The George Washington University’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1821, is the The liberal arts are integral to a GW education.
At the Columbian College (CCAS), we integrate research and teaching in every act and see inquiry and dialogue as two sides of a single purpose. We encourage robust faculty–student collaboration through our Dean's Seminars, small freshman writing courses, capstone courses in research, and a variety of mentoring opportunities. In addition, an unparalleled learning environment for our students is ava
ilable through our Global Scholars program and unique access to the rich resources of the Folger Shakespeare Library, Smithsonian, National Archives, Library of Congress, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, and National Institutes of Health. The 21st century requires a responsible citizenry possessed of essential competencies, ethical commitment, and initiative. At CCAS, our liberal arts education is a combination of innovation and imagination, encouraging learning and action that are grounded in fairness, reason, and reflection. We guide our students to think, to ask the questions and not just answer them; to use their knowledge to examine, through analysis and synthesis of ideas, the big issues ― such as the economy, energy, and the environment ― that cut across disciplines and require a nimble and thoughtful mind. CCAS has 5,100 undergraduates in its programs ― nearly half of the University's undergraduate population ― and the majority of undergraduate courses at GW are taught by Columbian College faculty. Because of our scope, we play a significant role in the education of undergraduates in business, engineering, international affairs, and public health. Given the boundless possibilities of our interdisciplinary approach, the intellectual depth of our faculty, our rigorous scholarly pursuits, and our unique opportunities for partnership and engagement with the nation’s capital and beyond, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences provides a broad exposure to learning and analytical thinking. We provide the breadth and depth of a strong liberal arts education.
08/10/2026
CCAS alumnus Ian Kerrigan, M.A. '05, helps preserve the story of 9/11 by shaping the museum experience for millions of visitors.
Join CCAS alumni for a private tour of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art’s Arts of Japan exhibition, followed by happy hour at Central Michel Richard.
CCAS alumna Hannah Faberman, B.A. ’26, unraveled the mystery of a lost Egyptian textile, tracing its remarkable journey from the Nile to a campus museum.
Congratulations to Jung Yun, associate professor of English, on the release of her new novel, "All the World Can Hold," which explores how people balance their needs and desires, live with regret, and find opportunities to make amends.
Two CCAS students, Cierra O’Sullivan and Liliana Juarez, received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which is designed to help high-achieving U.S. undergraduate students with financial need access global opportunities.
Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the CCAS faculty.
Nine scholars are joining the college as permanent full-time faculty, bringing new expertise, perspectives, and research that will strengthen disciplines across CCAS.
GW professional psychology students traveled to the Cannes Film Festival to study the psychology behind storytelling, film, and the creative process through a one-of-a-kind study abroad course.
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