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Learn from renowned instructors while advancing your career by enrolling in a stackable graduate certificate. You can "stack" additional graduate certificates to earn a master's degree.
Upskill at your own pace
Designed for working engineers looking to enhance their skills or advance their careers, stacked degrees offer a flexible, strategic pathway with industry application in mind.
All stackable certificates are available part-time, with online and hybrid options.
Personalize learning for your career
With 12 stackable graduate certificates across seven engineering disciplines, you can choose to study emerging topics, highly specialized areas, or both. Then synthesize your coursework with an applied capstone project that demonstrates your skills.
Stack your certificates, earn a master's degree
Stackable graduate certificates are the building blocks toward a stacked master’s degree, or can stand alone as a UW-granted credential, giving you the ultimate flexibility while following a well-defined pathway to your goal.
How it works
Step 1: Choose a stackable graduate certificate that fits your interests
A stackable graduate certificate* consists of 4-5 courses in a focused area of engineering. The credits from all stackable graduate certificates can be applied to at least one master’s degree. Certificates can be completed in as little as one year, or at a pace that fits your life. Explore our selection of stackable graduate certificates.
Apply to the certificate you want through the UW Graduate School.
Certificate program advisors can provide more information about the available pathways to a stacked master’s degree.
Note:
*Not all certificates offered by UW Engineering are stackable. Credits from certificates labeled as “Affiliated” can only be applied toward specific professional master’s degrees in the department offering the certificate.
Step 2: Stack a second graduate certificate
Getting your master’s degree with stackable certificates provides you with flexibility as you achieve your goals. Take breaks as needed between your certificates, or complete your certificates consecutively. You can even enroll in two stackable graduate certificates at the same time!
Just keep in mind: you have six years to complete both certificates and the applied capstone project starting from the quarter of your first class, to be eligible for the stacked master’s degree.
Step 3: Apply to a stacked master's degree
Ensure that all admissions requirements for the selected degree program are met, and submit an application through the graduate school. Refer to these step-by-step application instructions.
Stacked master’s degree applications typically require:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Please refer to the webpage of the stacked master's degreee of interest for detailed application requirements.
Step 4: Complete your applied capstone project
Complete a capstone project that reflects your professional interests. This project will come from a real-world challenge you face or expect to face in the workplace.
Faculty and industry mentors will provide support and guidance to ensure your success. Capstone project requirements vary by degree program. Contact the academic adviser of the stacked master's degreee of interest for additional information.
Step 5: Celebrate your master’s degree!
By completing two qualifying graduate certificates and an applied capstone project, you will earn your master’s degree!
Connect with a program adviser
Each certificate and degree program has a dedicated adviser. Contact them with your questions.
Wide range of certificate offerings
Beginning in Autumn 2024 we anticipate offering 12 stackable graduate certificates and one stacked master’s degree** across seven engineering disciplines. Due to the demand for engineering talent and expertise in emerging areas, we are growing our offerings every year.
Note:
**Pending university approval
Featured programs
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In this five-course certificate program, students explore how usability studies and interaction design can influence web design and product development, and look at the latest innovations in the field.
Data Analytics for Systems Operations (DASO)
This certificate will provide students the technical expertise for data-driven analysis of complex engineering systems, which will enable optimal decision making for executing the processes and operations in such systems.
Composite Structures: Materials and Manufacturing
This program aims to improve core competencies to aid in producing reliable and cost-effective aircraft structural components, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).
Explore all stackable certificates