Dear CPS Community,
Welcome to a new academic year at the George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS)!
Here in the heart of Washington, D.C., we are reminded daily that education should not only inform — it should also transform. This is where research meets real-world impact, where academic excellence meets global leadership, and where your learning becomes a catalyst for change.
At CPS, our mission is bold: to be the interdisciplinary college of choice for lifelong learners and decision-makers. We bring together students, faculty, and industry leaders from across sectors to foster the kind of dialogue that challenges assumptions, drives innovation, and solves pressing, real-world challenges. This is learning without silos — agile, responsive, and designed for impact.
Our programs span vital sectors — from homeland security and cybersecurity to paralegal studies, urban planning, public relations and communications, politics and publishing — and each is built with industry insight, hands-on experience, and flexible formats to meet the needs of working professionals. In our classrooms, whether virtual or in person, you will learn alongside leaders from government, nonprofits, and private industry, and gain not only knowledge but perspective: a multidisciplinary lens that enhances your impact in any setting.
What sets CPS apart is the richness of our community and the opportunities our location affords. Our “Only at GW” experiences — from internships on Capitol Hill to collaborations with think tanks and national agencies — immerse you in the very environments where change happens. This isn’t just education; it’s engagement at the highest level.
As we begin this new semester, I encourage you to take full advantage of all that CPS and GW have to offer — to connect with peers and mentors, to stretch your thinking, and to turn your learning into action. Whether you are here to advance your career, pivot to a new field, or deepen your expertise, know that you are part of a community that is committed to helping you reach your goals and contribute to the greater good.
Together, we will catalyze progress. Together, we will shape the future.
Welcome back — I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish this year.
Warm regards,
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University