Online Business Programs FAQs
Online MBA
- Do I need any professional or work experience in order to apply to the Online MBA program?
Accepted students generally have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional experience at the time of entry to the program. However, GW does not have a minimum work experience requirement for admission.
The Admissions Committee takes internships and cooperative education assignments into account, but those experiences are usually considered supplementary. Military experience and non-traditional backgrounds will strongly be considered when evaluating applications.
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
The online MBA program requires 46.5 credit hours to graduate.
- How long does it take to complete the MBA online?
The program is designed to be completed in approximately 2.5 years when pursued part time. However, the pace is flexible, allowing you to balance work, life and study.
- Can I complete the program entirely online?
Yes, this program is 100% online. The coursework combines self-paced learning with live sessions that allow for interaction with faculty and peers.
- What is the program’s format and structure?
The program blends self-paced online coursework with live, interactive sessions held weekly. Students engage with materials such as videos, podcasts and discussions. This format allows flexibility while ensuring active participation and engagement.
- Is the online MBA program accredited?
Yes, the GW online MBA is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the premier global accrediting body for business schools.
- How often will I need to attend live classes?
Each course typically includes an optional, weekly one-hour live classroom session scheduled during evenings or weekends to accommodate working professionals. These sessions are also recorded for convenience.
- What specializations or certificates can I pursue as part of the MBA?
The program offers graduate certificates in areas such as:
- Project management
- Human capital
These certificates allow you to tailor the MBA to your career goals without adding extra time to your degree.
- Can on-campus MBA students take online courses and vice versa?
Yes, students enrolled in the on-campus MBA may be eligible to take online courses if space is available. Similarly, online students may take on-campus courses, subject to availability.
- Are there any scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, GW offers financial aid, and students may be eligible for various scholarships. Additionally, students can take advantage of the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans and active-duty military members.
Learn more about our financial aid options on our tuition page.
- What are the upcoming start dates for the online MBA program?
The online MBA program offers three start dates: fall, spring, and summer. Specific deadlines and application dates will vary, so check our admissions page for the most up-to-date information.
Master in Human Resource Management
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
The MHRM program requires 30 credit hours to graduate.
- What is the duration of the MHRM program?
The program can be completed in as little as 2 years on a part-time basis. This flexible schedule allows you to balance work and other commitments while pursuing your degree.
- Is the program offered fully online?
Yes, the MHRM program is available 100% online, allowing you to complete your studies from anywhere while balancing personal and professional commitments. The program features weekly live sessions along with self-paced coursework.
- Is the program aligned with industry standards?
Yes, the MHRM program is aligned with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), allowing students to earn their SHRM-CP certification before graduating. This alignment ensures that the curriculum meets the latest industry standards.
- What are the core courses in the program?
Some of the core courses include:
- Organizations and Human Capital
- Strategic Human Resource Management
- Leadership and Executive Development
- Performance Management and Development
In addition, students must complete 6 credits of electives from a selection of specialized topics such as Conflict Management, Employment Law and Leading the Virtual Workforce.
- What are the career outcomes for MHRM graduates?
Graduates of the MHRM program can pursue a variety of leadership roles in human resources, including:
- HR manager
- Talent acquisition specialist
- Compensation and benefits manager
- Training and development manager
- Employee relations specialist
- Diversity and inclusion manager
- What kind of interaction will I have with faculty and peers?
You will engage with faculty and peers through live, interactive sessions held weekly. These sessions are scheduled during evenings to accommodate working professionals, and they are also recorded for later viewing.
- What are the upcoming start dates for the MHRM program?
The MHRM program offers three start dates: fall, spring, and summer. Specific deadlines and application dates will vary, so check our admissions page for the most up-to-date information.
MS in Information Systems Technology
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
The MSIST program requires a total of 33 credit hours, with an additional 3 credit hours if a foundation course is needed.
- What is the duration of the MSIST program?
The MSIST program is designed to be completed in 2 to 2.5 years on a part-time basis, allowing you to balance your studies with your professional commitments.
- What are the admission requirements for the MSIST program?
To apply, you will need:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- A strong academic background
- Programming skills
- Demonstrated professional interest in information systems technology
For more details on admission requirements, please visit our admissions page.
