BA Geological Sciences at George Washington University

Programme overview

The Geological Sciences Program takes advantage of GW’s rich geological setting, located near the Appalachian Mountains and within one of the major concentrations of geologists and geologically-related professionals in the country. Students are equipped with knowledge on a broad range of geological topics—including mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, paleontology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and applied environmental applications—all with an emphasis on field-based studies. Departmental faculty members are engaged in research on geology and paleontology, with many of them practicing research scientists from the U.S.

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

What you will study

Three upper-level elective courses selected from the following:

Career pathways

Program graduates are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as environmental science, geology, science education, and more.

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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