George Washington University blends metropolitan energy, policy proximity, and robust academic programs to create a distinctive environment for students who want to learn where decisions are made. Located in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, GW offers immediate access to government agencies, international institutions, major employers, and cultural venues — a practical advantage that shapes academics, research, and career pathways.
Academic strengths and interdisciplinary opportunities
GW houses strong professional schools that attract students interested in public policy, international affairs, health, law, business, and STEM fields. Notable units include the Elliott School of International Affairs, the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the law school, and the business school. These programs emphasize interdisciplinary study and real-world application, with faculty often engaged in policy advising, clinical research, or industry partnerships.
Policy, internships, and experiential learning
One of GW’s signature features is the depth of experiential learning tied to its D.C. location. Students routinely secure internships and fellowships with Congress, federal agencies, think tanks, NGOs, and international organizations. These placements often translate into research collaborations, policy briefs, and early-career employment. For students seeking hands-on learning, GW’s proximity to the policymaking ecosystem is a practical asset that complements classroom theory.
Research, healthcare, and innovation
Research at GW spans public health, clinical medicine, cybersecurity, and urban sustainability. The university’s medical and public health institutions work closely with clinical sites and community partners to advance translational research and improve health outcomes.
GW’s research centers and institutes also focus on pressing global challenges — from pandemic preparedness and health equity to energy resilience and digital security — positioning the university as a hub for interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Campus life and student engagement
Campus life at GW is lively and cosmopolitan.
Student organizations cover politics, entrepreneurship, the arts, and service, while cultural offerings in D.C.
— museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals — extend the campus experience beyond university grounds. Housing options mix traditional residence halls with apartment-style living, and student services prioritize career advising, counseling, and civic engagement.
Global reach and study-abroad options
GW emphasizes global education through study-abroad programs, international research collaborations, and cohorts of international students that enrich classroom discussion.
The combination of global programming and a location that hosts diplomatic missions and international institutions makes GW a natural fit for students pursuing careers in diplomacy, development, and global governance.
Practical considerations for prospective students
Visit the campus to assess fit: attend a class, meet faculty, and explore internship and career resources. Look for programs that offer applied learning, research opportunities, and connection points with D.C.
employers. Prospective graduate students should explore fellowship and clinical pathways tied to professional schools, while undergraduates should prioritize majors and minors that leverage the university’s policy and global strengths.
Why it matters
For students focused on public service, health professions, international affairs, or careers that benefit from proximity to government and global institutions, GW offers a unique blend of location-driven opportunity and interdisciplinary academic programs. That combination helps translate academic experience into practical outcomes and meaningful career starts.