online phd george washington university

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Earn an Online Public Health Degree From George Washington University

Graduate from the no. 11-ranked milken institute school of public health 1.

Chartered by an Act of Congress in 1821, the George Washington University expands its commitment to scholastic excellence and innovation by offering world-class academic opportunities to students through an online platform.

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Online Programs From Milken Institute School of Public Health

Today, through our vast network of renowned faculty, global partnerships and advanced research initiatives, GW’s No. 11-ranked Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) 2 is carrying out its mission to redefine and advance public health around the globe, especially for underserved populations.

Applicants are not required to submit GRE test scores.  However, admission to Milken Institute SPH is competitive, and if you believe your test scores have the potential to strengthen your application, you may send us your GRE scores.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Milken Institute SPH offers rigorous online programs that challenge its students to become leaders who go on to transform public health at the local, national and global levels. Select a program offering below to learn more.

Master of Public Health (MPH)

MPH@GW prepares aspiring public health leaders to protect, improve and optimize the health of people at the local, national and global levels.

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

MHA@GW offers experienced health care professionals an online program designed to help them assume leadership positions and oversee health care delivery in a range of settings and environments.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

The online Doctor of Public Health prepares experienced public health professionals to shape public health policy, programs and initiatives around the world and resolve today’s biggest public health issues.

Get All the Benefits of GW — Online

Strong communities are the foundation of our programs. Once you enroll as an online GW student, you become a part of our vibrant global network of scholars, scientists and policy experts. You will also have full access to GW’s student services.

Peers, Professors and Alumni

Your peers are driven and experienced, your professors are active in their fields, and your GW alumni network of 301,846 is active in more than 176 countries. As a graduate, you’ll join the ranks of 11,460 Milken Institute SPH alumni.

Connections to Washington, D.C.

GW’s Milken Institute SPH calls our nation’s capital home, and our programs connect our students with respected experts working at the center of public policy and global health advocacy.

University-Wide Resources

All GW students gain access to the Career Center, the Writing Center, our extensive Himmelfarb Library, the Counseling Center and state-of-the-art research databases.

GW’s online graduate programs are an extension of the Milken Institute SPH mission: to educate the next generation of public health policymakers, practitioners, scientists, advocates and managers. With this guiding principle, our digital campus integrates the latest in learning research and science to provide the best possible educational experience for aspiring public health leaders.

Same Curricula, Same GW Standards

Through in-depth curricula, invaluable networking opportunities and real-world experiences, our online programs are of the same renowned caliber as our residential programs. Each program is designed to give you everything you need to make a global impact in public health.

All programs include:

Immersive Content

Curated and led by GW’s expert faculty, coursework includes robust case studies, real-world simulations and high-quality video lectures offering a comprehensive and engaging curriculum.

Collaborative Culture

Real-World Experience

Each Milken Institute SPH program offers a unique opportunity to address real public health challenges and apply what you are learning in the classroom directly to the field. Immersions and practicums will strengthen your professional network and fortify your classroom competencies.

Stay Connected Wherever You Go

High-performing health care students need to maximize efficiency and focus on what’s important. GW’s digital campus is built for personalization and convenience. You’ll attend classes or review coursework anywhere with Internet access. Download content to your device and complete assignments offline. Customize, modify and tailor your experience to match your individual learning style.

Stream your coursework right to your TV.

Search video transcripts and adjust video speeds.

Switch your dashboard to dark mode.

Access the entire digital campus through a full-service mobile app.

We’re Here to Answer Your Questions

Ready to take the next step but not sure where to start? Our team of Admissions Counselors is available to chat with you about which program is best suited for your goals and how you can get started. No GRE scores are required to apply.

As you work hard to pursue your goals throughout your program, we’ll keep you supported every step of the way. From 24/7 tech support to resume preparation, our mission is to facilitate your success.

Before You Enroll

Our Admissions Counselors are available to give you the support you need while you learn about the program and prepare your application. Questions about financial aid? Not sure about an upcoming deadline? Our dedicated counselors are standing by.

During Your Time as a Student

Your student support advisor will keep you on the right track as you complete courses and earn credits. One-on-one academic support makes sure that you’re constantly aligned with your goals.

After Graduation

We’re invested in your professional development. GW’s Career Center offers a comprehensive suite of graduate support services dedicated to helping you land the job. Prepare for an interview, create a top-notch resume or receive assistance with networking.

Join the GW Community

We’re thrilled that you’re considering one of GW’s online graduate programs. Regardless of which program aligns best with your goals, we’re confident that GW can prepare you to take action and influence public health for generations to come. Request information to speak with one of our Admissions Counselors.

1   Best Public Health Schools , U.S. News & World Report (2022)  arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

2   Best Public Health Schools , U.S. News & World Report (2022)  arrow_upward Return to footnote reference

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PhD in Counseling

Transform counselor education.

