Our department's part-time programs enable qualified engineers and scientists from nearby companies to pursue graduate-level courses at Stanford on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time professional employment.
Honors Cooperative Program [FAQs]
The Honors Cooperative Program (HCP) allows full-time working professionals an opportunity to earn a part-time graduate engineering degree through the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD) while maintaining employment. The EE Department accepts part-time applications for the Master's of Science and Engineer's degrees only. The Ph.D. program is not available through the Honors Cooperative Program.
Applications for part-time study toward the M.S. and Engineer's degrees, via the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP), are accepted for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer quarters. A list of our application deadlines can also be found in the Application Deadlines and Timeline section.
Eligibility
In order to participate in the Honors Cooperative Program, applicants must be employed by a member company of the Stanford Center for Professional Development AND hold a U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, or are anticipating conferral of the degree prior to admission. This program is open to domestic and international students. International students should carefully read the International Academic Credentials section before they begin their application to the EE department.
Please see the SCPD website for detailed information on the HCP program and membership opportunities.
How to Apply
Prospective HCP students interested in a part-time Master's or Engineer's degree must apply via the online application system, as outlined in the Application Procedures and Requirements section of this website. HCP students are fully matriculated graduate students at Stanford University with full student privileges, rights, and responsibilities. HCP applicants must follow the same application procedures as applicants to our full-time programs and are assessed using the same criteria. Admission standards are not different for HCP applicants.
Applicants who have been out of academia for at least five years may have difficulty finding three letters of reference from University faculty members. If this is the case, you may substitute one academic reference for a professional reference. Should more professional references be required, please contact the EE Admissions Office.
If you completed Non-Degree Option (NDO) courses, please include this information in the application and submit an official Stanford transcript to the EE Admissions office. Up to eighteen (18) units may be transferred from NDO coursework to the HCP program.
Degree Overview
HCP students must complete the 45-unit requirement of the Master's degree in no more than five (5) years. HCP students are tested and graded by the same standards as on-campus students. Academic advisors from the EE department are assigned to HCP students. Degree program proposals must be submitted and satisfactory degree progress is required.
HCP students are encouraged to maintain a minimum course load of three units (one class) per quarter (including summer). Both the Master's (45 units) and Engineer's (90 units) degrees must be completed in five years.
Non-Degree Option [FAQs]
The Non-Degree Option (NDO) program at Stanford makes it possible for working professionals to enroll in individual graduate-level courses. Students in the NDO program may pursue a certificate in a number of different areas. For most of the EE certificate programs, students will be awarded a certificate upon completion of four courses comprised of a minimum of two core courses and a minimum of one elective course. The certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of the courses with a minimum GPA average of 3.0. More information can be found on the SCPD website.
Performance in the NDO program will be considered in connection with full-time or part-time (HCP) graduate admissions if, and only if, the applicant indicates this on his/her graduate application and requests that NDO transcripts be sent to the department. NDO enrollment does not guarantee acceptance into the Honors Cooperative Program or a full-time degree program.
A maximum of 18 NDO units may be used toward the residency requirements of a graduate degree in the Electrical Engineering department. These units must meet departmental degree requirements.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Any student that has completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.0 scale) may apply for NDO status in the Electrical Engineering Department via the SCPD office. Previously admitted NDO students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) with no more than one C, D, or NC to continue in the program.
Information on how to apply and NDO enrollment deadlines may be found on the SCPD website.
