Doctoral Admissions Requirements

All applicants to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and the on-campus Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng) in Engineering Management program at the School of Engineering & Applied Science must meet the admissions requirements for entry.

At any time, you may send an e-mail to [email protected] with specific questions regarding your application. You may also refer to a list of responses to Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.

Please note: The application must be completed by the applicant. Any application found to have been completed or submitted by someone other than the applicant will be withdrawn from consideration. All documents and materials must be the applicant's own; forgeries and plagiarization will be not be accepted.

Application Deadlines

To apply for Fall semester entry, the priority deadline is December 1. The final deadline is January 15. 

To apply for Spring semester entry, the deadline is September 1.

To apply for Summer semester entry, the deadline is March 1. (by faculty invitation only)

PLEASE NOTE: We will only continue to accept doctoral applications after the listed deadlines above with the expressed recommendation from a faculty member of the academic department.

1. Online Application Form

Applications must be submitted online. There is no paper version of the application available.

Create Application Account

You may submit multiple applications through the same account; however, the application fee will apply to each application submitted.

If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the application, please contact [email protected].

2. Transcripts

Please upload scanned copies of unofficial transcripts from each college or university you attended (regardless of whether credit or degree was obtained) to the online application form.

Instructions for submitting transcripts:

Scan the front and back of each page of the transcript. Scan in the highest resolution possible.  Upload documents in .pdf or .docx format. Please ensure that your name and the institution name is printed on all transcripts.

Please do not mail hard copies of official transcripts to office, as they may not be added to your application package.

For international applicants, please see additional requirements for foreign transcripts.

3. Exams

GRE

The Graduate Records Examination (GRE) is optional for all applicants.

There is no minimum score required on the GRE. However, applicants are encouraged to score above the 50th percentile in each section of the exam.

Scores must be sent to institution code 5246 through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). There is no need to include a department code.

GMAT

GW Engineering does not accept GMAT exam scores.

TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic

Required for students who have completed their higher education outside of the United States. View details and instructions.

4. Letters of Recommendation

A minimum of three (3) letters of recommendation are required to be submitted with your online application form.

On the online application form, you must provide the full name and email address for each of your recommenders. The system will automatically send them an email with a link to submit the letter online.

The letters should be from a professor, work supervisor, or colleague who is able to speak to your research experience and potential to succeed in a doctoral program.

5. Statement of Purpose

Applicants must upload a statement of purpose of at least 400 words but no more than 600 words that clearly states their purpose in undertaking graduate study at the George Washington University; academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities.

The statement of purpose must be written by the applicant. Any essay found to be plagiarized, copied, or written by someone else, will result in the immediate termination of their application's review and denied admission.

6. Resume/CV

A current résumé or curriculum vitae (CV) should be uploaded with the online application form in .pdf or .docx format.

If you have published articles in peer-reviewed publications, please include them in your resume as a hyperlink.

International Student Requirements

If you require a visa to study in the United States and/or hold a bachelor's degree from a foreign institution, you must also follow the International Admissions requirements to successfully apply for a graduate program at SEAS.

7. Application Fee

The application fee is $80. This must be paid by credit card (all types accepted) online upon completion of the online application form. Applications cannot be reviewed until this fee has been paid.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you submit your application and paid the application fee, you may no longer make any changes to your application. 

Fee Waiver

The application fee may be waived for applicants in the following categories:

• Current GW students and alumni, including current SEAS undergraduate students applying for a Five-Year Program and current SEAS graduate students applying for a Certificate Program or changing their field of study
• Members of any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces (active duty or veterans)
• Attendees from an online information session with a promo code

For questions, contact [email protected].

Track Your Application Status

Check the status of your application online at any time by logging back into the application system. The user ID and password is the same one you used to create the application.

Log in to application

Monitor your email inbox regularly. You should receive an email each time your application moves through the review process.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common questions about the application review process.

At any time, please contact us at [email protected] or 202-994-1802 with questions. 

Are you a current SEAS graduate student?

Current SEAS graduate students who are already enrolled in a degree program may request to have their application materials transferred from their original application to their doctoral degree application. Please contact [email protected] with your request.