Online Master’s in Engineering Degree Requirements for George Washington University (GW)


October 21, 2024

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When exploring the requirements for a Master’s in Engineering degree online, George Washington University (GW) offers an accessible and flexible path for prospective students. While the core requirements, such as a relevant bachelor’s degree and  minimum GPA, remain consistent with other universities, GW’s online programs stand out by providing a streamlined and supportive admission process. There’s also no application fee.  

Designed with working professionals in mind, GW’s online engineering master’s programs offer a high-quality education that is designed to meet the demands of modern careers, making it easier to balance academic and professional commitments while providing the same rigorous standards as on-campus students.

Academic Requirements

  1. Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must have earned a degree in engineering, computer science, math, physics or a closely related discipline. For some programs, significant work experience in a technical field may compensate for a non-engineering degree. 
    Specifically, applicants interested in Electrical Engineering must hold a technical bachelor’s degree. 
    Applicants interested in AI & Machine Learning must hold a technical or business oriented bachelor’s degree.
  2. GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0). However, applicants with lower GPAs may be considered based on a holistic review of application materials.
  3. GRE Scores Not Required: GRE scores are not required for admission to GW’s online engineering programs, which makes the application process more accessible, particularly for working professionals.
  4. Academic Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in one college-level calculus course and one college-level statistics course. Applicants who do not meet this requirement in full but are otherwise qualified may be conditionally admitted and required to take an additional 3-credit hour course, EMSE 4197 — Special Topics: Quantitative Methods in Engineering Management, during the first year of graduate study.
  5. English proficiency for international applicants: Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate language proficiency unless they have earned a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction. Minimum score requirements are typically 80 on the TOEFL or 6.0 on the IELTS.

Program-Specific Academic Requirements


Each online engineering program offered by GW may have additional criteria to ensure students are prepared for the specialized coursework. You can review the requirements for each program by visiting their respective pages.

Materials Required for the Admissions Process

Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all institutions where a degree was earned. Transcripts should be sent to [email protected] (if sent electronically), or via mail to:

Online Engineering Programs
The George Washington University
170 Newport Center Drive
Suite 260
Newport Beach, CA 92660


Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. These should come from either academic instructors or supervisors in a professional capacity who can attest to the applicant’s technical abilities and potential for graduate study.

Resume/CV: A detailed resume outlining the applicant’s professional and academic experience is required. This is particularly important for candidates who may not have a traditional engineering background but possess relevant industry experience.

Statement of Purpose: Applicants must submit a statement of purpose (personal essay), which details their career aspirations, how a master’s degree will help them achieve these goals, and why GW’s specific program is the right fit for their professional development.

Your Next Steps for Admission

  1. Complete the Online Application: Access and complete the application through the GW Online Application Portal, providing all necessary personal, academic, and program-specific details.
  2. Submit Official Transcripts: Upload official transcripts from all degree-granting institutions. Electronic submissions are encouraged for quicker processing.
  3. Write a Statement of Purpose: Prepare a 250-500 word essay outlining your academic background, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the specific program at GW.
  4. Submit a Resume/CV: Highlight your academic and professional experience, including relevant work, technical skills, certifications, and projects.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Request two letters of recommendation from academic or professional contacts who can speak to your qualifications and readiness for graduate study.
  6. Application Fee: No application fee is required for GW's online engineering programs, removing financial barriers to applying.
  7. Application Deadlines: GW has rolling admissions with multiple start terms each year. Be sure to check program-specific deadlines to ensure timely submission. Early applications are encouraged.
  8. Check Application Status: Monitor your application through the GW Online Application Portal. Ensure all materials, including transcripts and recommendation letters, are submitted before deadlines. You'll receive notifications via email about the status and any additional requirements.


For more information and to begin your application, visit the GW Online Engineering Programs Application Page.

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