On Friday, October 9, 2020 it was announced that GW will continue virtual instruction for the Spring 2021 semester. All undergraduate courses and most graduate programs will be conducted online, with limited exceptions for courses that require in-person instruction or research.

SEAS will continue to teach all graduate classes fully online with very few exceptions for in-person instruction. Thanks to the collaborative and creative efforts of many, we have been hearing positive stories about the virtual GW experience, including new teaching, learning, and research opportunities as well as only-at-GW events that are bringing the community together. SEAS faculty and staff continue to be committed to providing the highest quality education for all of our students with two principles in mind:

Uncompromised Quality: SEAS will provide the highest quality education regardless of what the pandemic throws our way.

Resilient Inclusion: SEAS will utilize modes of instruction that are flexible and agile to resiliently support all of our students and faculty in the face of significant uncertainties and dynamics.

All SEAS graduate students will continue to interact with their academic advisors, professional advisors and career counselors online. We are similarly working to adapt our experiential programs and events to ensure that all SEAS community members have a positive and enriching experience, even from a distance.

Even though SEAS will be conducting classes virtually, some incoming F-1 visa students may have the ability to enter the country prior to the start of the Spring 2021 semester. If you are an incoming F-1 visa-seeking international student who is able to receive a student visa and enter the US to start your studies, please notify the Office of Graduate Admissions & Student Services at [email protected] so we can make sure you are enrolled in sufficient courses that meet current DHS requirements for F-1 visa holders in the US.  

New Spring 2021 MS and Graduate Certificate students who are unable to enter the US or relocate to the DC area, have the ability to start their program online through the Flex-Start Program. Please visit the Flex-Start website for additional information about this option and instructions on how to notify the Office of Graduate Admissions & Student Services that you will be starting your studies online.

All new PhD students should be in direct consultation with their faculty advisor and department chair in order to determine an appropriate plan of action. Faculty advisor approval is required in order for any new PhD student to start their studies online or defer their admission to the fall 2021 semester. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your options, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions & Student Services at [email protected].