George Washington University - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

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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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Most classes are very interesting... Most classes are very interesting and stimulating. In the international affairs program, a lot of professors have experience in the field and/or currently work for the government. Most professors are easy to reach outside of class and willing to help with anything you need. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The professors are knowledgeable,... The professors are knowledgeable, and for the most part, they are passionate about their areas of study. But I have found only a few who are able to inspire that zeal in their students. The classes are only as interesting as the professors themselves. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The professors are generally good.... The professors are generally good. You really need to research the professors for the classes you want to take. You will find a lot of professors with amazing experiences, but others won’t have so much. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I’m an English major, so classes... I’m an English major, so classes are pretty specific, and I don’t have any teaching assistants, which is mostly a positive thing. For the larger introductory classes, I think it’s fine, in concept, to have TAs teach discussions while professors teach lectures, but the TAs here are often too timid, and they’re just learning the material while the students are. But I think that becomes less of a problem after the first level of courses. I think the academics at GW are good, and the classes are mostly interesting. It depends what you take. 12345 Academics Report

vjbennett2 says: George Washington University 2013 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies, and Humanities

GW Professors A GW professors are some of the best in he country. They are very informative, understand their topics, and look beyond theory. Every professor I have encountered love the subject they teach and make an effort to extend that love to their students. 12345 Academics: March 19, 2010 Report

Facts

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.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: David Glidden
Hometown: Fuquay-Varina, NC
Major: International Affairs (Spanish minor)

Fun Fact: David thoroughly enjoys 2 a.m. trips to the national monuments!

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