University of Virginia
Accelerated Masters Program for Veterans
in systems engineering
Frequently Asked Questions Why What is ASystems MP-‐V?
Engineering?
• Even during an economic downturn, our nation is experiencing a shortage of well-qualified individuals with the The University of Virginia Systems Engineering education and experience to take Accelerated on the challengesMasterʼs of advancedProgram technologyin positions.
(AMP) enables working professionals to earn masterʼs degrees without interrupting • Private companies and government cannot fill advanced technology positions they have for classes their careers. Students from agencies the Mid-Atlantic Region travel to Charlottesville available, especially when they seek individuals who are U.S. citizens and/or hold active security every other Friday and Saturday. Two weeks in residence plus twenty weekends leads clearances. to a masterʼs degree in just one year (May – April). Building on the AMPʼs decade of • Systems engineering has been named “the best job in the now country” by CNNMoney.com and demandtailored is soaring to for success, the Accelerated Masterʼs Program offers options especially the skills needed for advanced technology positions! meet the needs of veterans. AMP-V is designed to transition veterans into leadingedge engineering and information technology jobs, or to advance the careers of veterans already working in the field.
Why AMP-V? What options oes AMP-‐V offer veterans in anew ddition o the AMP urriculum? • With over 400,000dveterans qualifying for benefits under the GI-Bill intthe coming yearcand another
100,000 qualifying in subsequent have a potential supply of talented, who in Employers participating asyears, ourwe educational partners provideexperienced ten-weekindividuals internships have served our nation who will be entering the workforce, looking for career opportunities. The new GI-Bill which veterans who select this option may earn course credit working on research and affords them the opportunity to gain critical knowledge and skills that qualify them for jobs that leverage their projects dealing with real-world problems. This experience will strengthen their military training and experience. resumes and connect veterans with industry and governmental partners who require • Building with on a decade of experience with ourand successful Acceleratedveterans Master’s Program, U.Va.’s leaders the exceptional skills experience can offer. Systems and Information Engineering Department has a program tailored to eligible veterans that will:
What are the advantages f AMP-‐V veterans wdegree ho are already working in • Permit students toowork full-timefor while pursuing the Systems Engineering o r a r elated t echnical f ield? • Be economically viable for the students
AMP-V will help veterans enhance their skillsorand advance their careers. Veterans • Provide a clear path to either an improved new job in engineering already working in advanced technology positions may choose to expand their scope through an internship, or they may decide to participate in the traditional AMP Capstone Project, a one-week intensive design project in which students work on a real-world problem for atoreal client in project teamsand with other talented engineers. • Now is the time to transition leading-edge systems engineering information technology positions. Eligible
Why Now?
veterans can use their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits to participate in the program at minimal or no cost. The School of Engineering hasI initiated fundraising to provide scholarships to eligible veterans What must do to qa ualify for campaign the AMP-‐V if m y bachelor’s degree is toncover ot in any gaps. Scholarships will be funded through the generous contributions of individuals and organizations who want to support engineering, math, cience, or another technical discipline? those who have served oursnation. A strong math background is essential to success in the Accelerated Masterʼs Program in Systems Engineering. Candidates for admission must have completed at least two semesters of calculus, a calculus-based probability course, linear algebra or an equivalent course, and have either courses or experience in computer programming. If For have more information, visit you a bachelorʼsplease degree but lack one or more of the prerequisite courses, or if www.sys.virginia.edu/accelerated or call you 434.924.5394 you need remediation or a refresher, may submit a plan to show how you intend to Developing Leaders of Innovation meet the requirements before entering the AMP-V. We will work with you to identify courses nearby or online that will satisfy the requirements and prepare you to be successful in the program. In most cases, veteransʼ educational benefits may be used to pay for courses taken in preparation for the program.
How should I prepare for AMP-‐V and a career in Systems Engineering if I do not have a bachelor’s degree? Earn a bachelorʼs degree in engineering from an accredited college or university. As you plan your program of study, make sure you include the AMP-V prerequisite courses in the proper sequence. You may wish to take advantage of the Engineers PRODUCED in Virginia program (Providing Undergraduate Connections to Engineering Education in Virginia). Through the PRODUCED program students can earn an Associate of Science in Engineering degree (or equivalent) from their local community college and then a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science from the University of Virginia, all without leaving their communities. For more information about the PRODUCED program see www.seas.virginia.edu/acad/programs/producedinva/
When do AMP and AMP-‐V begin? A new cohort begins each May and starts with the first week-in-residence. Check-in and orientation are on Sunday evening following UVaʼs Final Exercises. Once the program has begun no new students may join the program until the following May.
Is financial support available? Eligible veterans may find that their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits permit them to participate in AMP-V at minimal or no cost. Under current interpretations by the VA, all AMP costs are covered. The AMP course load meets the VA criteria for full-time student status. Many employers subsidize their employeesʼ education expenses. Some agencies and professional organizations offer scholarships. In addition, education loans are available that can supplement education assistance funds or cover the entire cost of the program, if needed. All admitted AMP and AMP-V students qualify for education loans administered by the University of Virginia.
Where can I find more information? For more information about AMP and AMP-V visit our web site at www.sys.virginia.edu/accelerated/
How do I apply? You can access the online application form from a link on our web site, www.sys.virginia.edu/accelerated/ On the initial interest page choose “Systems Engineering” and “General Information about Research” from the drop down menus. Submit the official application form online and have the following materials sent to the School of Engineering: official transcripts of all previous academic work, three letters of recommendation (submitted online), and GRE scores. AMP and AMP-V use a rolling admissions process. We will continue to accept qualified candidates until all slots are filled or the program begins.
Questions? Please contact the AMP Executive/Academic Director, Program Manager, and Veterans Coordinator by emailing accmp@virginia.edu.