**We are not accepting students to this program at this time, but please refer to our other program offerings.
Applying for Admission
Program-Specific Admission Requirements
The BSHS in Leadership for Emergency Action & Disaster Response is a closed admission program. Only current or former SOF operators and enablers across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines will be considered for admission.
Students need a minimum 2.5 GPA in prior college coursework, and advanced standing in order to apply to the degree completion program. Prospective students are advised to enter the program with 60 credits to aid in timely degree completion; however, prospective students with a minimum of 45 credits will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the program director.
Students may enter the program in the summer, fall, or spring semesters.
All applicants must complete the GW Online Application.
Application Deadline.
- Spring Entry: November 15
- Summer Entry: March 15
- Fall Entry: July 15
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $80 is required. This fee is waived only for the following applicants:
- U.S. military personnel and veterans
- GW alumni (those holding a GW degree or graduate certificate)
- Current degree or graduate certificate candidates at GW
- Graduates of Minority Serving Institutions (MSI)
- Current McNair Program Scholars (a completed Certification of McNair Program Participation and Application Fee Waiver form must be submitted with your application)
General Admission Requirements
1. Resume - Attach your current resume. Active-duty military have the option to upload an unofficial JST or CCAF instead.
2. Official Transcripts
Please submit official military transcripts (e.g. JST, CCAF). Please indicate 'Joint Services Transcript' or 'CCAF' under Enrollment History.
Please submit an official transcript from every college and university you attended whether or not a degree was earned. Please request electronic delivery of an Official digital version to hsphora@gwu.edu.
Or if they only mail them:
The George Washington University
Health Sciences Programs
2600 Virginia Avenue NW
Suite 104
Washington, DC 20037
All non-U.S. transcripts (including those in English) must be evaluated by an accredited foreign credential agency.
3. Recommendations
One letter of recommendation is required for undergraduate students. The recommendations must be submitted through the GW Online Application. Letters of recommendation should be from:
- Individuals who served in a supervisory capacity for you and who can strongly attest to your work ethic, and/or
- Academic instructors who can strongly attest to your academic ability
Recommendations are not acceptable from family members and friends.
4. 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 (especially your international experience), including collegiate, professional, and community activities, relevant to your program of interest. Include any substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
5. English Language Test
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens are required to submit official test scores for either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Pearsons Test of English (PTE) Academic or the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The following are the minimum scores for admission consideration:
- TOEFL: 250 computer-based or 100 Internet-based
- PTE: overall score of 68
- IELTS: an overall band score of 7.0, with no individual band score below 6.
Applicants may be exempted from the English Language Test on a case-by-case basis. The advisor should contact the Admissions Office on behalf of the student for a review. All guaranteed admission agreement students are exempted from the English Language requirement.
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 Enlistment Contract AND
(b) Statement from the Personnel Section (e.g. S-1 Army, N-1 Navy) providing current employment and end date of the enlistment contract. (See example of Statement from the Personnel documents)
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.
Transferable Coursework (75 credit hours)
Students are permitted to transfer up to 60 credits to meet the general education, and advanced standing requirements. As a closed admission, military program established via military partnership, additional coursework above 60 credits may be considered for equivalency to courses in the major at the discretion of the Program Director. On a case-by-case basis, up to 75 credits may be transferred using traditional and non-traditional credits.