FAQ

Below are the answers to many common questions regarding our admissions process. If you have questions about the items listed below, please call (202) 994-1450.

How do I set up my GW email account?
How can I access the online courses?
How do I order textbooks needed for each course?
What are the university resources available for me?
How do I pay my tuition?
What are the requirements for admission?
How do I register for courses?
Can I take courses before I am admitted in the degree program?
What is your policy regarding the acceptance of non-degree and transfer credits?
Do you only admit students for the fall semester?
If I already hold a master's degree, do I need to take the GRE or MAT?
Do you ever waive the application fee?
Once I have submitted my application materials to the Admissions Office with whom should I speak regarding the status of my application?
How are applications evaluated?
What is the cost of tuition?
Is there any financial aid available, and how do I apply?
Once admitted, can I take courses outside of my program?
Other helpful suggestions

How do I set up my GW email account?

One of the most important things you can do is to set up a GWU email account. First of all, your email username (your "Net ID") will allow you to access online course content; second, all communication from course instructors and other university personnel (such as the registrar and student accounts office) will be sent to your GWU email address. To set up an email address, go to http://helpdesk.gwu.edu/accounts/and read the information under: "Creating Net IDs," and then click on "Create Net ID."

How can I access the online courses?

Once you have a GW username (the first part of your email address, i.e. prdoran for This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ), you can use that information to access Blackboard, the course platform for online courses. Log onto http://blackboard.gwu.edu, and enter your username and email password into the sign-in space. You should see the courses in which you're enrolled displayed in a series of rows; click on the course you'd like to access, and you'll have ready access to the course syllabus, discussion boards, files, and other multimedia resources. If you need help navigating the Blackboard site, click on the "help" button in the upper right-hand corner, and you'll see an online tutorial, FAQs, and a student user manual. More extensive support is available from the ISS Help Desk, 202-994-5530 (choose Option 2), or http://helpdesk.gwu.edu.

How do I order textbooks needed for each course?

The textbooks for each course are available from the GW bookstore, located at www.gwu.bkstr.com or at (202) 994-6870. The easiest way to order is to use the bookstore website; from the bookstore home page, click on "Find your textbooks," select your term and discipline (SPED), and indicate your course number. The course section for online courses is either BE or DE. Textbooks should be listed and ready to be ordered; they can be delivered to your address for a small shipping fee.

What are the university resources available for me?

As a distance education student, you may find it difficult to access some of the on-campus resources at GW, such as the library buildings or on-site presentations. However, there are still university resources set aside for you. A number of these are listed below, with brief descriptions; please explore them during your time as a GW student, and don't hesitate to ask if there's something the program staff can help you to understand or access.

• Library services: The Gelman Library (http://www.gwu.edu/gelman) has a page dedicated to providing library information and support to off-campus students: (Please note that the library can sometimes mail books and other materials to you; go to this webpage click on "Off-Campus Library Materials Request Form" for more information.) Research librarians are also available to conduct phone conferences with you as you work on specific papers or projects.
• Distance Education Librarian: Recently, the University has funded a Distance Education Librarian position specifically geared toward assisting distance education students with research questions. Currently, GW's Distance Education Librarian is Karen Wetzel, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 202-994-2435. Also, the Distance Education Librarian and other library staff are generally available via instant messenger during regular business hours; for more information, go to http://www.gwu.edu/gelman/service/offcampus/im.html.
• Disability Support Services: You will need to receive clearance through GWU's Disability Support Services office if you are requesting any specific disability-related accommodations for your online classes. Once DSS has your documentation on file, you will receive accommodations for each term of your enrollment in the program. DSS can be reached at http://gwired.gwu.edu/dss/contact/ or at (202) 994-8250 (fax: 202-994-7610).
• Office of Graduate Student Services: This website provides information on areas related to graduate student life at GW, including funding, University policies, and the graduate student handbook: http://www.gwu.edu/%7Egradinfo/
• Writing Center: As a distance education or off-campus student, you may participate in phone or in-person conferences with trained University Writing Center tutors (http://www.gwu.edu/%7Egwriter) if you need help with a particular writing assignment. Writing Center staff will not proofread or edit—but they will give you feedback on clarity, ideas, and organization. Call (202) 994-3765 to set up a conference. You will need to email your paper to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 24 hours before the scheduled conference.

