ACCELERATED MASTER’S PROGRAM in SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Fast Facts Application Deadline The Accelerated Master’s Program in Systems Engineering uses rolling admissions, and class size is limited. While there is no hard and fast application deadline, we encourage interested candidates to apply early in the admissions cycle. Applying early is to your advantage, and it gives you time to prepare for the program, apply for education loans, and gain your employer’s support for your participation in the program. The program begins in late May. We endeavor to review all applications and finalize the cohort by March 31; however, we will continue to accept qualified candidates for admission until all slots are filled or the program begins. If you anticipate applying late in the admissions cycle, please email accmp@virginia.edu to determine if there is space available and for special instructions to expedite the application process. Admissions Requirements Bachelor’s degree from an acceptable college or university Satisfactory prior academic performance - overall and in math courses Official transcripts of all previous academic work (include originals of transfer credits) Three letters of recommendation GRE Revised General Test scores (new format) or GRE General Test scores (if still available) Essay – should demonstrate thought and writing competence; does not need to be lengthy Math Proficiency Expectations Calculus – at least two semesters Probability and Statistics – must be calculus-based Linear Algebra – or an equivalent course or courses Computer Programming – experience may substitute for courses in certain cases – ask for details Articulation Plans If you need to take courses to qualify for admission or to refresh your math skills, please contact us. We will be happy to help you identify classes that will satisfy the requirements and prepare you to be successful in the program. Application Process If you have not already done so, please submit a free preliminary application from the AMP web site www.sys.virginia.edu/accelerated/ so that we can advise you. Register for an account and start your Official Application at http://virginiagrad.askadmissions.net/emtinterestpage.aspx?ip=engineering On the initial interest page you will not see the Accelerated Master's Program, but it is included further in. When you set up your account, select "Systems Engineering" and "General Information About Research Areas" from the drop down menus. This will lead you to the Systems Engineering page with information about the AMP and a link to the application form. The start term for AMP is Summer. If you are unsure that you have satisfied the math requirements, or you have other questions about your eligibility for the program, email unofficial copies of your transcripts to accmp@virginia.edu. We can do a preliminary review and let you know if there are any concerns to address. We do not see your official application (including transcripts) until it is complete and submitted. When your application is ready, pay the application fee. Remember to hit “Submit”! Alert the program manager by email that you have submitted your official application. Use the My Grad Page feature to track what has been received and what is still missing. If everything is in order, you should receive a decision electronically in about a month.
Transcripts Official transcripts should be sent to the following address: University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science Graduate Programs Office PO Box 400242 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4242 GRE Revised General Test Register to take the exam at www.ets.org/gre Have your scores reported to the School of Engineering using institution code 5820. Put your unofficial (self-reported) quantitative and verbal scores on your application. The ETS will not send official GRE scores that are older than 5 years. We recommend that you take the free practice test available on the GRE web site. If you take the exam more than once, we will use your best scores. You must take the GRE. You cannot substitute other test scores. If you have already earned a graduate degree for which you were required to take the GRE, you may request a waiver. All other application materials must be received before your request for a waiver will be considered. Tuition & Billing Tuition for the Accelerated Master’s Program is comprehensive; it includes instruction, books, software, fees, and meals & lodging while on grounds for classes. The student must bring a capable laptop computer to class. The UVa Board of Visitors sets AMP tuition in February of each year. Tuition for 2011 – 2012 is $36,500. We anticipate a slight increase for 2012 -13. Tuition is billed over two calendar years. A $1,000 tuition prepayment is required upon your acceptance of our offer of admission to secure your place in the cohort. This prepayment applies toward your first tuition bill. Tuition is billed in advance in three unequal installments by semester. Academic work in the AMP is accelerated and is organized by sessions. Registration, billing, and loan disbursements are done on the University's traditional academic schedule by semesters. The program of study includes 10 three-credit-hour courses plus a year-long series of seminars. Comprehensive tuition for each course is $3,650. You will be billed for 3 courses for the summer semester, 4 courses for the fall semester, and 3 courses for the spring semester. Three credits are awarded for the seminar series in the spring. The seminars are included in the costs, but are not billed separately. Payments are due upon acceptance, prior to enrollment in May, in August, and in January of the next calendar year. Tuition Support Many employers subsidize their employees' educational expenses. Veterans may use their GI Bill benefits and are encouraged to apply. Some professional and private organizations offer scholarships for graduate study. Education Loans The entire cost of the AMP can be covered by education loans. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Loans per calendar year. Students may augment their Federal Direct Loans with Direct Graduate PLUS loans. Loan funds over the amount of tuition will be offered and can be used to pay for a new laptop, travel, lodging if you need to arrive on Thursday, review books, and other educationrelated expenses. All admitted AMP students qualify for aid. The loan terms are very favorable. Repayment begins six months after graduation and can be spread out over ten years. Federal Direct Loan interest rates may adjust in July. For loan questions please contact Ms. Sarah V. Jones in Student Financial Services at svj@virginia.edu or 434-982-5466. Schedule Students in the Accelerated Master’s Program complete a full-fledged master’s degree in one year (May – April). The program includes two weeks in residence, one at the beginning of the program in May and another the following April. In between those two weeks, classes meet all day every other Friday and Saturday for a total of twenty Fri/Sat weekends. Students take one course on Friday and a different course on Saturday. Friday classes meet from 9 am to 5 pm followed by a group dinner and an evening seminar. Saturday classes meet from 8 am to 4 pm.