New location devoted to public service as a “noble calling”
COLLEGE STATION, May 4, 2020 – Texas A&M University announced today plans to open a new teaching site in Washington, D.C. featuring The Bush School of Government and Public Service, a graduate program founded by the nation’s 41st president. The location is expected to open in the fall of 2020, with classes commencing in early 2021, pending required approvals.
George H. W. Bush started the school in College Station, Texas, four years after his term as president ended in 1993, giving it a mission to prepare future leaders for careers in government and other forms of public service. Bush School offerings consistently rank among the best international affairs and public service graduate programs in the nation.
“We know that many Aggies already working and leading at the forefront of government and industry in D.C. and around the world will be thrilled with this exciting news,” said Michael K. Young, president of Texas A&M University — which is home to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library, the George & Barbara Bush Foundation and The Bush School. “We welcome interest from prospective graduate students who seek to further their careers and serve the nation and world with excellence, respect, integrity, leadership, loyalty and selfless service.”
“The expansion of Texas A&M and the Bush School into Washington, D.C., is consistent with the vision of the school’s founder and namesake, the late President George H. W. Bush,” said Bush School Dean Mark Welsh, former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. “President Bush believed that public service is a noble calling. The opportunity to educate future leaders in our nation’s capital allows us to reach so many more students who are following, or seeking to follow, that noble calling.”
The new site is located within several blocks of the White House and other key government buildings, with ground floor access.
Pending approval by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission, Texas A&M’s Bush School plans to begin offering courses toward its Master of International Policy degree in early 2021. Additional programs from across the university such as law, healthcare and food security also are being considered.
“I congratulate President Young and Dean Welsh on this signature achievement,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “It will pay great dividends to Texas A&M with this enhanced presence in Washington.”
The Master of International Policy degree is geared toward working professionals who are hoping to broaden and deepen their knowledge of international affairs and national security while acquiring an advanced degree in the fields. Entrance into the degree program is limited to those with at least six years of work experience in the field of international affairs and/or national security, broadly interpreted. The Bush School plans to offer a range of courses at times that will be convenient for those currently employed in the capital area.
“Washington, D.C. is the perfect next site for Texas A&M and the Bush School,” said former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who in January 2017 taught a concentrated 10-day course on the role of governors at The Bush School. “Aggies are known as doers, leaders and selfless servants. Our nation and indeed the world will benefit from these professionals who seek to serve.”
For information about the initial program and deadline, visit The Bush School website or contact by email.
