Washington and Lee University

The University is named in honor of the pivotal roles that George Washington and Robert E. Lee played in its own history — Washington for his gift that saved the institution from financial ruin in the 18th century, and Lee for his innovative educational leadership as president of Washington College from 1865 to 1870. 

Our commitment to the values of liberal education is the thread woven through Washington and Lee's arts and sciences curriculum, its pre-professional programs and the School of Law. Despite differences of subject matter and method, the undergraduate and graduate programs of the University share a fundamental purpose: to develop every student's capacity to think freely, critically and humanely. Both inside and outside the classroom, the University seeks to cultivate judgment, love of learning, commitment to justice and honorable character vital for individual achievement and constructive participation in society.

As a W&L student, you can apply for one of hundreds of research stipends to partner with a professor or undertake an independent research project, on-campus or further afield. What begins as a summer job can develop into a long-term collaboration. Author a paper in an academic journal. Co-present with your professor at an international conference. Dive deep and develop the skills that will give you a taste of — and a head-start on — postgraduate life.

Washington and Lee's Career Development office complements the educational experience of students by providing the guidance and resources needed to develop and implement their academic and career plans. We provide a supportive environment encouraging individual responsibility, creativity, open-mindedness, and integrity. Our comprehensive services emphasize collaborative relationships with employers, alumni, faculty, peer institutions and the Washington and Lee University community.