Graduate School USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can take classes at Graduate School USA?

For non-credit courses, Graduate School USA has an open enrollment admissions policy and does not require an admission application or fee. These courses are open to anyone at least 18 years of age, regardless of educational background or place of employment. Some courses have prerequisites included with the course description. For these courses, participants are responsible for meeting the required prerequisites or having the appropriate prior experience. Please note that our leadership development programs require special application packages. The Graduate School is an equal opportunity provider and employer. We make every practical effort to ensure that our programs are accessible to physically challenged participants and participants with special needs. We must receive payment information at time of registration.

How do I register for classes using the Higher Reach System?

You may register in one of five ways.

  1. Online, through our course catalog via our secure server.
  2. Over the phone, by calling (888) 744-GRAD or (202) 314-3300.
  3. By faxing your registration form or approved training authorization form to (866) FAX-GRAD (866-329-4723).
  4. Via mail, by sending your registration form or approved training authorization form to:
    Customer Relations Center, Graduate School USA
    Suite 120
    600 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, DC 20024-2520
  5. In person, by visiting the Capital Gallery building. See more information and directions.

Regardless of how you register, please provide the following information:

  • Participant name, work address, telephone number, e-mail address and position title. For distance education courses, include the home address or street address where you want course materials mailed.
  • Course title, dates, location and 8-character course code

If your employer is paying the course tuition with a training authorization form, please also include:

  • Approving official's name, work address and telephone number
  • Employer's billing address and telephone number
  • Accounting classification codes, purchase order number, or billing numbers.
  • Submit to customerrelations@graduateschool.edu of fax to 1-866-221-6761

How do I register multiple people and pay with a credit card for my employer?

Registering for others is an option available for customers to buy a seat for another person.

How do I search for a course?

There are several ways to search for classes in Higher Reach:

  • Type https://www.graduateschool.edu/ in your browser search field. Then, press Enter.
  • Type the course name or course code in the “search field engine” at the top right-hand side of the page.
  • Select “course” or “website” search.
  • A course list will populate on the right-hand side of the page. From the list of courses, select the course match.

All of our courses are listed online in the course catalog - by department, by subject or by location. If you cannot find the course you are looking for, please call the Customer Relations Center at (888) 744-GRAD, and we will help you find what you are looking for.

How do I create an account in the Higher Reach registration system?

  • Select “Create a new Customer Account.”
  • Then select “Click here to create a new account.”
  • Complete the required information in each field.

How do I log on?

Open a web browser.
Go to https://register.graduateschool.edu/modules/
Go to Register/LogIn or Create a New Account.
Enter your GSUSA login name and password.
If you do not know your GSUSA login or password? Click here to find out.

How will I benefit from creating an account in the Higher Reach registration system?

  • Receive automatic e-mails once you complete the online form registration
  • Significantly reduced wait-time to hear back about your application/registration status
  • Process and track your agency’s training in the Higher Reach system in your MY GSUSA personal account.

How do I view the MY GSUSA account?

To get up-to-date information on your account with GSUSA, visit MY GSUSA. Here, you will be able to update your profile, change your password, check your order history, and view historical payments.

Why is Graduate School USA asking for my date of birth?

Providing your date of birth will allow GSUSA to easily and instantaneously identify and communicate with you.

How do I request an official transcript?

Graduate School USA does not fax or email official transcript copies. Unofficial copies of transcripts may be emailed or faxed for $3.00 each. Official transcripts (affixed with the Graduate School Seal) are $5.00 each. Rush transcripts, processed in two business days, are $15.00 each. All may be obtained by submitting a completed, signed Transcript Request Form, with payment to:

Office of the Registrar
Graduate School USA
600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 180
Washington, DC 20024

Where do I find a list of all classes being held in a specific city?

Go to https://register.graduateschool.edu/modules. You may search our courses by location once you click “Search a course by location.” Then select the region of your choice.

I did not receive a registration confirmation. How do I confirm that I am registered for a course?

