In addition to these opportunities, the Ph.D. program also prepares students with the research skills, knowledge and background for those who wish to pursue an academic career. They draw upon a range of fields, including economics, political science, public administration, history, philosophy, and sociology. Public policy education at GW provides students with the ability to think clearly and analytically about social problems and public policy. Students not only learn the basic analytical and methodological tools to engage in policy analysis, but they develop an understanding of the political processes through which policy is made and the social, economic and historical context in which problems arise and are addressed. They are also informed by the practical experience faculty members have from their own participation in public affairs in the Washington area and elsewhere.
Financial aid is available on a competitive basis for full-time students.
Research assistantships and paid internships or part-time employment at Washington area organizations are also possible to arrange. The George Washington University is located in the Foggy Bottom area of downtown Washington, within easy reach of the White House, the Capitol, most federal departments and agencies, the World Bank, the Brookings Institution, the Urban Institute and many other governmental institutions, research organizations and professional associations. Founded in 1821, the University is private, nonsectarian, and coeducational. The University library collections contain approximately 1.7 million volumes. Students also have access to the Library of Congress and many of the special collections of government departments.