Our counseling doctoral program is uniquely designed to build your capacity to conduct research, publish your findings, provide clinical services, and teach at the graduate level. We balance rigorous research opportunities with hands-on counseling experience in our in-house training clinic to expand your clinical, administration, management, advocacy, and leadership skills.

The PhD program in counseling leads to careers both inside and outside of academia. Graduates of the program are teaching in universities and practicing in a variety of settings from directing high school counseling departments to leading county and state mental health treatment programs.

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Accredited The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

World-Class Faculty Our diverse faculty share expertise in trauma, human sexuality, child and adolescent development, grief and loss, substance abuse, and multicultural counseling, as well as diagnosis, assessments, interventions, and treatment approaches.

Convenient Schedule Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.

The GW Advantage

As a Carnegie R1 institution (very high research activity), the George Washington University is home to world-class faculty and doctoral students that are leading cutting-edge research, cross-collaborative initiatives between schools and local organizations, and unparalleled educational and employment opportunities.

GSEHD PhD candidates benefit from these initiatives and receive hands-on experiential learning, right on the GW campus. Students develop clinical, administration, management, and leadership skills through supervision of master's level counseling students at GSEHD's Community Counseling Services Center .

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 Program at a Glance

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Field of Counseling

Department:

Course delivery:.

Main Campus

Program Entry:

The mission of the doctoral program in counseling at George Washington University incorporates and builds on the mission of the GW Graduate Programs in Counseling. Building on research, theory and practice of master’s level counselors, the Ph.D. program in counseling prepares educators, leaders, and researchers within the scholar-practitioner model.

Program Objectives:

• Counseling - Graduates will demonstrate and apply culturally relevant, sustaining, and anti-oppressive counseling across delivery platforms and clinical contexts, including addressing legal, ethical, and professional issues and responsibilities.
• Supervision - Graduates will demonstrate and apply culturally relevant, sustaining, and anti-oppressive skills, frameworks, and administrative procedures within clinical supervision to efficaciously and ethically support, assess, and evaluate supervisees across developmental levels.
• Teaching - Graduates will demonstrate and apply culturally relevant, sustaining, and anti-oppressive teaching approaches using universal design, screening, evaluation, gatekeeping, and remediation to meet the needs of all students with respect for individual differences in learning and professional development.
• Research and Scholarship - Graduates will demonstrate and apply culturally relevant, sustaining, and anti-oppressive approaches to professional writing, professional conference proposal preparation, and research designs appropriate for quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and action research questions and hypotheses.
• Leadership and Advocacy - Graduates will demonstrate and apply culturally relevant, sustaining, and anti-oppressive perspectives and approaches to leadership and advocacy in counselor education using models and competencies that address sociopolitical, social justice, and human rights issues and how they affect the counseling profession and those the profession serves.

A minimum of 75 credits, including 33 credits in core courses, 12 credits in research courses, 6 credits in human development courses, 9 credits in an area of specialization, 15 credits in dissertation courses, and successful completion of the comprehensive examination.

*Prerequisite statistics courses must have been taken during the student's master's degree program or must be completed prior to taking required advanced courses. For students who have not had an introductory statistics course, have not had such a course in recent years, or do not feel confident in their understanding and application of basic statistical techniques (i.e. through one-way analysis of variance), EDUC 6116 Introduction to Educational Statistics should be completed prior to enrolling in EDUC 8120 Group Comparison Designs and Analyses .

Data from 2022-2023*

• Retention Rate: 77%
• Average Time to Complete the Program: 5.33 years
• 2023-2024 Cost: $1870 per credit
• Scholarships: Graduate assistantships, merit based scholarships, external funding
• Employment Rate (at 6 months post graduation): 100%
• Employment Settings: Academia, research organizations, private practice, community agencies
• Licensure Eligibility: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Requirements vary by state.
• Accreditation Status: Accredited by CACREP through 2024. Program has been accredited since 1984.
• Fall Enrollment: 41
• Number of Graduates:  3
• Predicted Job Outlook (2014-2024): 19% expected increase, compared to 7% expected increase in total US jobs. (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics). Outlook predicted for those with clinical mental health employment.

NOTE: Costs are 2022-2023; enrollment is Fall 2023; retention is calculated over the past year.

2022-2023 Counseling and Human Development Annual Report >

• Guide to Applying
• Admission Requirements
• Application Deadlines

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

• Prerequisite: Master's Degree
• Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
• Statement of Purpose: In an essay of 500-750 words, state your purpose in undertaking doctoral level study in counseling. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. We are interested in determining your fit with our program and faculty, so be sure to identify faculty that could serve as potential mentors to you in research. If you are applying for an assistantship or fellowship, you should also describe any research or teaching experience you have had.
• 3 Letters of Recommendation (academic and/or professional)
• GRE general test is optional

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

View more details about requirements    

The application deadline for Fall 2024 has passed. For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

 Tuition & Financial Aid

• Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid    

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the PhD in Counseling program is $1,870 per credit hour .

