Online Doctor of Philosophy Program

What Our Graduates Think

Robert Monroe, Jr.

Computer Scientist/Capabilities Development Specialist, M.S. Systems Engineering
“Thank you to the entire GW SEAS-OP staff for graciously assisting me with administration, registration, and scheduling throughout my matriculation as a GW SEAS-OP student. Your team made the experience easy. Academically, I am empowered with a top-notch SE education as a recipient of the globally respected GW master’s degree in SE. I am excited to transition into my new career as a Cyber Systems Engineer, and proud to be a Colonial!”

Ruma Das

IT Program Manager, Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“EMSE’s program was an amazingly effective, rigorous and significant academic experience. The program led us through strengthening the academic foundation, filling the gaps and investigating research interest in a structured manner.”

Reinhard Sandrock

Project Engineering and Site Manager, M.S. Systems Engineering
“Through the GW master’s in systems engineering program I have a deeper understanding of the entire systems engineering process. The Project Management series was particularly useful as I transitioned to a new position as a Project Engineering and Site Manager. The critical thinking skills acquired from the program have helped me to ask better and more penetrating questions prior to making decisions that affect our site. Also, the ease of [taking] online courses from our work location just couldn’t be beat!”

Michael McNair

Robotics Division Chief, M.S. Systems Engineering
“Classes were on target. The professors wanted me to learn and get something out of classes. Dean and staff were very helpful. Overall, the program is first rate. The clear benefits are the degree, and the insight I gained pursuing it. I am at Arlington Research Institute: my master’s is applicable as we move research to potential commercialization. I definitely recommend the program!”

Chris Williams

Cybersecurity Architect, M.S. Engineering Management
“The SEAS Online Program enabled me to expand my education by hearing from seasoned experts in Washington D.C. while continuing to work full-time at my office in California. The program was an outstanding exploration into today’s fast-moving realm of cybersecurity and positioned me for my current position building secure IT systems for my company’s customers. I would highly recommend this program to everyone looking to understand cybersecurity at a strategic and managerial level.”

Billy Sanders

Senior Systems Engineer, M.S. Systems Engineering
“The benefits I’ve gained from GW include the tremendous ability to apply industry recognized SE frameworks and methodologies across a variety of interdisciplinary projects. I am able to implement standard practices understood by other SEs across domains. The program was invaluable [in preparing me] to solve complex problems in today’s market. I give credit to GW for inspiring me to stay engaged in the academic community while sparking interest in continuing my education.”

Kurt Woeller

Systems Engineer, M.S., Systems Engineering
“I very much enjoyed my experience with the GW SEAS-OP Graduate Program and I feel it has helped me in many and varied ways! Thanks for being a part of that experience.”

Thomas Bostick

Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“As a senior military officer with a heavy work and travel schedule, I did not believe I could complete a PhD in Systems Engineering while on active duty. But it was possible through the GW SEAS Online Programs Office. My dissertation advisors taught, mentored, and guided me throughout the entire process and they, along with the classroom professors, are dedicated, professional experts. The program was extremely challenging, but it is excellent for those who need the flexible schedule to study while working. I will be forever grateful to my advisors other professors, and to GW.”

Gina Guillaume-Joseph

Systems Engineer and Project Lead, Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“I am a Systems Engineer and Project Lead at an organization that operates federally-funded research and development centers for the U.S. government. I explore risks and undesirable consequences encountered by our sponsors, and assist them in making critical decisions. My goal in pursuing the PhD in Systems Engineering at GW was to become a more effective systems engineer, and I achieved it. One great benefit I gained from the program is the enhancement of my knowledge and skill in performing evidence-based quantitative research. The degree provides great value to those working in systems engineering, project management, and software engineering.”

Hiep Tran

Systems Engineering Lead, Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“I feel fortunate to have discovered the PhD program in Systems Engineering offered by George Washington University. The doctoral program provided me with the rigorous theoretical and practical knowledge I need to solve real-life problems. The faculty and support staff at GW are professional, and are genuinely interested in the success of each student. I currently work at a corporation that offers our customers and sponsors world-class products, and I strongly believe that the degree from GW has prepared me to produce this type of excellent work.”

Ronald Iammartino

Jr MAJ USARMY JS J6 (US), Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“The PhD program offered by SEAS Online has been an incredibly enriching academic experience. It offers a rare combination of flexibility and high academic standards that not only challenged me as a researcher, but significantly enhanced my analytical skills to improve my thinking in every area. Even more, the people associated with this program are truly world-class—from the academic staff and faculty to the students in my cohort. I am proud to be part of the SEAS alumni community. I know I will long benefit from the relationships and professional opportunities afforded by this program.”

Patrick Clowney

Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“The most significant benefits I gained from my studies in SEASOP were learning to analyze and synthesize data, draw logical conclusions, and improve my decision making. In addition, I now have lifelong friendships and connections with my cohort, coupled with the desire to learn more, and the increased ability to craft arguments and solve complex problems.”

