Hybrid SES MS Frequently Asked Questions
Hybrid SES MS Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hybrid SES MS program?
The Hybrid SES MS in CEE degree program is our hybrid part-time/full-time Master’s program that allows students the flexibility to complete an MS degree at Stanford while pursuing the first 1/3 of their graduate degree part-time and online. The program allows the flexibility to work towards an MS degree while continuing professional employment.
What is the HCP program?
The Honors Cooperative Program, which supports hybrid SES MS student during the first portion (online portion) of their degree, is our part-time Master’s program that allows students the opportunity and flexibility to complete MS degree units at Stanford completely online as a part-time student. The program allows the flexibility to work towards a MS degree while continuing professional employment.
How many units can I take in the part-time/online portion of the SES MS degree program?
We limit HCP students in the hybrid SES MS degree program to enroll in 3-7 units per quarter as a part-time student. Students must enroll in a minimum of 3 units in each academic quarter (not including summer quarter).
How long does it take for students to complete the hybrid SES MS in CEE?
Hybrid SES MS students usually complete the program (45 units) in 2-3 years, depending on how many units they choose to take each quarter as a part-time student while working full-time.
How will I know if the Hybrid SES MS program is right for me?
You can enroll in online Civil and Environmental Engineering courses even without being part of the MS degree as long as you meet the course prerequisites. Read more about our CEE graduate certificate programs, and see all the classes available.
Taking courses can be a good way to decide whether the Stanford graduate experience in CEE is right for you. If you are accepted into the program, you may be able to apply up to 18 units of coursework towards the hybrid MS degree requirements.
Can I combine elements of this hybrid program with elements of the CEE full-time residential MS program?
No. The degree requirements of the Hybrid SES MS degree in CEE are distinct from full-time residential MS degree programs in CEE and cannot be interchanged. During the 3 quarters of full-time residential learning as part of your Hybrid SES MS degree you will be taking classes alongside MS students in our full-time residential programs. In your online courses as an HCP student, you will also be taking courses alongside full-time Stanford MS students.
Do hybrid SES MS students receive the same MS degree as full-time students?
Yes. Hybrid SES MS in CEE students receive the same degree as all full-time residential MS in CEE students. There is no designation on the diploma.
How do I learn more about online course delivery, course logistics or exams and homework?
Please see the Stanford Online FAQ for more details.
How do I apply?
Visit the Grad Admissions site for more information about the graduate admissions process at Stanford and to apply for graduate admission.
What if I am not admitted into the Hybrid SES MS program?
If you are not admitted into the hybrid SES master's program, you can still take online Civil and Environmental Engineering courses as long as you meet the courses' prerequisites. Read more about our CEE graduate certificate programs, and see all the classes available.
How much are tuition and fees for the part-time/online and full-time/in-person components of the hybrid SES MS program?
Tuition and fees for the part-time/online components of the degree are listed on the CGOE (was SCPD) website under “Graduate Course Tuition - Master’s Degree Courses.” Tuition and fees for the residential components of the hybrid MS degree are listed on the University Student Services website.
Is financial assistance available to hybrid SES MS students?
Offers of admission to our hybrid SES MS program are made without guarantees of financial aid. Those considering pursuing their master’s degree are encouraged to visit Stanford Financial Aid to obtain more information about financing graduate study. Financial aid for graduate students includes loans and fellowship awards, from either external sources such as governmental agencies, industry or private foundations; or from internal university, school and departmental resources. Part-time students who are working full-time are not eligible to receive financial assistance from our department. We encourage you to check with your employer to see if you qualify for tuition reimbursement from your company.
Can Non-Degree Option (NDO) units transfer and count toward the hybrid SES MS degree?
Up to 18 units of coursework taken through NDO may be applied toward the hybrid master's degree requirements at Stanford.
Am I eligible to apply to the hybrid SES MS program if I have already earned a master’s degree at a different institution?
Yes! You are still eligible to apply to our hybrid SES MS program. However, in your application you should clearly articulate your reasons for pursuing another master's degree and how this connects to your future career goals.
Can I apply to a full-time residential MS program instead of the hybrid SES MS program in Civil and Environmental Engineering?
Yes, our department offers full-time residential programs. Please see more about these exciting graduate programs in CEE.
May I attend classes on campus, even if I am completing the hybrid remote/online portion of the SES MS degree as part-time HCP student?
Yes. Hybrid SES MS students completing courses during the remote/online portion of the degree as a part-time HCP student may choose the course delivery option that works best for them, including coming to campus for courses that are offered in person.
I am an international student, can I apply to the hybrid SES MS program?
Yes. You are still eligible to apply to our hybrid SES MS program. However, visas are not issued for international students while they are HCP part-time students. Thus, you would not be eligible for a visa until you being your 3 quarters of full-time residential courses on campus.
What are the minimum GPA requirements for admission?
Applicants do not need to meet any minimum grade point average (GPA) to secure admission, and we do not release information about average GPAs of admitted students. Please keep in mind that admission to our graduate programs depends on a combination of factors, and all areas of a student’s application are weighed when applications are reviewed.
Is the GRE required for admission?
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering no longer accepts GRE scores for admission.
Am I eligible to apply if my undergraduate major is not Civil and Environmental Engineering?
Yes. A bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering is not strictly required.
Are specific prerequisite courses required for admission?
No. We advise prospective applicants to review the Stanford Course Catalog to evaluate what prerequisites are needed for graduate-level courses in your area(s) of interest.
What courses are available for the remote/online component of the hybrid SES MS degree program?
You can view the remote/online MS courses via the CGOE course catalog.
What is the minimum level of study required of international applicants from an academic institution outside of the U.S.?
Please refer to Stanford Graduate Admissions for eligibility guidelines related to study outside of the U.S.
Will you accept letters of recommendation from industry?
Letters that support your application from industry are highly encouraged. It is ultimately your decision as to which references will best support your application. Your application will still be reviewed regardless of where your letters of recommendation come from.
What is the process for transferring to the MS program from another institution?
All applicants to the MS program must follow the same application procedure as new applicants. No credits from another institution may be transferred to the hybrid MS degree at Stanford.
Can hybrid SES MS students transfer to the PhD program?
No. Our hybrid SES MS program is not a pathway into our PhD program. Interested MS students would still have to reapply online to the PhD program.
Can hybrid SES MS students transfer to a completely full-time residential MS program in Civil and Environmental Engineering?
No. Admission to one of our full-time residential MS degree programs in Civil and Environmental Engineering is separate from admission to the hybrid SES MS program. However, once you are completing the full-time residential component of your SES MS in CEE degree, you will be taking courses alongside our full-time residential MS degree students.
Can hybrid SES MS students apply for the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program?
No. Knight-Hennessy is for students who are completing degree programs that are entirely full-time.
Can hybrid SES MS students live on campus?
Yes, but only during their 3-quarter full-time residential degree component. Part-time HCP MS students are not eligible to live on campus.
