BA Political Science (Public Policy Focus) at George Washington University

Programme overview

The bachelor of arts in political science with a focus in public policy degree provides training for active citizenship and the development of skills to analyze public policy problems. Inside the classroom, students learn from leading experts in policy issues and current events, while outside the classroom they benefit from ample opportunities to intern on the Hill or at government agencies. The public policy-focused degree includes four upper-level electives, three of which are related to public policy.

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

What you will study

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS), Undergraduate Programs. Students in the Politics and Values program are required to take PSC 1011 and PSC 1012W. For such students, these two courses fulfill the prerequisite requirement and count as a Group E (political thought) course.

Career pathways

By examining policy issues in-depth, graduates are well-prepared to enter a variety of careers in research, public affairs, and public policy. Some program graduates continue their education through graduate work or law school.

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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