BA History at George Washington University

Programme overview

The Washington, DC, area offers a front-row seat to history. With an unparalleled location in the nation's capital, award-winning faculty, and access to some of the most important research repositories in the world, the GW Department of History offers an ideal platform from which to explore our past. Students are exposed to a diversity of topics, from the African diaspora to the Cold War, from imperialism to urbanization, from the founding of Islam to Judaic history, from race relations to labor, law, and politics—giving them the knowledge and analytical tools necessary for success in a range of careers and professions.

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

What you will study

A minimum of 13 History (HIST) courses, some of which may be waived by examination, as follows: At least one but no more than three introductory courses numbered in the 1000s. These might include, but are not limited to, HIST 1011, HIST 1120, HIST 1121, HIST 1310, and HIST 1311.

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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