Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSUN accredited?
Yes, CSUN is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Is the Online Masters Degree Program in Engineering Management accredited?
Yes, the program is accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
When will the program begin?
This program has been running concurrently since Fall of 2003. The next cohort will begin in Fall of 2007.
Do I need an undergraduate degree to qualify?
Yes.
Must the undergraduate degree be in Engineering?
No, the undergraduate degree can be in an allied field such as science, mathematics, computer science, physics, biology, or environmental health science from an accredited university or college. If you are unsure if your undergraduate degree is acceptable, we will gladly discuss it with you.
Will I need a computer?
Yes. Please see the Technical Requirements.
Will I have to attend any on campus classes at CSU, Northridge?
No.
How long it will take to complete the program?
2 calendar years (i.e. 6 sessions).
Is admission to the program competitive?
Yes.
If I live outside of California, can I still apply to this program?
Yes. This program is available worldwide.
If International Education Research Foundation (IERF), a credential evaluation service, has indicated that my degree is comparable to a B.S. at CSUN, will CSUN probably accept that evaluation?
Yes. For assistance evaluating your international school credentials, you may contact International Education Research Foundation, Inc.
Will I be able to access student services?
Yes. You will have access to student services such as financial aid, library, counseling, career center, etc.
Will I get the same degree as the residential students?
Yes.
May I apply to both the Distance Learning and residential programs?
Yes. However, you will need to complete two separate application forms since these programs are administered separately and have differing dates for applications, enrollment, fee payment, and course calendars.
Is it possible to transfer in graduate courses already completed?
No. All course work for the graduate degree must be completed as a member of the cohort.
Can I transfer graduate hours that I completed at another university?
No. This is a lockstep program. You and the rest of your cohort members begin together, take all the courses together and end together.
How do I know if this program would be "right" for me?
Past experience has told us that this program requires a student to be highly motivated and highly organized.
Will I be eligible for Financial Aid?
Yes, if you meet the criteria. You will be a matriculated student. You may want to look at the CSUN financial aid page for information.
How do I graduate from the program?
To earn a Master's of Science degree in Engineering Management, students must:
- Complete 33 semester units as prescribed in the program
- Complete all required coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or above
Will a student visa be issued for students studying in this program from a foreign country?
No.
Do I need to follow the two year program schedule of classes, or can I stretch the degree program to 3 years?
This is a lockstep program and you must participate in all courses in the sequence presented. You may not alter the scheduled completion time for the program. The courses for each cohort are only offered in a given semester and you may not join a subsequent cohort group.
How long are GRE scores acceptable? If I took the GRE 15 years ago, must I retake the GRE?
No, you are not required to retake the GRE after a set time. Scores remain acceptable indefinitely.
Does the word "online" appear on the diploma for the Online Engineering Management program?
The wording on the online program's diploma is exactly the same as that on the residential program's diploma.
What does the final project entail?
The Directed Comprehensive Studies provides a culminating experience in which students receive four mini-projects or case studies requiring independent research and analysis. The case studies will be fairly complex and have no single, finite solution.
How do I order books for my classes?
You may order books through the Matador Bookstore or any other book vendor. You will find a list of required textbooks in your admit packet. (Please note that prices and textbook titles are subject to change without notice). To order books online, choose “MSE—Manufacturing Syste” on the Choose a Department pull down menu once you have accessed Matador’s web site. From there you will be shown the courses for the term and can order books online. If you have problems with their website, you should contact the bookstore at: matador@bkstr.com. The program coordinator will also send more information about book ordering by email each term.