- Is the MSIST program accredited?
The MSIST program is STEM-certified, ensuring it meets rigorous standards for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
- Is the program fully online?
Yes, the program is delivered 100% online with a mix of weekly live sessions and self-paced learning.
- What kind of career opportunities can I pursue with an MSIST degree?
Graduates of the MSIST program are prepared for high-demand IT roles in industries such as health care, consulting and technology. Career paths include:
- IT manager
- Systems analyst
- Data analyst
- Information security specialist
Graduates often secure roles at top companies like Accenture, IBM and CISCO.
- Does the program include hands-on learning opportunities?
Yes, the MSIST program features hands-on online laboratory classes that allow students to gain practical experience in areas such as data analytics, cloud applications and cybersecurity.
- What is the next start date for the program?
The MSIST program offers three start dates: fall, spring and summer. Specific deadlines and application dates will vary, so check our admissions page for the most up-to-date information.
MS in Management
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
The MiM program requires 33 credit hours to graduate, including core courses and electives that allow students to customize their learning experience.
- What is the duration of the MiM program?
The program can be completed in as little as 2 years on a part-time basis, offering flexibility for students balancing their studies with work or other commitments.
- What kind of courses will I take?
The curriculum includes fundamental business courses such as:
- Financial Accounting
- Decision Making and Data Analysis
- Finance
- Organizations and Human Capital
- Marketing
Additionally, students must complete 12 credit hours of electives from graduate-level courses offered by the School of Business, giving them the flexibility to tailor their degree to their career goals. For a full list of courses and descriptions, visit our curriculum page.
- Is the MiM program available fully online?
Yes, the MiM program is offered 100% online, allowing students to access live, weekly interactive sessions along with self-paced coursework. This flexibility helps students balance their education with other professional and personal responsibilities.
- What career opportunities can I expect after graduation?
The program equips students with skills in decision-making, data analysis and leadership, preparing them for positions that require strategic thinking and management expertise. Graduates of the MiM program can pursue a range of management and leadership roles across industries, including:
- Operations manager
- Project manager
- Business consultant
- Human resources manager
- What are the upcoming start dates for the program?
The MiM program offers three start dates each year, in the fall, spring and summer. Please check our admissions page for specific application deadlines.
MS in Project Management
- How many credits are required to complete the program?
The MSPM program requires a total of 30 credit hours to graduate, which includes both core courses and electives.
- What is the duration of the MSPM program?
The MSPM program can be completed in as little as five semesters on a part-time basis, making it flexible for working professionals balancing careers and studies.
- Is the program fully online?
Yes, the MSPM program is offered 100% online with weekly live sessions and self-paced study materials. This allows you to balance your studies with professional commitments.
For a full list of courses and descriptions, visit our curriculum page.
- Is the MSPM program accredited?
Yes, the MSPM program is accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center (PMI-GAC). This prestigious accreditation ensures that the program meets the highest industry standards in project management education.
- What career opportunities are available after completing the MSPM?
Graduates of the MSPM program are prepared for various project management roles across industries such as technology, health care, construction and more. Potential roles include:
- Project manager
- Program manager
- Risk manager
- Agile project manager
These roles are in high demand across industries that require strong project leadership and risk management skills.
- What are the key benefits of the MSPM program?
Key benefits include:
- STEM-designated degree, enhancing career opportunities in project management
- PMI accreditation for high industry recognition
- Access to faculty-developed project management tools
- Flexible, fully online format designed for working professionals
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers across diverse fields
- What are the upcoming start dates for the program?
The MiM program offers three start dates throughout the year: in the fall, spring and summer. Please check our admissions page for specific application deadlines.
Admissions, Tuition and Financial Aid
- What are the application requirements?
Visit our admissions page to see admission and application requirements.
- Are GMAT or GRE scores required to apply?
GMAT or GRE scores are not required but can be submitted if you believe they will strengthen your application.
- What is the cost of the programs?
Visit our tuition page to find a breakdown of each program's tuition.
- Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, students are eligible to apply for various financial aid options. The spring 2025 scholarship is available to students who are interested in the online MBA, MHRM, MSIST, MiM and MSPM degree programs. Additionally, these programs participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which supports veterans and active-duty military members. Visit our tuition page for more information.