Elliott School of International Affairs

What Elliott School of International Affairs does

The Elliott School of International Affairs is an academic school within The George Washington University, located at 1957 E Street NW in Washington, D.C. It prepares approximately 3,000 students annually for careers in international affairs through 5 undergraduate bachelor's degree programs (B.A./B.S. in International Affairs, Asian Studies, Latin American and Hemispheric Studies, and Middle East Studies) and 10 master's degree programs covering regional specializations (European and Eurasian Studies, Middle East Studies, Latin American and Hemispheric Studies) and functional specializations (International Affairs, International Development Studies, International Economic Policy, International Science and Technology Policy, Security Policy Studies, Global Communication). It also offers 4 graduate certificates (Global Gender Policy, International Science and Technology Policy, Nuclear Policy Studies, Naval Security Studies), combined B.A./M.A. pathways, online education (including Security Policy Studies Online), and executive education including the Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential. The school runs 330+ events annually and hosts 95 visiting scholars per year.

The school's core value proposition is its Washington, D.C. location, which provides direct access to U.S. federal institutions, embassies, think tanks, and international organizations, supplemented by 15 international exchange program partners spanning Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Experiential learning is delivered through short-term abroad programs, internships abroad grants, the Dean's Scholars Program, and a U.S. Foreign Policy Summer Program. The school does not operate as an independent financial entity — it operates within GWU's centralized academic and financial structure, with revenue flowing through tuition and fees set by GWU (graduate tuition based on 9–10 credit hours per semester). Student services are organized through dedicated Graduate Student Services and Undergraduate Academic Advising offices with structured advising, career development (Handshake integration), funding opportunities, and diversity/inclusion programming.

The school's go-to-market relies on GWU's centralized admissions infrastructure, its own website (elliott.gwu.edu), admissions events and information sessions, email newsletters, and a social media presence (@ElliottSchoolGW). Distribution channels include on-campus instruction in Washington, D.C., online education for remote learners, international exchange partnerships as resellers of study-abroad capacity, and direct enterprise sales for tailored executive education. As an academic unit rather than a commercial enterprise, the school's growth depends on enrollment cycles, tuition policy at the GWU level, and the continued ability to attract international and domestic students to D.C.-based international affairs education.

Name

Elliott School of International Affairs

Legal name

Elliott School of International Affairs

Website

https://elliott.gwu.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1821

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

The Elliott School of International Affairs is a Washington, D.C.-based academic school within The George Washington University that prepares roughly 3,000 students annually for international affairs careers through 5 undergraduate and 10 master's degree programs, graduate certificates, executive education, and a 15-partner global exchange network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education - International Affairs

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAHAHAJ

International Business & Global Management Schools

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Business Schools & Management Institutes

SECONDARYEDAIAAAB

Direct Enrollment & Third-Party University Study Abroad Programs

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/Study Abroad Program Providers (Multi-Country & Multi-Discipline)

SECONDARYEDAIABAD

Dual/Joint Degree Programs (International)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/University/College Exchange Programs & Partnerships

SECONDARYEDAIAIAH

Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/International Summer/Winter Schools & Short-Term Academic Programs

SECONDARYEDAIAIAI

Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International)

Education/International Education & Study Abroad/International Summer/Winter Schools & Short-Term Academic Programs

Keywords

• International affairs education
• Graduate degree programs
• Undergraduate degree programs
• Public policy studies
• Study abroad programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: As part of The George Washington University, the Elliott School generates revenue through tuition and fees paid by undergraduate and graduate students. Graduate tuition and fees are based upon full-time enrollment for the equivalent of 9 or 10 GW credit hours.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Elliott School of International Affairs delivers undergraduate bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and graduate certificates in international affairs and regional/functional specializations, enrolling nearly 3,000 students per year. It supplements these degree programs with executive education (including the Leadership in International Affairs credential), international exchange programs with 15 partner universities worldwide, short-term abroad programs, and structured academic advising and career services.

