Global MBA

Global MBA students at the GW School of Business (GWSB) are challenged to view things from a wider perspective — and to make decisions that strive for profit as well as positive impact.

Class Profile

The George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) is a school on the move. Over the past several years, we have committed to strengthening our class profile through increased selectivity. As a result, admission to each of our programs has grown more and more competitive. At the same time, we’ve remained committed to maintaining a diverse student community who share our passion for global, ethical business.

At the GWSB, community comes first, and students work toward shared goals. Our class profiles can be a helpful tool in understanding how your profile compares to our current students, but to fully understand our MBA community, we recommend you come see it for yourself.

Number enrolled: 97
Age: 28 (Mid-80% range: 24-31)
Work Experience: 5 years (Mid-80% range: 2-8 years)
Female: 42%
International: 47%
U.S. Underrepresented: 8%
U.S. Military/Veteran: 8%

Connect With Us

Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more. Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.

Join our LinkedIn Group

Degree Requirements

Our revised curriculum gives Global MBA students the freedom to tailor their studies to their professional interests and goals.

The Global MBA program is 53 credit hours long.* Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester. One-credit courses meet for 12 hours of total class time and are offered in various formats, such as a four-day weekend or four Saturdays in a row.

• Core Courses: 32 credits
• Consulting Abroad Project (CAP): 3 credits
• Analytics/Technology Selectives: 3 credits
• Electives: 15 credits 
• The Global MBA is a 21-month, full-time program.

*Up to six credits of may be waived based on previous academic coursework.

The First Year

Building Core Skills and Values

The full-time, two-year Global MBA program provides rigorous training in traditional business skills. Students spend the first year taking required core courses in groups of 40-45 classmates, attending lectures, working on case studies and team projects, and participating in experiential learning opportunities. In the first year, most classes take place between Monday and Thursday with co-curricular activities happening throughout the fall and spring semester.

MBA Runway

Prior to fall classes, Global MBA students spend their first three weeks on campus in MBA Runway. This orientation program of core coursework, team case work, speakers, and social activities introduces new students to the MBA experience, their fellow students, Business School faculty and alumni, resources at the George Washington University, and life in Washington, D.C.

Consulting Abroad Program (CAP)

Toward the end of the first year, the Consulting Abroad Program (CAP) gives students first-hand experience in doing business abroad. Each nine-week CAP is led by a faculty member who guides a student team through a real-life consulting engagement for a global firm. After spending seven weeks in D.C. doing research and shaping findings, teams travel abroad to the firm’s home country for two weeks to deliver final recommendations to company leaders. Learn more about the Consulting Abroad Program through the office of Global and Experiential Education.

Career Preparation

Students work with the F. David Fowler Career Center throughout their first year to shape career goals and target companies of interest for summer internships and beyond. Resumes are edited and updated before the first day of classes, and students meet regularly with the Center’s consultants to craft individual career management portfolios. Students also take advantage of the many opportunities to attend career fairs and participate in D.C. company tours and career treks to New York and San Francisco.

Visit the F. David Fowler Career Center for the latest graduate employment statistics and resources, and learn how we connect our students to employers.

The Second Year

Focusing on Your Professional Goals and Building Your Tech and Analytics Toolbox

Building on the foundation of the core curriculum, students in the second year of the Global MBA program focus on preparing for professional life after graduation. After spending the summer at an internship or studying abroad, students take elective courses focused on their areas of interest. With 24 credit hours of electives built into the curriculum, students are able to add certificates to their degrees, choose additional courses from over 200 electives offered at School of Business, or take graduate-level classes offered through other GW schools or area universities. Students can also apply to add a second master’s degree to their MBA through GW’s many joint degree offerings.

In addition to their general electives, students will build their tech and analytics toolbox by completing three credits of tech and analytics selectives. These courses provide a narrow focus on skills and topics in technology and analytics — two areas essential to the modern business world. Students will also complete a tech-focused, experiential course with a company in the Washington, D.C. area, allowing them to see real-world examples and applications of technology in the local business environment.

Most selective and elective courses are offered Monday through Friday during evenings and afternoons. This allows students to pursue a second internship if they wish and to focus on career search-related activities, polishing their interview skills, networking at recruiting and industry events, and interviewing for post-graduation jobs.

Admissions

Admission to the Global MBA program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Strong academic performance
• Demonstrated professional interest in business

Admissions Process

Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.

Application Requirements

To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:

• Completed online application form Application fee (non-refundable)
• Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
• One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
• Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.

Additional Application Requirements

• Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
• The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International Applicants

Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.

Tuition & Fees

The Global MBA program has a fixed tuition rate for the 21-month program. Tuition is due in four equal payments at the beginning of each of the four semesters, and you can take advantage of a monthly billing plan that allows payments to be spread over up to five months for each semester.*

• Program tuition: $114,120 (Includes many of the costs associated with the Consulting Abroad Project, such as lodging, in-country transportation, many group meals, cultural events and CAP health insurance)

Additional Costs

• Enrollment Fee: $3000 (Includes GMBA Institute (orientation activities/speakers) and some GWSB co-curricular activities)

• Matriculation Fee: $100 (charged each entering student)

• Consulting Abroad Project (CAP) Costs: $2,000 (estimated; may include airfare, some individual meal, visa documents, and immunizations)

• Student Association Fee: $3.00 per credit hour, up to a maximum of $45.00 per semester.

• International Student Fee: $45 charged each Fall and Spring to F-1 and J-1 students

• Registration for Continuous Enrollment or Leave of Absence: $35

• Registration for Off-Campus and Online Programs: $35 (excluding contract programs)

• Books: $500.00 (academic year estimate)

• Student Health Insurance: GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.

• Housing: View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.

*Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support

The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.

In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.

Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships

The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.

Federal Financial Aid

U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:

• Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
• Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program

To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.

Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.

Tuition Discounts

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

• Leidos
• Lockheed Martin
• Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
• SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.

Veterans and Military

Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill^®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Student Employment and Internships

The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.

Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.

International Students

Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.

For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.

For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.

Billing and Payment Processing

The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.

Next Steps