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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GWU EXTENSION COURSES:

CAN I RECEIVE CREDIT BY TAKING EXTENION COURSES?
Yes. To receive credit, you must apply and be an accepted GWU student. Find out more about the application process.

DO I HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE GWU APPLICATION PROCESS TO TAKE AN EXTENSION COURSE?
No. You may audit Extension Courses without going through the application process. Students who audit courses do not receive credit. If you desire to receive credit, you must be an accepted GWU student.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TO TAKE A MASTERS LEVEL CLASS?
No.  You do not need a prerequisite degree to take MA level courses.  However, if you choose to apply for a degree in either of our MA programs you would need to go through the application process and prove that you completed an undergraduate degree (BA or BS).

IS THERE AN AGE REQUIREMENT TO AUDIT A COURSE?
No. Students of any age may audit courses if they are able to do the work required. If students desire to receive credit, they must be an accepted GWU student. See the application page for age and education requirements.

WHAT IS THE COURSE WORKLOAD?
The load differs from course to course.  Generally, in an 8-week course, students will read three to five books per month.  Some BA courses and most MA courses require at least one quality paper.  All courses require oral or written exams at the completion of the course.  Classes will be discussion-based with some lecture. Be prepared for a high level of class participation.

ARE THERE READINGS THAT NEED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE CLASSES BEGIN?
In most courses there are readings that must be completed before the first day of class.  When you register, you will be e-mailed or mailed a syllabus that will inform you of the reading schedule.

ARE YOU ONLY GOING TO OFFER COURSES IN THE GWU CATALOG?
We are happy to offer any course that enough people want to take, such as special courses have on Shakespeare, Children's Literature, Plato or mathematics. Simply e-mail us at registration@gwc.edu and let us know what you would like to see offered through the Extension Program.