FAQ

Yes. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements can be admitted. GW considers an applicant’s entire background and all submitted materials before reaching an admission decision, evaluating all records on a case-by-case basis. Applicants for the M.S. in Engineering Management and M.S. in Systems Engineering programs who don’t meet the necessary mathematics requirement can be required to enroll in a 13th course, EMSE 4197 Special Topics: Quantitative Methods in Engineering Management. Ask an Admissions Counselor (at onlineeng@gwu.edu) any questions about your application to the online M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management or Systems Engineering.

Visit the admissions page for the most recent start dates. Students can begin the program of study during one of five sessions each year:

• Early January to mid-March (Spring 1)
• Mid-March to late May (Spring 2)
• Mid-June to mid-July (Summer)*
• Mid-August to mid-October (Fall 1)
• Mid-October to late December (Fall 2)

*This is an accelerated, 5-week session.

The M.S. in Electrical Engineering program requires 10 graduate-level courses, totaling 30 credit hours. Both the M.S. in Engineering Management and M.S. in Systems Engineering programs require a minimum of 12 graduate-level courses, totaling 36 credit hours. There is no thesis in any of the programs.

Typically, students take one course each session, completing four courses each academic year. Normally, the maximum number of courses students may take per session is two.

The program advisors determine the order in which course(s) are taken.

Time spent on coursework outside the classroom will depend on the course and the student. As a general rule, students can expect to spend six hours per week outside of classroom time for each course.

Generally, students can fulfill requirements for the Electrical Engineering program in less than 2 years, and for the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering programs in three years. Taking more than one course each session accelerates the process.

Yes, students typically take one course (three credits) each session, but with the advisor’s approval they may take additional credit hours each session to complete the program faster.

Live class sessions are held once a week from 6:30pm to 9:50pm Eastern Time through distance learning technology. While attendance to all class sessions is not strictly required, attendance at all sessions is expected. Students who cannot attend live sessions due to schedule conflicts should contact their instructor. Students are also required to log in at least once a week to participate in discussions. All classes are recorded and can be accessed throughout the semester by students who wish to review or to see a class they missed.

Courses specified in your program of study must be completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher to earn the degree.

Students can expect to receive responses from the faculty within one business day.

Classes are delivered by a live instructor through Blackboard Collaborate Ultra, a web conferencing software that allows faculty to lead interactive lectures and discussions during which students can ask questions and engage with their instructor and classmates in real time. All classes are recorded and students can access them throughout the semester to review or to see a class they missed. Each course has its own address on the Blackboard web-based course management system that keeps course documents and assignments organized and easily accessible. Course exams are administered on Blackboard and proctored through a secure testing platform. Visit the Student Blackboard FAQ’s page or contact an Admissions Counselor for more information.

All GW students should start by browsing the knowledge base for help. If the answer to your question cannot be found there:

• Direct questions about GW systems (GWID, Blackboard, email) to ithelp@gwu.edu, and/or submit a tech service request.
• Direct questions about using the examination testing platform Remote Proctor Now to Software Secure at http://clientportal.softwaresecure.com.
• Direct questions about class access, Blackboard files (recordings), and exam access to the technician whose contact information is listed on the syllabus for each course.

No. The programs can be completed entirely online. Students are welcome to attend graduation in person.

Leaves of absence are permitted, but not recommended. They are approved only for unforeseen circumstances beyond a student’s control. Leaves of absence are limited to two 9-week sessions in the entire program.