Guide to Applying

Step 1: Review Application Requirements

GSEHD programs may have additional application requirements or deadlines that vary. Review your program’s page for detailed info.

Step 2: Create an Application Account

Create an Application Account on the GW application portal. Complete initial application information.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Materials

Transcripts: We require transcripts from all higher education institutions that you have attended. We accept unofficial transcripts during the admission process. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official copies of your conferred degrees. See additional transcript information in our FAQs below >

Writing Sample or Statement of Purpose: If your program requires these items, you can upload these as an “additional document” in your application.

Step 4: Request GRE and/or English Proficiency Scores (if required)

English Proficiency Test: English Proficiency scores may be required for international applicants.

• We must receive scores directly from the testing service (TOEFL/IETLS/DuoLingo). Please contact your testing service to have your official scores sent to us via the following methods:
  • TOEFL scores: Enter GW’s school code, 5246
  • IELTS scores: Select the George Washington University
  • DuoLingo scores: Follow these instructions to send your scores to GW from your account.
• Do not wait for your test scores before submitting your application. We will match them to your file once they arrive.

GRE: The GRE is not required for any GSEHD program. You may still submit results if you would like.

• We must receive scores directly from the testing service. This can take several days, so be sure to plan accordingly. Contact your service and request scores be sent to GW by using our school code 5246.
• Do not wait for your test scores before submitting your application. We will match them to your file once they arrive.

Step 5: Request Recommendations

Recommendation letters may be required to complete your application. Check your program's requirements for additional details. This process is completed through the application portal.

Within the application portal, once you enter your recommender’s contact information, the online application will automatically send an email requesting the recommendations.

You may also send reminder emails to your recommenders after you have submitted your application.

If you would like to change or add recommenders after submitting the application, please contact our office at educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed all required fields, be sure to click the final "Submit Your Application" button.

Please note: There is no application fee. 

You may submit your application before test scores and recommendations are received, but your application will only be considered for admission once it is complete. This includes the application form as well as all required supporting documents, as listed on your program’s page.

Step 7: Check Your Application Status

Log on to your online application at any time to view its current status. Your application will be updated as we receive your official test scores and recommendations. Please allow five business days for our office to process your supporting documents after we receive them.

You will be notified via email when your admissions decision is ready to be viewed in the application portal.

  Application Process

What is the deadline to apply?

Programs may have varying application deadlines. Please refer to your individual program’s page for specific information about application deadlines.

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. If you have questions, please contact educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Can I apply to multiple GSEHD programs at once?

Students may apply to one program at a time. If you are interested in a related master's degree and graduate certificate, we may offer a dual degree option. If you are considering multiple programs, please contact our admissions team at educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu) to learn more about available options.

How do I know what’s missing from my application?

Log in to the application portal to review your application checklist. Any items marked with a red “X” are still outstanding.

Note: Students who were admitted conditionally and need to know which official transcripts are still outstanding will need to email educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu) for this information. This will not be displayed in your application portal.

What file types do you accept?

We accept files saved as .docx or .pdf only. We cannot accept Pages, Google docs, HTML, or any other file types.

Can I apply to a doctoral program with just a bachelor’s degree?

All of our doctoral level programs require a master’s degree in order to apply.

  Transcripts

What transcripts do I need to submit?

To be eligible for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university. If you are applying for a doctoral degree, you must also hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

We require transcripts from every institution you have attended. We accept unofficial transcripts during the admissions process. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official copies of your conferred degrees.

If you studied outside of the US, a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member is required. For more information, visit our page for international applicants.

What if I previously studied at the George Washington University?

Students who previously studied at GW must submit copies of their transcripts to GSEHD. Unofficial copies are acceptable during the admission process. If a degree or certificate was awarded, students will need to request that the official transcripts be sent to the GSEHD Admissions Office (educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu)) before the end of their first semester at GSEHD. There is no cost for GW students and alumni to request electronic copies of their official transcripts. Submit your transcript request >

What if I studied outside of the US?

A course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member is required for all transcripts from non-US schools. We do not require the transcript from the school itself; we only require the transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation should be official, meaning that it is sent from the NACES member or delivered to GSEHD Admissions in a sealed and signed envelope. For more information, visit our page for international applicants.

When do I have to turn in my official transcripts?

Official transcripts must be sent to us directly from the institution you attended, and must show your degree conferral date (if applicable). Official transcripts must be submitted by the end of your first semester enrolled in a GSEHD program. Failure to submit official transcripts will result in a hold placed on your account preventing you from registering for your second semester.

We prefer that your official transcripts are sent to our office electronically to educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu). If mail is the only option, please have your transcript mailed in a sealed envelope directly from the institution you attended to:

• GSEHD Graduate Admissions, 2136 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20052

Note: Please do not have transcripts sent to any other GW office or campus. If transcripts are sent to another office, we will not be able to retrieve and process them.