How do I pay my tuition?

You can make a variety of payment arrangements (once per term, monthly billing, etc.) through the Student Accounts Office, which you can reach at 202-994-7350 or at http://colonialcentral.gwu.edu/.

What are the requirements for admission?

All applicants must meet GW standards for admission, including GRE or MAT (Miller Analogies Test) scores; two letters of recommendation; statement of purpose; undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher; and completion of the GW online graduate application. In addition, applicants must hold a current teaching certificate.

Admissions Process

How do I register for the courses?

To register for classes, please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Can I take courses before I am admitted into a degree program?

Yes, you may take classes for one semester before you are officially admitted into a degree program. After the one semester, you must submit your completed application to the Admissions Office and be admitted to the GSEHD in order to continue taking coursework. For more information about non-degree status at GW, visit http://www2.gwu.edu/%7Eous/%20.

What is your policy regarding the acceptance of non-degree and transfer credits?

A maximum of 12 credit hours taken in non-degree status at GW or another accredited university may be credited towards the master's degree program once admitted. For more detailed information on transfer credits, please review the Statement of Understanding.

Do you only admit students for the fall semester?

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development considers applications three times a year. Students may apply to begin their graduate study in the spring, summer or fall semester. Students are encouraged to review the Programs section of this Web site for applicable start dates for the program of interest.

If I already hold a master's degree, do I need to take the GRE or MAT?

Applicants who have successfully completed a master's degree from an accredited institution and wish to pursue a second master's degree at GSEHD are not required to take a standardized test.

Do you ever waive the application fee?

The application fee is only waived for current GW students/alumni, and McNair Scholars who submit a letter from their McNair program director verifying participation in the program.

Once I have submitted my application materials to the Admissions Office with whom should I speak regarding the status of my application?

Applicants are encouraged to check the status of their application by logging into their online application. If applicants have further questions or concerns, please contact the Admissions Office directly. They can be reached by telephone at (202) 994-9283 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How are applications evaluated?

As soon as applications are complete, they are evaluated by the program faculty and the Dean's office. Faculties review each application carefully and consider all documents submitted before making an admissions recommendation. Applicants who do not meet our minimum admission standards may be offered provisional admission based on the recommendation of the program faculty.

What is the cost of tuition?

Click here for current online program tuition rates.
All tuition and fee rates are subject to change.

Is there any financial aid available, and how do I apply?

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development offers a number of partial-tuition awards for full- and part-time on-campus master's and doctoral students as well as graduate assistantship positions for full-time on-campus doctoral students. All fellowships and assistantships are merit-based. To learn more about GSEHD's financial opportunities, visit GSEHD Tuition Support. Those interested in applying for GSEHD fellowships and assistantships must submit an Application for Tuition Support with their completed application for admission by the January 15th deadline.

Also, need-based assistance is available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance. This type of aid consists of a variety of federal and alternative loan programs. Federal programs require U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Applicants interested in securing federal or alternative loans should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (800) 222-6242 or (202) 994-6620 for loan application procedures and deadlines.

For more information regarding financial aid, visit the Tuition Support section.

• The federal government also offers loan forgiveness for some teachers pursuing certification or study in special education and other shortage areas. To find out more, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC), which can be reached by dialing (800) 433-3243, or visit the Department of Education's loan forgiveness website at http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelstaff.jsp?tab=repaying.

Once admitted, can I take courses outside of my program?

Yes, most masters' programs allow students to take a prescribed number of elective courses which can be selected from other departments within GSEHD, other schools within GW or other universities within the consortium. Please consult with your faculty advisor before registering for such courses.

Other helpful suggestions:

• The Loan Forgiveness Directory is a comprehensive guide to more than 200 federal and state agencies, employers, schools and colleges offering loan forgiveness programs. Eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application procedures are listed as well.
• The American Federation of Teachers maintains a list of loan forgiveness and teacher scholarships programs.
• When filling out the correct loan forgiveness application, be sure to have either your principal or superintendent certify and sign the document.
• Don't forget the IRS. If the amount forgiven on your loan exceeds $600, it may be considered taxable income that must be reported to the IRS. Individual states treat loan forgiveness differently, so consult a licensed tax professional. (Pennsylvania, for example, does not treat loan forgiveness as taxable income.)