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George Washington University
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George Washington University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler4.24

Academics

A-
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Full-Time Student Population 16,283
Part-Time Student Population 8,636
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 939
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 1,187
Total FT Faculty 1,128
Faculty with Terminal Degree 92%
Average Faculty Salary $108,648
Full-Time Retention Rate 91%
Part-Time Retention Rate 45%
Graduation Rate 81%
Programs/Majors Offered 174
Average Course Load 5 courses
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 57%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 32%
  • 50 or More Students: 11%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Although introductory lecture classes are often dull and cover basic topics, most students say they benefit from their upper-level classes. GW requires freshmen to take a significant number of general curriculum requirements (GCRs), so history majors may have to suffer through “Baby Bio,” and pre-med students may be forced to plow through art history. But, a talented professor can make any class interesting. Most intro classes are taught by a professor twice a week, lecture-style, and a teaching assistant leads a discussion or lab once a week. Because they are graduate students, some TAs seem too consumed with their own research to care much about students, while others are more helpful than the professors. Most undergrads agree that as they move into more specialized classes, professors are more engaged in the subject matter and more experienced in their fields.

And this goes for the higher-profile professors, as well—the University’s location in the heart of Washington allows for top experts in every field to teach a course or two at GW. Well-known professors in every school and many departments may have students trying to get into their classes for years on end without success. Students’ crusades to get into certain classes prove that a professor has a great deal of influence on the enjoyment and academic worth of a class.
 

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George Washington Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at George Washington University

NMDC

'14

Economics

4.6
A

The Economics Department

The Economics department at GWU is incredible. Not only it has special strengths in public economics and international economics (particularly if you major in Int'l Affairs with the concentration in Int'l Economics) but also the professors are top-notch; most of them are NBER (National Bureau of Economic Research Scholars), World Bank and IMF consultants, and serve or have served in the Fed. They are extremely knowledgeable and really approachable.

Dec 19, 2011

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Academics at George Washington University

msobral

'15

Art History

4.2
A-

Great Professors

All of the professors I have had are incredibly knowledgeable in their field and are dedicated to teaching as best they can. Professors are easily accessible outside of class and are always willing to help.

Dec 15, 2011

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Academics at George Washington University

rockmysock333

'12

International Studies

4.6
A

Elliott School Is Amazing

I love the Elliott School of International Affairs because it allows me to pursue interests in a surprisingly wide array of fields (everything from science and public health to politics to anthropolgy...etc). The students in my Elliott School required classes are smart, engaged citizens. People take classes seriously, but also find time to do as much as possible outside of the classroom between internships, jobs and making the most of the city as a whole. I really do love GW.

Dec 12, 2011

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Page 1 of 11

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores of 4 or 5
IB Test Score Requirements Possible credit for scores above 6
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
  • Elliott School of International Affairs
  • School of Business
  • School of Engineering and Applied Science
  • School of Media and Public Affairs
  • School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • School of Public Health and Health Services
Degrees Awarded
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business Administration and Management: 3%
  • International Relations and National Security Studies: 4%
  • Law: 3%
  • Medical Laboratory Technician: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
Best Places to Study
  • Duques Hall classrooms after hours
  • Eckels Library on the Mount Vernon campus
  • Gelman Library 4th, 5th, and 6th floors
  • Kogan Plaza
  • The monuments
  • Starbucks in Gelman Library
Did You Know?

Freshmen at GW are required to take a freshman writing course, University Writing 20, more commonly referred to as simply UW20. Composed of 20 or fewer students, it focuses on improving students’ writing and researching skills.

Don’t think GW’s library resources stack up to Georgetown’s? GW students have access to the nearby University’s collection, as well as to four other DC-area schools’ resources. The six universities are part of the Washington Research Library Consortium, which allows member institutions’ students to borrow materials from any of the libraries and have them delivered to their campus free of charge.

If you want to explore the city while getting academic credit, apply for an internship at a law firm, television network, or other organization. Most majors allow students to receive up to six credits for interning at a company or institution related to their field of study.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at GW

Name: David Glidden

Hometown: Fuquay-Varina, NC

Major: International Affairs (Spanish minor)

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