Online Student Experience

The Flexibility You Need to Succeed in Healthcare

At The George Washington University, you can earn your degree without putting your other priorities on hold. Our programs are designed for working professionals who want to build skills that lead to rewarding careers in fields like clinical research, medical laboratory sciences, and healthcare management.  

Here, you can choose a format that best fits your life. Some programs are offered fully online, while others are hybrid, combining online coursework with in-person requirements. In both formats, you’ll benefit from an interdisciplinary health sciences curriculum that exposes you to multiple perspectives in healthcare, helping you learn alongside peers across disciplines, all under the guidance of our world-renowned faculty and faculty-practitioners. They’ll work closely with you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. 

You also benefit from a fully immersive remote experience. Access your courses and work toward your goals anywhere, as long as you meet your program’s technical requirements.

Student working in a lab
student working on a laptop wearing a George Washington University Sweatshirt

Stay Connected With Classmates and Faculty 

At GW, your online or hybrid experience is built to keep you connected. Learn from award-winning faculty who actively engage with you and foster meaningful interaction between classmates through discussions, feedback, and applied assignments. As part of our accredited health sciences programs, courses are designed to be interactive and practical, helping you collaborate with peers and build skills you can use in clinical and healthcare settings. We also feature a low faculty-to-student ratio, meaning you can get more time working directly with your professors.

Our asynchronous course structure provides you with the flexibility to complete assignments on your schedule while still meeting deadlines, staying engaged with your coursework, and actively engaging with faculty and classmates through online discussions. Collaborate with peers from across disciplines, gaining new perspectives that reflect the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare. Plus, throughout your program, you’ll have access to faculty guidance and academic resources that help you stay on track.  

For your day-to-day, you’ll use Blackboard, GW’s online learning platform, to access your coursework, submit assignments, and stay in touch with instructors

Explore Online/Hybrid Degrees

Choose from online and hybrid bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs designed to help you build skills and advance your career in health sciences.

Explore Programs

Technical Support at GW

We offer 24/7 technical support, so you’ll be able to solve your technical issues fast and get back to focusing on your coursework.
 

Technology & Support

Compare the Benefits: Online/Hybrid and On Campus

You’ll receive the same benefits and the same education as our on-campus students.

  Online/Hybrid On Campus
A prestigious education that’s regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools    
World-class faculty with experience in clinical and research settings    
High academic standards with rigorous, interactive coursework and real-world, applied assignments    
Access to many student support services such as tutors, the writing center, academic support, career services, and learning resources    
Join a robust professional network and opportunities to connect with a global alumni network of 290,000+ professionals    
Flexible online course structure designed for working professionals    

No matter how you choose to learn, you can benefit from the same high-quality curriculum, faculty expertise, and student support, with online and hybrid formats offering added flexibility to fit your goals and schedule.

Tips for Online/Hybrid Learning Success

 

  1. Create a study plan. Flexible, asynchronous coursework gives you control over your schedule. Take advantage by setting aside consistent time each week to stay on track and keep up with assignments.
  2. Build your connections. At GW, you’ll have opportunities to engage with faculty, classmates, and alumni. These relationships can support your learning and help you grow professionally. 
  3. Use your support system. As a GW online student, you’ll have access to a dedicated advisor, 24/7 tech support, and online student resources. Use these services to stay organized, get help when you need it, and keep moving forward

Have questions about getting started or succeeding as an online or hybrid student? 
Request more information.

To access course materials and participate in classes, you’ll need to meet GW’s technical requirements. Review the  technical requirements for online programs to make sure you’re prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’re here to support you and answer any questions you may have about your online learning journey.

Are classes held at a specific time?

No, you do not need to attend class at a set time. Courses are designed to be asynchronous, so you can complete your work on your own schedule.

Each week, you’ll complete assigned readings, participate in discussion boards and group activities, and submit assignments through the online learning platform that must be completed by scheduled deadlines.

Are there any support resources available to me during the program?

Yes. You’ll work with an academic advisor from the admissions process through graduation, helping you plan your courses and stay on track throughout your program. GW also provides 24/7 technical support for online students, so help is always available when you need it.

We also emphasize faculty mentorship in health programs, giving you opportunities to connect with instructors, receive guidance, and build relationships that support your academic and professional growth. 

Do online programs have a campus residency requirement?

Most coursework is completed online, but some programs may include limited in-person requirements. If applicable, these campus visits are built into the program and designed to support hands-on learning and real-world skill development.

How much time do online classes take?

Online classes are designed to require a similar time commitment as on-campus courses. As a student of GW’s accredited health sciences programs, you’ll complete comparable assignments and learn from the same faculty, all in a format that fits your schedule.

Time requirements vary by course length and credit hours. For example, you can expect to spend about 14 hours per week on an eight-week, three-credit course, or about 7.5 hours per week on a fifteen-week course.

This structure makes it easier to manage your time while balancing work and school. You’ll also save time by not commuting, giving you more flexibility to focus on your coursework.

What other resources are available to me as a GW School of Medicine Student?

All GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences students can find support through a wide variety of services and resources. We encourage you to visit the links below to familiarize yourself with the resources available at GW:

When can I start classes?

GW follows a semester-based schedule, with start terms in fall (August), spring (January), and summer (April or May).

Some programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year, while others admit students once or twice annually. Your available start date will depend on the program you choose.

For the most accurate information, submit a Request Info form under “Contact Us,” and a member of our team will follow up with details about your program and next steps.

Contact Us

As you explore our programs at George Washington University, our dedicated staff is here to support you. If you have any questions or want to know more, click the "Request More Information" button below, or email info [at] hsprograms [dot] gwu [dot] edu (info[at]hsprograms[dot]gwu[dot]edu).