Frequently Asked Questions

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Please see the below list of Frequently Asked Questions to better guide you through the application process:

• Can I take courses before I apply to GSEHD?
• What is the Transfer Policy?
• Can I take courses at GSEHD and another institution concurrently?
• Do I need Official Transcripts?
• Do I need transcripts for credits earned through Study Abroad?
• Is Admission only in the Fall Semester?
• How are applicants evaluated?
• How long will it take to receive an admissions decision?
• What is the cost of tuition?
• When are classes held?

Can I take courses before I apply to GSEHD?

Yes.  You may take up to one semester of courses in non-degree status before you are officially admitted into a degree or certificate program.  For more information regarding non-degree status and GW, visit http://www.gwu.edu/%7Eous

After the one semester, you must submit a completed application and be offered admission to GSEHD before continuing your coursework.  Please keep in mind published deadlines for admission to each of the academic semesters.

What is the Transfer Policy?

In general, a maximum of 12 credit hours taken in non-degree status at GW or another accredited university may be credited towards a master's degree program once admitted.  A maximum of 9 credit hours taken in non-degree status at GW or another accredited university may be credited towards a specialist degree program once admitted.

Can I take courses at GSEHD and another instituition concurrently?

No, students may not register concurrently in this University and another institution without the prior permission of the Dean's Office.  This policy is in place to ensure the academic success of our students and to protect against potential financial hardships on our students due to excessive tuition costs unfunded by Federal Financial Aid.

Do I need Official Transcripts?

Not right away.  We will allow unofficial transcripts for completion of your application and consideration of admission.  Should an offer of admission be extended, it will be on the 'condition' that we receive all official transcripts by the end of the 1st semester of enrollment.  Registration for additional coursework will be encumbered until all official documents have been received.

Do I need transcripts for credits earned through Study Abroad?

If you have credits earned through a Study Abroad program, you are not required to submit a transcript of only those credits.  We work under the assumption those credits were used in completion of a degree at 'home' institution and appropriately transcribed.

Is Admission only in the Fall Semester?

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development considers applications  in the spring, summer, or fall semester.  Please review the programs list for specific information about the program you are interested in pursuing.

How are applications evaluated?

As soon as applicants have submitted all documents to complete their application, it is sent for review by the program's faculty and the dean's office.  All the documents in the application are considered when making an admissions recommendation and an interview may be requested.

How long will it take to receive an admissions decision?

Applications are evaluated once they are completed.  A timeline varies upon program of study based on the need for an interview or volume of applications to review.  Generally, applicants can expect a decision on their application within 4 weeks of completion. 

Email notifications are sent to applicants confirming each stage of the review process in addition to the status information available through the online application account.

What is the cost of tuition? 

We believe a graduate education, for the purposes of a new career, promotion, or general professional development, is an investment rather than a cost.  With that in mind, we do hope you consider all of the options to supplement your tuition costs through external resources, University resources, or School resources.

Click here for current tuition rates.

When Are Classes Held? 

You will find that most are held during the evening or on the weekend for full-time and part-time study at various locations. Most of our classes meet at 4pm or later in order to accommodate the needs of working adults.  Please consult the GW Schedule of Classes for specific times and locations.