Product overview

The Elliott School of International Affairs is an academic institution within The George Washington University offering a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs. The school provides 5 undergraduate bachelor's degree programs (BA and BS in International Affairs, Asian Studies, Latin American and Hemispheric Studies, and Middle East Studies), 10 master's degree programs spanning regional and functional specializations, 4 graduate certificate programs, and various executive education offerings. The school also facilitates global experiential learning through 15+ international exchange partnerships across 6 world regions, short-term study abroad programs, and comprehensive academic advising services. Students are prepared for careers in international affairs through a combination of classroom instruction, experiential learning, and engagement with international leaders in Washington, D.C.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs Undergraduate B.A. program preparing students for careers in international affairs through regional and functional concentrations, with curriculum requirements specified for Fall 2024 onward and pre-Fall 2024.
• Bachelor of Science in International Affairs STEM-designated B.S. in International Affairs combining international affairs coursework with advanced science and technology requirements, available Fall 2024 onward and pre-Fall 2024.
• Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies Undergraduate regional studies major focused on Asia, supporting students pursuing language, area, and international studies training.
• Bachelor of Arts in Latin American and Hemispheric Studies Undergraduate regional studies major focused on Latin America and the Western Hemisphere.
• Bachelor of Arts in Middle East Studies Undergraduate regional studies major focused on the Middle East, covering language, history, politics, and area studies.
• Master's Programs in International Affairs and Regional/Functional Specializations A suite of 10 master's degree programs covering Asian Studies, European and Eurasian Studies, Global Communication, International Affairs, International Development Studies, International Economic Policy, International Science and Technology Policy, Latin American and Hemispheric Studies, Middle East Studies, and Security Policy Studies, plus International Policy and Practice and International Studies (MIS).
• Graduate Certificate Programs Specialized graduate certificates in Global Gender Policy, International Science and Technology Policy, Nuclear Policy Studies, and Naval Security Studies for working professionals and graduate students.
• Security Policy Studies Online Online master's offering in Security Policy Studies allowing remote completion of the graduate program.
• Leadership in International Affairs (LIA) Credential Non-degree executive credential for professionals seeking leadership development in international affairs.
• Tailored Executive Education in International Affairs Customized executive education programs in international affairs delivered for organizations and professional cohorts.
• International Exchange Programs Study-abroad exchange partnerships enabling graduate students to earn transfer credits at partner universities in Sub-Saharan Africa (University of Witwatersrand), Asia (Ewha Womans University, NTU, NCCU, HKU, Waseda University), Australia (University of Sydney), Europe (Freie Universität Berlin, Graduate Institute, Hertie School, Sciences Po), Middle East (American University in Cairo), and Latin America (El Colegio de México, PUC-Rio, UTDT).
• Short-Term Abroad Programs Short-term study abroad programs for Elliott School students, including summer offerings hosted by partner institutions.
• Undergraduate Academic Advising Services Academic advising services for undergraduate students, including drop-in advising, scheduled appointments, degree planning, and transfer credit counseling.
• Graduate Global Experiential Learning Portfolio of graduate experiential learning opportunities including study abroad exchange programs, internships-abroad grants, and scholarships for graduate students.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• University of WitwatersrandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in South Africa (Sub-Saharan Africa) offering courses in history, government, international relations, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology through the School of Social Sciences.
• Ewha Womans UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Seoul, South Korea (Asia) - top-rated university for international studies with Graduate School of International Studies offering concentrations in trade negotiations, international business, development cooperation, and diplomacy and security.
• Nanyang Technological UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Singapore (Asia) - prestigious institution with S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) offering coursework in International Relations, International Political Economy, Asian Studies, and Strategic Studies.
• National Chengchi University (NCCU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Taiwan offering coursework on Asia Pacific studies, economics, politics, and international affairs with courses taught in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
• University of Hong KongcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Hong Kong offering courses in international politics, public policy, public administration, foreign policy, and East Asian regional studies through the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• Waseda UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Tokyo, Japan offering courses through Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies on international affairs, development studies, and business. Elliott School students eligible for $4,000 Videtto Scholarship.
• University of SydneycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Australia offering courses in international security, government and international relations, economics and political economy through Business School and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
• Freie Universität BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Germany offering courses in international relations, security, comparative politics, policy analysis, and political theory. Students can also take courses at Humboldt Universität and Universität Potsdam as part of Berlin consortium.
• Graduate Institute of International and Development StudiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Geneva, Switzerland - one of the first schools in the world dedicated to study of international relations with proximity to WTO, WHO, WIPO, ILO, UNHCR, and international organizations.
• Hertie SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Berlin, Germany - private university known for economics, international relations, law, political science, and public policy. All courses offered in English.
• Sciences PocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Paris, France - one of the most distinguished universities in Europe specializing in international business, European studies, international organizations, and development studies.
• The American University in CairocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Egypt offering Triple Crown accredited programs in the School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. Courses on economics, international development, mass communication, global affairs, migration studies, and public policy.
• El Colegio de MéxicocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Mexico City - outstanding social science and humanities research and teaching institute offering degrees in history, sociology, economics, political science, linguistics, literature, and international relations.
• Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de JaneirocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Brazil - recognized as one of the most important doctoral research centers in the country offering courses in political science, economics, and Latin American studies.
• Universidad Torcuato Di TellacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExchange partner in Buenos Aires, Argentina - highly regarded research university offering courses through Maestría en Estudios Internacionales program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy: Fletcher is one of the oldest and most established US schools of international affairs, offering graduate degrees in IR, diplomacy, and policy - directly comparable in program structure and target students to Elliott School master's programs.
• Georgetown University School of Foreign Service: Georgetown's SFS is the most direct competitor - a premier school of international affairs at a DC-area university, offering bachelor's and master's programs in IR, regional studies, and security with the same target student profile as the Elliott School.
• Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA): SIPA is a top-tier Ivy League peer offering master's programs in international affairs and public policy with similar functional concentrations (economic policy, security, development) competing for the same graduate candidate pool.
• American University School of International Service: American's SIS, also in Washington D.C., is a direct peer offering undergraduate and graduate international affairs programs with comparable practitioner-engagement positioning and the same DC-based applicant pool.
• Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS): SAIS is a direct peer offering graduate-only international affairs and policy programs with DC, Bologna, and Nanjing campuses, competing for the same policy-track master's candidates as the Elliott School's 10 master's programs.

Broad incumbents

• Princeton School of Public and International Affairs: Princeton SPIA offers undergraduate and graduate programs in international and public affairs at an Ivy League institution - comparable in international affairs scope but with the broader Princeton brand and endowment base.
• Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs: Yale's Jackson Institute offers a master's in global affairs at an Ivy League institution, competing at the high end of the IR graduate market with comparable practitioner engagement but with greater endowment-backed financial aid capability.
• Harvard Kennedy School: HKS is a broader, larger institution at Harvard focused on public policy with significant international affairs content - a premier incumbent setting the ceiling on branding, faculty prestige, and graduate outcomes that the Elliott School aspires to.

Regional players

• George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government: Schar is a DC-metro peer (Virginia-based) offering policy and government graduate programs with international affairs concentrations - competes on cost and proximity in the same regional applicant pool, particularly graduate candidates.

Emerging players

• University of Pennsylvania Perry World House: Perry World House is a UPenn-based global affairs center that complements but does not yet replicate a full standalone school of international affairs - an emerging player expanding Penn's global affairs footprint that intersects with the Elliott School's market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/elliottschoolgw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elliott-school-of-international-affairs

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Elliott School of International Affairs