To confirm you are registered, go to MY GSUSA to check on the status of a course.

As a participant with a special accommodation need (ADA), how do I request this service?

Graduate School USA fully complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and does not discriminate based on disability. The Special Accommodations Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar manages a variety of support services for students with disabilities and/or special requirements.

Services are coordinated to fit the individual needs of the student and may include sign language interpreters, Braille, electronic format (large print, Word or PDF), computer-aided real-time translation (CART) services, notetaking services, testing accommodations, and use of assistive technology. Students requesting services are responsible for providing current documentation from a qualified professional verifying the disability and its impact on academic performance. New students are encouraged to contact the Special Accommodations Coordinator in the Office of the Registrar at least one month prior to registration.

Students requiring assistance and accommodation should complete the Special Accommodation Request form online and submit it to the Office of the Registrar. The Special Accommodations Coordinator may be reached at (202) 314-3349 or registrar@graduateschool.edu

You must be officially enrolled in a class to initiate any ADA accommodations request. Please plan to contact the Registrar’s Office at least four weeks before the course or program begins to discuss your specific needs and arrangements.

To request accommodations online, find the course and session for which you are registered in our online course catalog. Visit the course catalog, and select the session for which you are registering:

  1. Click "Register/Inquire."
  2. Click "Submit ADA Requirements."

May I mail or fax an approved training nomination form (SF-182), purchase order, or training authorization form?

Yes. If your employer is paying the course tuition, please also provide:

  1. Approving official’s name, work address and telephone number
  2. Signature of the official responsible for approving the training
  3. Employer's billing address and telephone number
  4. Billing information (e.g., purchase order number, or billing number)

What are the class hours?

Class hours may vary; please check your confirmation email for exact class times.

In general, most courses are conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for most CPE-designated courses, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Do you have any guidance on student attendance during training sessions?

Classroom courses are conducted from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, except for most CPE designated courses, which run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Participants are expected to complete the entire course and should make their travel arrangements accordingly.

  1. Tardiness is defined as 15 minutes after the start of class at any time during that class day.
  2. Early Departure is defined as departing before a class officially ends.
  3. Failure to attend the entire course may result in you not receiving a certificate of completion for the course.

May I transfer or cancel my class?

Yes. You may transfer your registration to another class that begins within six months from the start date of the original registration. A transfer will be processed only if requested in writing customerrelations@graduateschool.edu or by contacting our customer relations representative at 888-744-4723. The request must be submitted in a timely manner; payment made for any additional fees; and space must available in the requested class. Only one transfer request will be honored. The transferred registration may be used by anyone in your organization, if the tuition was paid by your employer. Refunds will not be made for transfers that originated after any official refund deadline.

May another employee take my class if I withdraw?

Yes. You may substitute another participant at any time before the class begins. Please contact our Customer Relations Center to make the substitution, and provide the contact information for the substitute. You may be required to submit amended paperwork if the payment method for the original enrollment is a purchase order or government training authorization form.

I’m a former Southeastern University student. Where may I get a copy of my transcript or more information?

In August 2009, Southeastern University (Washington, DC) closed its doors. Graduate School USA has custody of all SEU students’ academic and financial records. Please visit our Southeastern University Information page for more information on transcript requests, enrollment/education verifications, degree verifications, and duplicate diploma requests.

Is there a customer satisfaction guarantee policy?

Yes. We have always guaranteed the quality of our courses and services and are proud that over two million participants have completed the courses we have conducted since 1921. Our courses and the other services we offer consistently receive high ratings for being well delivered, relevant, and timely. If you are not satisfied that we have met the stated objectives of the course or services performed, just contact us to tell us why. We will either give you a refund or apply the amount toward the fee for another Graduate School USA course or service.

Quality of the courses and services are addressed by appropriate policies and processes, based on the nature and timing of the concern.

I need help. How should I contact the Customer Relations Center if I have any questions?