This program requires 75 credits .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2023, Fall 2023 and Spring 2024

View the current fee chart  

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

This program has allowed me to pursue expertise in a variety of domains (e.g. clinical practice, higher education instruction, scholarly research, leadership and advocacy) which has supported my professional development and specialization. Within the counseling program, I’ve been fortunate to connect with faculty and peers who are relentless in their support of students – offering opportunities for mentorship, learning and professional growth. The program’s social justice oriented efforts encourage critical dialogues and demonstrate the program’s foundational commitment to promoting an inclusive, anti-oppressive approach to clinical training, education and research. This approach has amplified my ability to embrace diverse experiences and backgrounds, making me a more competent, effective professional.

CLAUDIA NGUYEN (PhD Candidate)

 Career Outlook

Program participants have experienced a 100% employment rate within 6 months of graduation. Career opportunities in clinical mental health are expected to increase 19% between 2014-2024, compared to an average of 7% across other professions. (Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics ) .

Our graduates are engaged across the nation in research, teaching, and private practice. They serve on the Counseling faculties at:

• Augusta State University
• George Washington University
• Hood College
• Loyola University
• West Virginia University
• University of Iowa
• University of North Carolina - Greensboro
• University of North Florida

Our graduates are also leading the field in research on mental health topics ranging from PTSD and veterans well-being to depression mediators in survivors of sexual abuse.

• Research Organizations
• Private Practice
• Community Agencies
• Hospitals and Clinics

My time in the counseling doctoral program so far has awarded me with several opportunities to connect with wonderful mentors and colleagues. These connections have provided me with support and guidance as I navigate the counselor education field and prepare for my career.

BARBARA DOS SANTOS (PhD Candidate)

Counseling (PhD) Faculty

Program Co-Director, Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Clinical Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Research Associate Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Professor, Counseling

Associate Professor, Human Development

Department Chair and Professor, Counseling and Human Development

Associate Professor, Counseling

Assistant Professor, Counseling and Human Development

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Integrated Biomedical Sciences (IBS)

Pharmacology & physiology phd program.

The Pharmacology and Physiology PhD program is centered on research that seeks to understand normal functions of systems within organisms and how these are altered by pathological states such as hypertension, stress, alcohol and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and drugs. Many of these projects are integrative and emphasize the interactions between different systems.

Graduate students in the program can receive training in a variety of systems. These include the impact on the cardiovascular and renal systems in obesity and hypertension. Other areas include autonomic regulation of respiration and brainstem function, neural control of blood pressure and heart rate, post-traumatic stress disorder, cardiovascular diseases, and pharmacogenetic determinants of drug responses. Pharmacogenomics includes a study identifying genetic variants leading to increased health risks in African American populations.

PhD programs in the biomedical sciences are designed to meet key goals in contemporary graduate research education including 1) discipline-specific knowledge, 2) research skill development, 3) research communication skills, 4) research leadership, 5) research professionalism, and prepare graduates for a variety of science careers. To apply, please visit  IBS Admissions .

Faculty members are from the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, including scientists from the Children’s Research Institute of Children’s National Health System. Students have access to cutting-edge core facilities for whole animal imaging, flow cytometry, confocal and other imaging, and computational biology.

The PhD in Pharmacology and Physiology begins with interdisciplinary coursework in molecular, cellular and systems biology in the first semester. In the second and third semester students take in-depth courses in pharmacogenomics, physiology and pharmacology. Career development coursework in scientific writing, oral communication, and research ethics; and laboratory rotations are offered through GW’s  Integrated Biomedical Sciences curriculum . Following required laboratory rotations, students work with their research advisor and the Graduate Program Directors to complete remaining Pharmacology & Physiology degree requirements, including the dissertation.

Pharmacology & Physiology Core:

PHAR 6116: Pharmacogenomics & Personalized Medicine PHAR 6205: Pharmacology PHAR 8211: Physiology PHAR 8281: Molecular Pharmacology & Neurobiology of Excitable Tissues

Seminars/Journal Clubs:

The Pharmacology and Physiology seminar series meets weekly at noon on Thursdays.

Graduate Program Directors:

Colin Young, PhD Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology GWU; Ross Hall [email protected]

Nikki Posnack, PhD Associate Professor of Pharmacology & Physiology Children’s National Health System, GWU [email protected]

How to apply  to the IBS and Pharmacology and Physiology PhD Program

For IBS Application Questions, contact  Colleen Kennedy, IBS Program Manager.