How to apply Program cost & financial support
The college of engineering seeks to enroll highly qualified, working engineers looking to enhance their skills or advance their careers.
How to Apply
To ensure a smooth admissions process for stacking certificates, UW Engineering has aligned our admissions requirements and deadlines as much as possible across programs and departments.
All UW Engineering stackable graduate certificate programs require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a STEM field. Final deadlines to apply vary but all are before September 1 for an autumn quarter start. Reference your program of interest for the specific due date.
We want to make applying for our programs as easy as possible. The process to apply for a stackable graduate certificate and a stacked master’s degree are the same. Here are a few tips to help you succeed!
Step 1: Review Program Options
Review the stackable graduate certificate and degree options. Visit program websites and identify questions. Be sure to identify stackable graduate certificates because not all certificates are stackable.
Step 2: Meet with a program adviser
Each certificate and degree program has a dedicated adviser listed on their program web page. Contact them with your questions and confirm application requirements.
Step 3: Prepare application materials
All UW Engineering Stackable Graduate Certificates and Stacked Master’s Degrees require the following materials for application:
- Unofficial transcript
- Professional resume
- Personal statement: What interests you about this certificate program and how do you envision that it will help you achieve your career or professional goals?
- Additionally, stacked degree programs require a letter of recommendation.
Step 4: Submit application to the UW Graduate School
When you are ready, submit your application through the UW Graduate School.
Program cost and financial support
Pursuing a stacked master’s degree is an investment in your short-term and long-term future. The return on your investment may begin to be realized upon completion of the first certificate, immediately bolstering your professional credentials for a career opportunity.
Most students will take a year or more to complete a certificate and two to four years to complete their degree. Spreading the curriculum over a longer period of time has a financial advantage of distributing the program’s cost over time.
Making steady progress towards a certificate and degree allows students to work within their budget, and take advantage of employer funding or tax benefits that may be available to offset some of the cost. Additionally, stacked degrees and certificates provide the ability to stop and start as needed to complete the program.
Program cost
The cost of a stackable certificate and a stacked degree will vary based on the program you choose. After you have identified a program of interest, refer to the program comparison matrix to find its cost and speak with the program’s academic adviser for more information.
Financial support
We encourage students to consider a few key sources of funding.
Employer funding
Many employers have established tuition reimbursement programs that you can take advantage of as an employee. Financial support varies from company to company.
Tuition support from an employer is currently a tax-free benefit up to $5,250/year. You may be required to pay taxes on any amount above$5,250. The federal government also allows this support to go to student loans, although each company can decide what education support they provide.
Student financial aid
Financial aid is only available for students who are enrolled in a degree program and taking at least 6 credits per quarter. Students who are enrolled in a certificate but not a degree are not eligible for financial aid.
If you are a U.S. resident interested in accessing federal financial aid while pursuing a stacked master’s degree, you should speak with an adviser in your program of interest to explore this source of funding.
U.S. Veterans
U.S. veterans may be eligible to use their GI Bill education benefits toward their master’s degree.
Stacked master's degree
Enhance your engineering skills, advance your career - while working
Explore stackable certificates
Certificates available across various engineering disciplines