Online Master of Science in Engineering Technology — Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you offer financial aid?

  Financial aid is available. For more information, please call 877-497-5851 to speak with an admissions advisor.

• Do I have to complete a thesis?

  No, a thesis is not required for this program. However, you will participate in a capstone project throughout the program.

• Is the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) required for this program?

  The GRE is not required for this program, but recommended for students that performed below a 3.0 GPA at the baccalaureate level. International students are still required to take the GRE however. Please discuss requirements with an admissions advisor.

• How many total credits are required?

  The online MS in Engineering Technology at Purdue University requires a total of 30 credit hours.

• Is an in-person residency required?

  No. Purdue University does not require an on-site residency. That means you can earn the MS in Engineering Technology degree from anywhere in the United States or around the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residency program.

• Does this program prepare me for a PhD program?

  This program facilitate opportunities for professionals working in areas related to engineering technology. It is NOT intended to provide preparation for PhD level academic study at Purdue (it could technically prepare students for a PhD program elsewhere, but we can’t say for sure).

• Is support available to all students?

  As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisors and more.

• How are the online programs different from the on-campus programs?

  Purdue University’s online courses are taught by the same world-class faculty members, and are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.

• What is the frequency of starts for this program?

  Purdue University offers three starts per year for this program, Spring (January), Summer (April/May), and Fall (August).

• Will my diploma look different from the on-campus programs?

  No. Both on-campus and online programs earn the same diploma. Online students are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony on campus upon program completion.

• Can I visit campus?

  Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit.

• What are the technical requirements for the program?

  Using the online learning interface and system successfully requires you to have certain software and hardware. Be sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements, listed below.

  Minimum Hardware Requirements*

  • 700 MHZ Pentium III Processor computer, with sound card and speakers
  • Minimum 4GB RAM
  • 64 GB free hard drive space
  • CD-ROM drive/DVD-ROM drive
  • 56k modem, or higher (such as cable modem or DSL), for broadband access

  Recommended Software

  • Windows XP or later / Mac OS X
  • MS Office 2000 or later (MS Office includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Internet access
  • E-mail account
  • Internet Explorer 6.x (PC), Netscape 7.2 (PC), or later, or Mozilla Firefox (PC/Mac)
  • Safari 1.2 or higher (Mac)
  • High-speed, broadband connection

  Utilities

  • Acrobat Reader 7.0 or later (free download)
  • Virus Protection Software: McAfee/Norton Antivirus or similar software

  Plug-ins

  • Java, Shockwave, or Flash Plug-in (latest version)

  Mac System Requirements

  • 500 MHZ iMac or iBook 63 or faster (minimum)

  *Requirements are subject to change.