Stuart Young

Chief, Asset Control and Behavior Branch, Army Research Laboratory, Ph.D. Systems Engineering
“The SEAS online doctoral program made it possible for me to pursue my goal of obtaining a PhD in Systems Engineering even while working full-time and caring for my family. As the manager of an intelligent systems research group, I investigated novel research of my own, expanding my insight into the current state of the art and deepening my knowledge of the topic, thus enabling me to better develop our strategic research direction. This is an excellent program for busy individuals seeking to challenge themselves and gain greater understanding of the complex nature of systems.”

Stanley Osuagwu

Corporate Quality Assurance Manager, D.Eng.
“Attaining the designation “Doctor” was my childhood dream, something not accomplished before by anyone in my family. The rigor of the GW Doctor of Engineering program was by far the most challenging and humbling experience I have ever had. I gained new-found respect for academia and for self-motivated research, through which I gained the ability to think critically under intense pressure while maintaining a full-time professional obligation, community obligations, and my family responsibility as a married father of two. The practical approach of this world-class program trained and developed my aptitude to attack real-world issues in the praxis paper and positively contribute to society through the application of my research. With the opportunity GW provided, my professional situation changed: My peers and senior executive officers – as well as my business partners, customers, and other industry experts – now acknowledge me as a subject matter expert, and the path for advancement in my career has become clear.”

James T.

Online M.S. Graduate
“The professors and support personnel were all very professional, knowledgeable, and responded quickly to any questions and/or concerns. The courses in GW’s Systems Engineering program helped me look at problems more objectively, thoroughly, and address the root cause, and find solutions more efficiently. Completing the Systems Engineering master’s program, enabled me to transition from an analytical to technical position and further advance my career. Based on my experience, I would not hesitate to encourage someone to apply to the program.”

Oluwatomi O. Adetunji.

Deputy Program Manager/Cybersecurity, Test and Evaluation Director; D.Eng.
“The rigorous George Washington University doctoral program in engineering management was by far the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. The classes were excellent — taught by experts from both industry and academia — and I enjoyed every one of them. The practical approach of this program developed my research skills, leading to publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and has allowed me to contribute to the betterment of society. Thanks to the opportunity GW provided, my career is advancing and my goals are attainable.”

Tanya F.

Project Engineer, Online M.S. Graduate
“The SEAS program has allowed me an opportunity to further advance my career, participating in mission-essential projects designed to execute continuity of operations during an unexpected event. I especially enjoyed the variety of methods used to stimulate learning and creativity including thought provoking homework lessons, web board discussions and research focused on systems thinking principles highlight people, processes, and technology. The importance of having highly qualified professors to support my efforts while keeping me engaged and eager to learn has proven to be fundament given my responsibility of leading technical, large and complex programs with difficult problems to solve. My journey having waiting years to return to graduate school could not have been realized without the support of the online SEAS family! For anyone thinking of returning to school or enrolling in a comprehensive and cutting-edge program, I highly recommend enrollment! ”

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Online Doctor of Philosophy Program

We will begin accepting applications for the fall 2024 cohort starting in January 2024.

Students applying for admission to the GW’s Online Engineering Programs must meet the graduate entrance requirements of the Online Engineering Programs. See below for the necessary entrance criteria for your program of interest.
Please note that prospective students are allowed to apply for the D.Eng or Ph.D. program – not both. Our office will not process dual applications.

Step One: Review the Admissions Requirements

Minimum of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics or a closely related field from recognized institutions.
A minimum graduate level GPA of 3.5
A minimum of two college-level calculus courses passed with grades of B- or better
TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language. Learn more at the SEAS English language requirements and exemption policy page. Test scores may not be more than two years old.
Capacity for original scholarship.

Note: GRE and GMAT scores are not required to complete the application packet, but can be submitted to strengthen the application.

Please note that our doctoral programs are highly selective; meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.

Join our Doctoral mailing list to be notified when information is released regarding future Ph.D. cohorts.

Step Two: Submit Application and Supporting Documents

To speed our review of your application for admission, order your official transcripts and prepare all other materials before submitting your application. Within 30 days of submitting the application, all supplemental application materials must be received by the admissions office. After that time, the file will be rejected as incomplete. Applications for this doctoral program will be accepted until the application deadline (once provided) or all available seats have been filled.

Complete application packets include:

Completed Application for Graduate Admission (will be available in January 2024)
Order Your Official Transcripts – Request that official transcripts, in English, be sent to our office directly from all colleges or universities attended, whether or not a degree was earned. Contact the institutions you attended previously to learn the process for requesting official transcripts. mail to:
- Online Engineering Programs
  The George Washington University
  170 Newport Center Drive
  Suite 260
  Newport Beach, CA 92660
Up-to-Date Resume
Statement of Purpose – In an essay of 250 words or less, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and discuss your related qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned.
English Language Requirements: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language. The School of Engineering and Applied Science requires requires a TOEFL score of 600 paper-based or 100 internet-based, or an IELTS overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, or a PTE score of 68.

Normally official transcripts must be received before an admission decision is rendered for the Doctor of Engineering program.

Step Three: Remain Engaged in the Admissions Process

You will receive emails from us updating you as your application goes through the admissions process.

Subscribe to our email list!

To receive additional information via email about GW’s online Ph.D. Program in systems engineering, as it is announced please fill out the form below.

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