FAQ
How many courses/credit hours are required to complete either program?
Both programs require a minimum of 12 graduate-level courses, totaling 36 credit hours. There is no thesis in either program.
Q: Do courses need to be taken in a certain order?
Barring any prerequisites (Systems Engineering I must precede Systems Engineering II, for example), courses may be taken in whatever sequence suits the student.
Q: I don’t meet the minimum mathematics requirement or have a degree in a related field. Can I still apply to the program?
Yes. The EMSE Department reviews applications closely and on a case-by-case basis, considering each applicant’s whole admissions portfolio before rendering a decision. Applicants who don’t meet the necessary mathematics requirement may be required to enroll in a 13th course, EMSE 4197 Special Topics: Quantitative Methods in Engineering Management, during the summer after admission. We encourage candidates to contact an Admissions Counselor for more information.
Q: What are the upcoming term start dates?
Students may begin their program of choice during one of five sessions each year:
- Early January to mid-March
- Mid-March to late May
- Mid-June to Mid-July*
- Mid-August to mid-October
- Mid-October to late December
*This is an accelerated, 5-week session.
A summer term may also be available to those who need to complete the mathematics prerequisite course.
Q: How many courses do students take during each session?
Typically, students take one course each session, completing four courses each academic year; however, students may elect to take additional courses as needed.
Q: How quickly do students typically complete the program(s)?
Generally, students can fulfill all program requirements in three years. Taking more than one course each session may accelerate the process.
Q: Will I need to log in at certain times of day? Or a certain amount of times each week?
Each course requires some scheduled lectures (one night per week from 6:30-9:30 eastern) that will be recorded for future reference. Live online attendance to all class meetings is highly recommended. Class meetings one and five are check-in points and roll will be called at those class sessions. Beyond that, students can log in whenever it fits their schedule. There’s no required number of log-ins each week, but we strongly recommend that students check in on their program at least once each day.
Q: How much time should I expect to spend doing coursework each week?
This varies for each student and each course, but as a general rule, students should be prepared to devote 6 hours to study per week.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA required to complete the program?
Courses specified in a student’s program of study must be completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher to earn the degree.
Q: Do students ever need to come to campus?
No. The program can be completed entirely online.
Q: Who do I contact if I encounter a technical issue?
Online students can submit a tech service request or browse the GWiz knowledge base for more information. A moderator for the distance learning platform will monitor all classes and will be available for live technical assistance during class.
Q: What online learning platform do you use?
Both programs use the Blackboard learning management system. For more information, click here. The classes are administered live through an online education platform.
Request Information
To learn more about GW’s online graduate degree programs in engineering and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. If you have any additional questions, please call (877) 221-9868 to speak to an admissions counselor.
* All Fields Required. Your Privacy is Protected.
The George Washington University respects your right to privacy. By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails and calls from a representative of the George Washington University, which may include the use of automated technology. Consent is needed to contact you, but is not a requirement to register or enroll.
