Dean's Scholars Program
About the Program
Dean’s Scholars is a selective cohort-based program for Elliott School students who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the field of international affairs. Students pursue an independent research topic of their choosing, collect data and conduct data analysis, and strengthen valuable research, writing, and presentation skills. Through mentorship and personalized guidance, Dean’s Scholars are offered the support and tools they need to build valuable professional connections, to pursue their passion for research, and to explore fellowship opportunities relevant to their interests.
Each student selects a faculty mentor with whom they work throughout the program to design and execute their project. Dean’s Scholars also enroll in a sequence of two required research and writing courses taught by program faculty who offer individualized support and mentorship. Additionally, students in the program participate in research conferences and are eligible to apply for financial support to offset their research expenses.
“Not only has Dean’s Scholars provided me with the invaluable skills and resources necessary to conduct professional-level research internationally, but it has also connected me with a group of hardworking and inspiring individuals who motivate me to pursue my passions through research.”
Olivia Benedict
Class of 2026
Application Information
We welcome applications from students with Junior standing with strong academic records. Previous experience conducting independent research is not required.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be students at the Elliott School of International Affairs,
- Have Junior standing when they begin the program,
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Applications for the 2027 Dean’s Scholars cohort will open in the Fall 2026 semester. Applicants must complete the application form and submit all required documents before the deadline.
Application requirements include (see application for more details):
- A letter of recommendation submitted by a former or current professor to esiascholars
gwu [dot] edu (esiascholars[at]gwu[dot]edu) by the application deadline. This letter should assess the quality of your research and writing and speak to your ability to succeed in a rigorous year-long research program; your capacity to conduct research; your time management skills and capacity to work independently. The strongest letters articulate a clear sense of how you would approach research and analysis. - Unofficial transcript with your name and all courses clearly visible.
- Personal statement: Tell us about your research interests related to International Affairs and why you are applying to Dean's Scholars.
- Writing Sample: Submit a 2-5 page writing sample from your coursework at GW that showcases your writing abilities.
We host Research Opportunities Information Sessions twice a year with more information about the program. These events will be advertised via ESIA communications.
Questions? Please contact the program director - esiascholarsgwu [dot] edu (esiascholars[at]gwu[dot]edu.)
"This program academically challenged me and allowed me to explore my curiosities and passions with guidance and support from esteemed professors and peers, allowing me to become more competitive in graduate programs."
Tara Boyd
Class of 2025
General Program Schedule
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs (BAIA) students should meet their first research methods requirement by taking an approved qualitative or quantitative research methods course from the BAIA research methods course list prior to enrolling in Dean's Scholars. They can meet their second research methods requirement with their first course in the Dean's Scholars sequence.
Bachelor of Science in International Affairs (BSIA) students should meet their research requirement by taking an approved quantitative research methods course from the BSIA research methods course list prior to enrolling in Dean's Scholars.
Junior Spring Semester – Scholars take IAFF 3190 Dean's Scholars Research Design Seminar 3-credit seminar where they design and refine their project proposals, prepare data collection materials, and obtain approval through GW’s Institutional Review Board before conducting their research.
Junior Summer Semester – Scholars conduct their data collection, fieldwork and begin data analysis.
Senior Fall Semester – Scholars take IAFF 3193W ESIA Dean’s Scholars Seminar, a 3-credit WID course where they analyze their data and write-up their research papers. Most fellowship applications are due during this semester.
Senior Spring Semester – While there are no program requirements during this semester, scholars often independently present their research at conferences, submit their revised papers to peer-reviewed journals, and finish any fellowship applications during this semester. Program faculty offer guidance and mentorship to assist scholars in pursuing these goals.
For a more detailed breakdown of the program schedule, please visit the Dean’s Scholars Curriculum page.
"I learned so much about myself, my skills and my professional interests by being a part of the Dean's Scholars program. I learned the importance of strong research abilities in almost every part of my personal and professional life. I encourage all college students to become involved in research, even if you aren't interested in pursuing academia as a career."
Zach Slotkin
Class of 2019
Program Benefits
Small group research class that allows collaborative and in-depth learning.
Customized curriculum that guides each student through the data collection and writing processes.
Financial support to be used for research travel, materials, and expenses.
Scholars will learn about various outlets for publishing their research and receive hands-on support in the publication process.
Presentation of research at academic conferences.
Opportunities to interact with Dean’s Scholars’ alumni and students in other
cohorts and to meet practitioners, researchers, and professionals at research conferences and seminars.
Meet the Director: Dr. Maryam Z. Deloffre
Maryam Z. Deloffre is an Associate Professor of International Affairs, Director of Dean’s Scholars and Director of the Humanitarian Action Initiative at the Elliott School of International Affairs and a Mercator Fellow at the DFG Research Training Group – Standards of Global Governance (Germany), and was formerly an Associate Senior Fellow at Centre for Global Cooperation Research, Universität Duisburg-Essen. Dr. Deloffre teaches the required courses in the Dean’s Scholars program and graduate level courses on humanitarian assistance.
Dr. Deloffre’s research focuses broadly on the dynamics of global and humanitarian governance, humanitarian standard-setting, humanitarian and non-governmental organization (NGOs) accountability, and NGOs, and has been published by Oxford University Press and in in International Studies Review, Public Administration and Development, Review of International Studies, Global Health Governance, PS: Political Science and Politics, and as chapters in edited volumes. Deloffre earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a M.A. in International Relations at l’Institut d’Etudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po) in Paris, France, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the George Washington University.
Any Questions?
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Maryam Z. Deloffre, Director of the Dean’s Scholars Program, at esiascholarsgwu [dot] edu (esiascholars[at]gwu[dot]edu).