Flex-Start Program for SEAS MS Students

GW SEAS offers admitted master's degree students in select programs the ability to start their MS degree program online through the Flex-Start program. The Flex-Start program is only for F-1 visa-seeking admitted students who are being impacted by visa issues such as inability to schedule a visa appointment prior to January 10, 2022 or administrative processing delays. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the Flex-Start program, please contact [email protected]. 

Students who participate in the Flex-Start program will have the ability to take one, two, or three courses online during their first semester and then continue their studies in-person in Washington, DC starting the following semester (assuming they complete their courses in good academic standing and receive a valid F-1 visa prior to the start of the semester).

Who is eligible to participate in the Flex-Start Program? 

GW SEAS will only allow eligible new MS students in the following program to enroll in the Flex-Start program. Please click on your degree program below to learn more about the courses offered through Flex-Start for the program.

Students have the option of enrolling in one, two, or three courses online for the Spring 2022 semester. Students cannot enroll in more than three courses (a total of 9 credit hours) online for the Spring 2022 semester. Each program will identify courses that will be taught online and the course list will be updated below soon.

Students should review their admissions letter and contact the Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services at [email protected] if they have any questions about the ability to complete any required prerequisite courses in the first semester.

Steps for Enrolling in the Flex-Start Program for the Spring 2022 semester

To formally request approval from the Office of Graduate Admissions & Student Services (OGA) to participate in the Flex-Start program, you must fill out the interest form by January 3, 2022. 

Once you have received your official confirmation, you will be able to register for your Spring 2022 courses. Specific SEAS courses will be available through remote instruction online for Flex-Start students. These graduate-level courses will be clearly identified on the course schedule with a comment that reads “This course is restricted to students in the Flex Start program.” To see the Spring 2022 Flex-Start course offerings, please visit the course list website, select Spring 2022 Online Courses, and choose your academic department. For guidance on how to register for a course, please review the Office of the Registrar’s step-by-step instructions. You are limited to enrolling in a maximum of 9 credit hours for the Spring 2022 semester through the Flex-Start program. We would also highly encourage you to consult with your Faculty Advisor prior to registering for courses.

Are online courses taught asynchronously or synchronously? 

SEAS graduate courses will be taught in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods. Each course instructor will have the discretion to determine the best mode of instruction in order to meet the course objectives. For example, lectures may be pre-recorded and posted, and discussions may be scheduled for synchronous participation, as well as office hours will be synchronous at different times throughout the day to accommodate students located in different time zones. 

What systems will be utilized for online instruction? 

GW utilizes Blackboard and Webex for our video conferencing tool. Classes will primarily be taught on these two platforms. The course instructor may choose to use a different platform where appropriate. For example, a class could be taught in Blackboard Ultra and office hours held via Webex or a different platform that is accessible to the student and faculty member. 

What resources are available for students who are taking courses online? 

The majority of engineering applications are available for students to download and install on personal computers. Some applications are very resource-intensive and require a powerful computer in order to work efficiently and effectively. Most applications are licensed explicitly for the use of individuals in the GW network therefore, students who wish to install these applications on their personal computers will need to use the GW VPN. SEAS also offers remote desktop access to our physical computer labs for students through the GW VPN. For those students who can not install the applications on personal computers, you will have access to our virtual computer labs that are available via any web-enabled device. 

For those students who may not have access to the GW VPN, we will provide additional information regarding platform accessibility prior to the start of the fall semester. 

For international students, we have provided the following resources to assist with online instruction: 

10 Tips for Online International Students

Teaching International Students in Online or Hybrid Context

Is there any required equipment needed in order to participate in online courses? 

A stable internet connection is the only requirement for students to effectively participate in online courses at SEAS. For any students looking to purchase a new computer or laptop for their graduate studies (even though it is not necessary), it is recommended that the laptop or computer has at least 16GB of memory, 1TB SSD, and a relatively new processor.

Do you have any other required courses listed on your admissions letter? 

If you have any specific courses listed on your admissions letter that are listed as conditions to your admission, you must register for those courses for the Fall 2021 semester unless you have received written approval from your faculty advisor that you do not have to take these courses during your first semester in the MS program.

Information for 5-year program students:

I am an incoming 5-year program student starting my MS program in the fall semester. Can I take more than 3 courses if I’m participating in the Flex-Start program?

Yes, students who are participating in the 5-year program may take up to four courses online through the Flex-Start program during the fall semester.

I’m interested in learning more about the Flex-Start Program option. Where can I find out more information?

Please complete the following form if you’re interested in learning more about the Flex-Start program and an administrator from the SEAS Office of Graduate Admissions & Student Services will follow up with additional information: