BSHS in Clinical Health Sciences
**We are not accepting students to this program at this time, but please refer to our other program offerings.
100% Online
24 Months*
The George Washington University's (GW) Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Clinical Health Sciences is only available for active-duty Navy IDCs, Army 18Ds, and Air Force IDMTs. Coast Guardsmen who completed a Navy IDC School may be eligible, depending on their current duty assignment. Please contact the Program Coordinator if you have questions on your eligibility.
The online BSHS in Clinical Health Sciences offers active-duty Navy IDCs, Army Special Forces Medical Sergeants (18Ds), and Air Force Independent Medical Technicians (IDMTs) a way to formalize their specialized military training with a degree from The George Washington University. All of our courses are offered online in a flexible, asynchronous format allowing students to pursue their degree, regardless of time zone, station, or overseas assignment. The clinical rotations are arranged by students in their current duty station or location.
*The total number of credits and duration of the program depend on the number of transferred credits
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Accreditation and Rankings
- GW is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- #62 Best National University*
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's Programs*
- #7 Best Online Programs for Veterans*
* The U.S. News & World Report – 2024 Rankings
Program Highlights
- This program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, divided into three degree components:
- Advanced Standing and Electives (45-60 credits)
- General Education (24 credit hours)
- Clinical Health Sciences Major Courses (36 credit hours)
- 100% online coursework
- Flexible, asynchronous format
- Clinical rotations are arranged by students in their current duty station or location
Who Is the Ideal Student for This Program?
Presently, there are limited educational opportunities leading to a degree that will provide IDCs, 18Ds, and IDMTs the opportunity to enhance their skills, obtain the credentials to pursue advanced study, and be eligible for promotion within the military. The Clinical Health Sciences program fills that void by building on the strengths of a student’s specialized military training and provides a combination of opportunities to fulfill requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Students from the three approved military occupations are awarded 60 academic credits towards the BSHS—50 percent of the degree! We have generous transfer policies and a special military discount on tuition for active-duty military personnel.
Graduates will be prepared to continue their education in graduate or professional programs in such fields as physician assistant (PA), public health, and health services administration. Please note that most PA programs require additional science courses (e.g. Chemistry and Anatomy and Physiology) not required in our program. You should refer directly to each PA program to which you intend to apply for specific admission requirements.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the BSHS in Clinical Health Sciences, you’ll need:
| Completed application |
| Students must be active-duty Army 18Ds, Navy IDCs, or Air Force IDMTs to be eligible |
| Active duty military have the option to upload an unofficial JST or CCAF instead of their resume. |
| Statement of Purpose |
| One letter of recommendation |
| Personal Statement |
| Proof of current certification (e.g. Page 13 for Navy IDC, ATP Card for Army 18Ds, Certificate of Completion Diploma for Air Force IDMTs, etc.) |
Tuition Details
The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in Clinical Health Sciences program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, divided into three-degree components. Please find the cost per credit hour and total estimated program costs here.
Note: Tuition rates are subject to change and additional fees may vary by program.
Meet the Program Director
GW’s experienced faculty provide you with the rich, practical knowledge and support needed for you to succeed in the program and in your career.
Samar Nasser, PhD, MPH, PA-C
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Dr. Nasser is an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Research and Leadership at The George Washington University. For about 10 years, Dr. Nasser practiced as a physician assistant (PA) in the Hypertension and Vascular Disease Clinic, and assistant medical director of the Recruitment and Clinical Measures Core on a National Institutes of Health Center Grant in Detroit, MI.
During her tenure as a PA, she cared for patients in the out-patient and in-patient settings, as well as those participants in several clinical research trials. While functioning as a PA, she attended the University of Michigan, School of Public Health and obtained her Master’s of Public Health Degree with a specialization in Epidemiology. She then pursued a Doctorate of Philosophy degree in 2011 with a concentration in Physiology, as she also has a passion to teach others and a deep appreciation for how the human body maintains homeostasis and understanding human physiologic functions as they relate to preventative health measures, public health, and the translational research field.
Dr. Nasser has co-authored numerous journal articles and several book chapters focusing on cardiovascular disease/hypertension and ethnic disparities. Her expertise is focused upon evaluating the factors impacting racial disparities, specifically cardiovascular, and translating evidence-based methods to curb these effects.
Curriculum Details: 100% Online
**We are not accepting students to this program at this time, but please refer to our other program offerings.
The BSHS with a major in Clinical Health Sciences is a 100% online degree completion program that requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, divided into three degree components. The following requirements must be fulfilled:
*Please note: this program is restricted based on military occupation and status.
- Advanced Standing and Electives (45-60 credits)
- General Education (24 credit hours)
- Clinical Health Sciences Major Courses (36 credit hours)
Transferable Coursework
For an assessment on the transferability of your previous coursework, please contact the program office. Coursework will be evaluated for transfer using the following criteria:
- College-level
- Academic in nature
- Completed at a regionally accredited institution
- Earned with a C or better (C- grades do not transfer)
Advanced Standing and Electives (45-60 credit hours)
During the first semester the student is enrolled in the program, advanced standing for eligible military courses will be noted on the student’s record and applied towards the bachelor’s degree.
General Education (24 credit hours)
Prerequisite courses that must be completed prior to admission include the General Education courses (and credits) listed below*:
- 3 credits in English composition
- 3 credits in college mathematics (college algebra, statistics, or above)
- 4 credits in natural or physical science with a lab
- 6 credits in social sciences
- 3 credits in humanities
*Individual evaluation may be needed for military transfer credit to be applied to the general education area.
Coursework at GW (36 credits)
Foundation Courses:
- HSCI 2101: Psychosocial Aspects of Health and Illness
- HSCI 2105: Current Issues in Bioethics
- HSCI 2110 OR HSCI 2114: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts or Healthcare in Developing Nations
- HSCI 2112W: Writing in the Health Sciences
- HSCI 2130: Primary Care Skills Practicum (2 credits)*
- HSCI 2131: Adult Primary Care Practicum (2 credits)*
- HSCI 2133: Specialized Clinical Experience (2 credits)*
- HSCI 4102: Human Physiology in Extreme Environments
- HSCI 4112W: Research and Writing in the Health Sciences
- HSCI 3117 OR HSCI 2117: Principles of Biostatistics for Health Sciences or Introduction to Statistics for Health Sciences
- HSCI 2050 Foundations of Health Equity
- EHS 2109: Infectious Diseases & Bioterrorism
*Must be completed while on active-duty. Students arrange rotations at their current duty stations. All rotations require a MD or PA preceptor.
Health Sciences Elective (advisor approval required; choose one)
- EHS 2211: Introduction to Telemedicine
- EHS 2161: Principles of Hazardous Materials and CBRNE Incident Management
- EHS 3101: Leadership Concepts
- EHS 3105: Integrated Response to High Impact Violent Incidents
- HSCI 2110: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Concepts
- HSCI 2114: Healthcare in Developing Nations
- HSCI 4106: Introduction to Epidemiology
+HSCI 2103: Health Policy and the Heath Care System cannot be double-counted for a general education requirement and an elective; it may only be used to complete one requirement
Key Dates
**We are not accepting students to this program at this time, but please refer to our other program offerings.
|
Summer 2025 |
Fall 2024 |
Spring 2025 |
|
| Application Deadline |
March 20, 2025 (Open) |
July 20, 2024 (Closed) |
December 1, 2024 (Open) |
Admission Requirements
All applicants must complete the GW Online Application.
Application Fee
- There is no application fee for active-duty servicemen and servicewomen.
BSHS in Clinical Health Sciences Admission (100% Online) Requirements
- Students must be active-duty Army 18Ds, Navy IDCs, or Air Force IDMTs to be eligible for consideration. Students must have at least a year left on their contract in order to complete the preceptored clinical rotations. Applicants must submit (a) Copy of current Enlistment Contract AND (b) Statement of Service from the Personnel Section (e.g. S-1 Army, N-1 Navy) stating employment and end date of their enlistment contract. See example of required documentation.
- Active duty military have the option to upload an unofficial JST or CCAF instead of their resume.
- Proof of current certification (e.g. Page 13 for Navy IDC, ATP Card for Army 18Ds, Certificate of Completion Diploma for Airforce IDMTs, etc.) See example
- Official Transcripts
Please submit official military transcripts (e.g. JST, CCAF). Please indicate Joint Services transcript or CCAF in the Enrollment History area of the application.
Please submit an official transcript from every college and university you attended, whether or not a degree was earned. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to: transcripts@hsprograms.gwu.edu.
Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
Mail: George Washington University
ATTN: Transcript Processing Center
1415 W 22nd St.
Suite 220
Oak Brook, IL 60523
5. Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required and must be submitted through the GW Online Application. Recommendations are weighed heavily in the consideration for admission.
Letters of recommendation should be from:
- Academic instructors who can strongly attest to your academic ability, and/or
- Individuals who served in a supervisory capacity for you, and who can strongly attest to your work ethic.
- The recommender cannot be from a family or friend.
Recommender will submit a letter on letterhead with a signature and credentials/contact information via the application portal .
6. Statement of Purpose
Please include a 250-500 word essay describing your reasons for undertaking study at The George Washington University, and your academic objectives, career goals, and related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
7. Eligibility for Active-Duty Military Discounted Tuition Rate
A discounted tuition rate is available for active-duty service members in our distance education Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) programs. Please see the Tuition & Financial Aid page for more information on program rates. In order to receive this rate, your program must receive the following documents during the admission process. If your status changes during your program, please contact your GW program advisor.
For students on active-duty, we need:
(a) Copy of current Enlistment Contract AND
(b) Statement from the Personnel Section (e.g. S-1 Army, N-1 Navy) providing statement of employment and end date of the enlistment contract. (See example of documentation.)
For active-duty personnel who will retire or separate before they complete their program, the discounted rate is granted during the enrollment period that aligns with the contract. Students will be returned to the standard DE rate once they retire or separate.
For Reserve and National Guard who have been activated, we need:
(a) Orders for Mobilization OR
(b) Orders for Active Duty for Training (Annual Training not included)
For Reserve and National Guard, the discounted rate is granted during the enrollment period that aligns with the orders. Students will be returned to the standard DE rate once the orders expire.
Note: Orders must align with the enrollment period to be eligible. For example, orders for active status for a few days of the semester would not be eligible for the discounted rate during that semester. Please contact the program office if you have questions.
Transferring Credits
For more information about transferring in credits as an incoming student, please refer to the Curriculum page.