For more information contact:
Email: hsdisted@gwu.edu
Phone: (202) 994-3564

Clinical Health Sciences Bachelors Program

Independent duty corpsmen (IDCs) are a significant source of primary health care for servicemen and their families. At present, there are limited educational opportunities leading to a degree that will provide IDCs the opportunity to enhance their skills, obtain the credentials to pursue advanced study, and be eligible for promotion in the Navy. The George Washington University (GW) has worked with the IDC leadership to assess the educational needs of IDCs and plan a bachelor’s program that would build on the strengths of the IDC training and provide a combination of opportunities to fulfill requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) with a major in Clinical Health Sciences (CHS). IDCs who complete the course work for the degree will be prepared to continue their education in graduate or professional programs in such fields as physician assistant, public health and health services administration.

All courses are based on the World Wide Web and offered in a flexible format that meets the needs of busy, working adults. For example, rather than meeting on a given day at a given time, each “class” session typically lasts from 12:01 Monday until midnight the following Sunday. Students log on to classes, download course materials, complete assignments and participate in class discussions anytime during the 7 day, 24 hour per day time period.

The program does not require any visits to campus. For many of our students, commencement is the first time they set foot on campus- and even that is optional!