  Tuition, Fees and Scholarships

When will I be notified if I am offered a merit scholarship?

You will be notified via your acceptance letter if you are selected for a merit scholarship.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition: Tuition rates vary per program and are listed on your program's page.

• You may also see an overview of current GSEHD tuition rates on the student accounts website. (If you do not see your program listed within the PDF, it is likely offered at the standard GSEHD tuition rate, listed on the top line on the page).

Additional Fees: An overview of additional fees and charges is detailed on the Student Accounts Fees Overview page. 

Cost of Attendance: For planning purposes, the Office of Financial Aid provides a COA worksheet to estimate the Cost of Attendance based on a specific loan period, tuition rate and campus of attendance. Learn more and download spreadsheet to estimate your costs >

If you have any further questions about tuition rates, please contact educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Does GSEHD require a deposit?

GSEHD does not require a deposit. To accept your offer of admission and secure your spot in the program, simply log in to your application portal, view your decision letter, click “Reply to Offer,” and click “Yes” to indicate that you will be attending.

I'm currently an undergraduate student at GW. Is additional financial support available if I attend GW for graduate school?

Current undergraduate students at the George Washington University (GW) may be eligible to participate in the Grad2Grad program to continue graduate study (master's and graduate certificate programs) at GW. Students eligible for Grad2Grad who are admitted to GSEHD will receive a 10% reduction in the cost of your tuition.

If you have any questions about the program, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships at gradfellgwu [dot] edu (gradfell[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-6822.

  International Students

I’m an international student. May I apply for a certificate program?

GW only sponsors 1-20/DS-2019 student visas for full-time, on-campus degree programs.

International students requiring a student visa are not eligible to apply for on-campus graduate certificate programs, however, they can apply for ONLINE certificate programs.

If you do not require a student visa, you may apply for any certificate program, on-campus or online. Please visit our program pages for more specific information about part-time/full-time formats, or contact us at educationgwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu).

I’m an international student with a conferred degree in the United States. May I be exempt from the English Language Requirement?

International students with a conferred degree from an institution within the United States are exempt from submitting English Language scores. Applicants who do NOT have a conferred degree from the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom are required to submit proof of English proficiency via an official testing service (TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo). Tests must be taken within 2 years from the intended term of entry. Review more information about English language testing >

Questions regarding international transcripts

Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be evaluated by an accredited NACES member. The evaluation (course by course) should be a detailed document including all course titles, credit hours, grades, grade point averages (GPAs), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. For more information, visit our page for international applicants.

Explore Additional Resources for International Applicants

  Next Steps in Application Process

Submitting Official Transcript

Official transcripts must be submitted by the end of your first semester enrolled in your GSEHD program. Failure to submit official transcripts will result in a hold placed on your account preventing you from registering for your second semester.

Providing Immunization Records

All students under age 26, regardless of program of study, location of study, part-time or full-time status, degree or non-degree status, must comply with the immunization requirement as set forth by the Law of the District of Columbia. It is important that you comply as soon as possible after admission so that your registration is not hindered. Learn more about immunization requirements >

Accepting Your Admission

You must confirm your attendance by responding to your Offer of Admission before the listed deadline in your offer letter.

Login to the Application Portal, and navigate to the "Acceptance Letter." Indicate whether you would like to accept your admissions offer, defer to a future semester, or decline the offer.

  Tuition & Financial Aid

FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to apply for financial aid from GW. The form is available each year on October 1. The official FAFSA deadline is June 30 of the end of the school year you're seeking financial aid for. However, students should file the form as soon as possible on/after October 1 as to not miss out on some forms of financial aid.

States may also have separate deadlines. Learn more about FAFSA state deadlines >

GW’s Office of Student Financial Assistance should be your main point of contact for all questions related to the FAFSA and loan process.

Loan Applications

These deadlines apply to application completion for Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Direct Graduate PLUS, and/or private alternative loan funding. View full details on the Office of Student Financial Assistance site >

• Fall:
  • February 15 – FAFSA
  • May 15 – Federal Direct Graduate PLUS and private alternative loan applications
• Spring:
  • August 1 – All Loan Documents
• Summer:
  • December 1 – All Loan Documents

Tuition Payment

Payment for the semester is due on the first day ;of the semester on the main campus, not the first day of your session or the first day of the semester for an off-campus course, or upon registration for any courses added after the first day. Your billing statement will include the billing due date. View full list of financial due dates and deadlines >

  Other

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) is required. It is offered virtually and is self-paced so you can complete the orientation on your own time. The deadline for completion is the first day of the semester.

Learn more about NSO >

Course Registration

View a full list of registration deadlines on the Office of the Registrar site:

• Fall/Spring Registration Dates >
• Summer Session Registration Dates >

Other Important Dates

GSEHD posts other important dates, including the academic calendar, comprehensive exam schedule, dissertation deadlines and more on our Dates & Deadlines page.