About the George Washington University
In the heart of the nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states, the District, and more than 130 countries.
About the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Founded in 1824, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) was the first medical school in the nation’s capital and is the 11th oldest in the country. Working together in our nation’s capital, with integrity and resolve, the GW SMHS is committed to improving the health and well-being of our local, national, and global communities.
Why Choose GW Health Sciences
GW Health Sciences is a vibrant, diverse community of faculty, staff, and students across 50 academic and research programs, representing 34 fields of study. Our highly ranked academic programs and translational research initiatives are housed within four academic departments: biomedical laboratory sciences; clinical research and leadership; health, human function and rehabilitation sciences; and physician assistant studies.
Our division is also home to the Office of Integrative Medicine and Health, the GW Biomedical Informatics Center, the GW Collaboratory for Health Research and Education, and an Advanced Metrics Lab. We value strategic partnerships, such as our collaboration with the Alexandria City Public Schools in the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy at Alexandria City High School.
We offer certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs on two campuses and online.
Accreditation
GW is fully accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Recognition
- #62 Best National University*
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs*
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans*
- * The U.S. News & World Report – 2023 Rankings
- No. 78 on Forbes‘ Top Colleges 2019 list
- No. 1 provider of Peace Corps volunteers among medium-size universities in the U.S.
Fast Facts
University founded Feb. 9, 1821
100+ online programs
The largest institution of higher education in D.C.
1,166 non-medical faculty and 1,197 medical faculty
290,000+ alumni in more than 130 countries worldwide
GW Mission
The mission of the George Washington University is to educate individuals in liberal arts, languages, sciences, learned professions, and other courses and subjects of study, and to conduct scholarly research and publish the findings of such research.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on February 8, 2019
SMHS Mission & Vision
Mission: The mission of our academic medical enterprise is to enhance the health and health equity of individuals and communities through world-class education, research from discovery through implementation sciences, and patient care. We actively pursue excellence in all areas of our mission.
Vision: The GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) and GW Medical Faculty Associates (MFA) is an academic medical enterprise that:
- Trains world-class scientists, clinicians, and health care leaders using innovative platforms and technologically advanced clinical education tools to meet tomorrow’s scientific and health care system needs.
- Delivers high-quality, accessible, preventive and clinical care by leveraging multi-specialized interdisciplinary teams and harnessing technology.
- Creates new knowledge through clinician/scientist collaboration to have a sustainable impact on biomedical science, clinical practice, and public health.
- Leads by example in equity, antiracism, diversity, and inclusion.
- Invests in the health, wellness, and career advancement of the entire GW SMHS/MFA community.
- Improves the health of the Washington, D.C. region, through bidirectional community engagement.
- Maximizes our unique location by infusing our regional, national, and global connectivity into educational, training, research, and clinical activities.
Visit the SMHS & MFA Strategic Plan website to learn more
GW Health Sciences
GW Health Sciences mission is to drive innovation and quality in health and health care delivery through education, scholarship, and service. We strive to reflect our core values of diversity & inclusion, collaboration, and innovation by investing in people, living our social mission, influencing health professions education, health care policy and practice, and catalyzing innovation and entrepreneurism.
Our vision is to be a leader in transforming health and health care delivery – locally, nationally, and globally. This vision aligns with the aspirations of the university: “Framed by our nation’s capital, inspired by our namesake’s vision, we the George Washington University aspire to preeminence as a comprehensive, global, research university.”
Our History
In the heart of the nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821.
GW established its first medical department in 1840, which would grow to become the first general hospital in the nation’s capital. By implementing external clinical rotations in 1960, GW became one of the first universities to offer students access to the best career preparatory experience. GW introduced its Health Sciences programs in 1972, preparing leaders on the cutting edge of health care.
Throughout multiple name changes, relocations, and even a fire, the school has maintained a fierce dedication to the education of advanced health professionals.
Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business, and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District, and more than 130 countries.