BA American Studies at George Washington University

Programme overview

The Department of American Studies fosters a dynamic interdisciplinary learning environment focused on understanding the culture, beliefs, policies, politics, urbanization, and history of the United States and its role in the world. Through a rigorous curriculum, internationally recognized professors challenge students to uncover fresh perspectives on the United States and teach them how to analyze an array of cultural forms—from YouTube to urban spaces to policy documents.

Faculty: Columbian College of Arts and Sciences | Department: American Studies | Location: Washington, DC, United States

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Undergraduate Programs. Five courses (15 credits) selected from the following. No more than three of these courses can be taken at the 1000 level.

Career pathways

Alumni have achieved success in professions from law to nonprofit advocacy, in culturally focused productions—from film to the web—and in the management of cultural resources– from museums to historic sites.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level admission (applies to all majors): For information about the admission process, including deadlines, visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Applications can be submitted via the Common Application. For questions visit undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/contact-us.

USD 72,000 a year (2026-27). Full-time main campus undergraduate tuition for students entering in 2026-27 in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Elliott School, Milken Institute School of Public Health or School of Engineering and Applied Science (12-18 cr Source

First-year students enter in the fall semester; transfer applications are accepted for fall and spring admission.

Early Decision I deadline is November 1 and Early Decision II is January 5 (both binding); the Regular Decision deadline is January 5. Applications use the Common Application. Transfer applications are due April 15 for fall and October 1 for spring. Testing is optional (SAT or ACT), except for BA/MD, homeschooled and narrative-evaluation applicants. BFA applicants (except Interior Architecture) submit a portfolio of 10 to 15 works through SlideRoom. The application fee is $80.

International applicants whose first language is not English submit TOEFL (minimum 90), IELTS (minimum 6.5) or PTE Academic scores.

Apply through the official page: https://undergraduate.admissions.gwu.edu/

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