Graduate Admissions

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., George Washington University's Corcoran School offers the extraordinary advantage of a rich urban tapestry made up of architecture, culture and a dynamic visual and performing arts scene. In addition to an inspiring environment, graduate students benefit from the top architectural and interior design firms, museums and other arts institutions that serve as extensions of the classroom. Students at the Corcoran gain unprecedented access to critical networking and internship opportunities and are regularly exposed to the vast collection of national treasures. Through these resources, we strive to prepare our graduates for rich, multidimensional careers in the 21st century.

Each of our graduate programs are looking for candidates with unique qualities. You'll need to follow the general graduate application process and apply through GW's online application. Additional materials—such as a portfolio of work—may be required. Check the program you're applying to and see what else you must submit. 
 

Graduate Ambassadors

Want to learn more about what it's like as a graduate student at GW? Contact our Graduate Ambassadors!

Application Process

An application for admission is required for all graduate programs. Detailed information about the application process, including the general application process and document requirements for domestic and international students, is provided on the Columbian College Graduate Admissions website.
 

Learn More About the Application Process

Application Requirements and Deadlines

The Corcoran School is an incubator for artists, designers and scholars, who learn from internationally renowned faculty at the intersection of creativity and social innovation.

Application requirements and deadlines vary by program, and while all programs accept fall applications (deadlines vary by program), not all programs accept spring applications (October 1 deadline). Depending on the program, you may be asked to submit test scores, varying numbers of recommendation letters and other materials. Several Corcoran programs require a portfolio, and whether your creative works are published or unpublished, the selection committee generally focuses on your ideas and imagination. Applicants without backgrounds in art or design often include photography, inspirational images, sketches or any other media that visually represents them. Some programs also interview applicants one-on-one to better understand their artistic vision.

Carefully review the admission requirements and deadlines for your program by visiting the program page in the GW Bulletin.

Funding

There are various opportunities available through the Corcoran School and GW that can help you fund your education. From potential assistantships to federal loans and scholarships, we have dedicated offices and people here to help you find options.

International Graduate Funding

Each year, the Columbian College of Arts & Sciences offers tuition awards of up to $10,000 per academic year to applicants from around the world.  To learn more about eligibility and application deadlines, please visit the website.

Minority-Serving Institution Award

Columbian College offers funding assistance to qualified students who have graduated from an eligible minority-serving institution (MSI). The MSI Award provides an application fee waiver and a tuition award of at least 40 percent to qualified students who are applying to a Columbian College graduate program.

Corcoran Endowed Scholarships

Each year, in addition to funding opportunities through Columbian College, incoming graduate students are automatically considered for a variety of endowed scholarship funding opportunities. Corcoran Endowed Scholarships are renewable and can be combined with other GW scholarships such as Columbian College Dean's Awards.

Award amounts vary depending on additional sources of funding, but these awards typically range from $5,000-20,000 per year.

• Eugene and Renee Weisz Scholarship Endowment
• Christina Wise-Mohr Scholarship Endowment
• Richard Lahey and Carlotta Gonzalez Lahey Memorial Fund
• Erna Neeves Scholarship Fund
• Leonard A Haft Memorial Fund Endowment Gift
• Raymond Kruger Memorial Scholarship
• Myra Miller Groobert Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Arthur J. Ellis Endowment Fund
• Gene Davis Scholarship Fund
• C.V. Starr Scholarship Fund
• Clarice and Robert Smith Scholarship Fund
• Julia and Thomas Saltz Scholarship Endowment
• Noche Crist Scholarship Endowment