Engaged Learning Opportunities | Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

In Columbian College, students participate in engaged learning programs that provide hands-on opportunities to cultivate their academic interests. These unique programs leverage the resources of the nation’s capital, the university — and even the world.

Whether enrolling in a one-of-a-kind Dean’s Seminar, applying for a competitive research fellowship or being selected to live and breathe politics for a year, students can dive in and expand their learning experience through our exclusive offerings.

Our Programs

Open only to Columbian College freshmen, these courses challenge students to think critically about interdisciplinary topics ranging from the real-world significance of zombie stories to the relationship between mind-altering substances, law and society.

Modeled after the Dean’s Seminars, these small, seminar-style courses provide second-year students the opportunity to engage deeply in a discipline, focus on an issue of high interest and gain exposure to theory and research methods.

The prestigious Luther Rice Undergraduate Research Fellowship provides funding support to Columbian College undergraduates undertaking faculty-mentored research projects. Students publish and present research on topics of their choice.

A select group of students explores politics, the individual and society while living and studying together in this intensive year-long course. Political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations are all covered in great depth and at an accelerated pace.

The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design awards PSA scholarships each year to entering freshmen who have shown excellence in the performing or visual arts. Each scholar works one-on-one with faculty and is exposed to the country’s most important museums, galleries, stages and arts organizations.

Select entering freshmen are invited to participate in this program, which is designed for students interested in biology and other STEM fields who seek a specialized, interdisciplinary educational experience and the opportunity to intern with GW researchers.

Established by Gilbert Cisneros, BA ’94, and his wife, Jacki, the institute encompasses scholarship and mentorship support for college and pre-college students who aspire to make a difference within the Hispanic community.

This program immerses students in an international learning experience through multiple semester-long residencies with universities tied to scholarly pursuits. Students graduate with an in-depth understanding of the philosophies and foundations of those living beyond our borders.

Highly motivated and academically talented sophomores at the School Without Walls High School may apply to earn an associate of arts degree from GW’s Columbian College. Students in this program enroll full-time at GW for their junior and senior years at School Without Walls.

Taylor Stonebarger

Class of 2020, Political Science

“Sophomore Colloquium is my ideal class because it is a small setting where you're able to delve deeper into all the readings and material. You also get a personal relationship with the professor and get to work in a small group.”