

What the Elliott School offers

The school's program structure, as listed on its site, spans three levels:

The school also reports 95 visiting scholars per year and 15 international exchange program partners, which indicates the scale of its research and exchange activity beyond the classroom.

Why the D.C. location matters

The Elliott School describes its position in the heart of Washington, D.C. as something that "enriches our teaching and research by giving our students and faculty unparalleled opportunities to engage with the international leaders who walk through our doors on a regular basis."

In practical terms, that location puts students near embassies, federal agencies, and international organizations — the kinds of settings where internships, guest lectures, and career networking in international affairs typically happen. The school also reports hosting 330+ events per year, which is one way that access shows up in day-to-day student life.

What the school emphasizes

The Elliott School frames its mission around preparing "the next generation of global leaders" and says it focuses on "diverse perspectives in the field of international affairs." Its published spotlights give a sense of the topics and outcomes it highlights:

• Research and policy commentary — for example, a piece on data privacy arguing that stronger protections are needed "in a world built on constant connectivity."
• Student and alumni outcomes — five GW students and alumni received Fulbright Grants for 2026–27, with one more named as an alternate.
• Faculty perspective — a Q&A with Chantal de Jonge Oudraat on why to study international affairs now, citing shifting economic, social, and political realities.

These are illustrative of the school's public-facing priorities rather than a complete list of its research areas.

How to decide whether to look further

GW and the Elliott School may be worth exploring if you want:

• A degree specifically in international affairs, at the bachelor's, master's, or certificate level.
• A D.C.-based program where proximity to government and international institutions is part of the value.
• A school with a large events calendar and exchange partnerships.

They may be less of a fit if your interest is in a field outside international affairs and related policy areas, or if you are looking for a campus outside a major urban policy center.

Verify before you apply

Program counts, deadlines, admissions requirements, and costs change. The Elliott School's site lists its programs under "Explore Our Programs" (Bachelor's Degrees, Master's Degrees, Graduate Certificates) and maintains an events page under "Events at Elliott." Use those official pages — and GW's main admissions site — to confirm current program offerings, application deadlines, and tuition before making any decision.