With the availability of online engineering programs across various departments within the Bagley College of Engineering, students in search of a top-tier engineering degree from an accredited institution need not search beyond Mississippi State University. The commencement of the graduate application process is initiated on MSU’s official website. Featuring a prominent “Apply Now” button at the center of the page, initiating the admissions journey has never been more straightforward. Continue reading for valuable tips to streamline the application process.
MSU delves into understanding its applicants and their academic backgrounds through the utilization of the online graduate application form. Essential items include official transcripts, where students are required to submit their degree certificates or diplomas reflecting degrees and their respective dates alongside transcripts and mark sheets. In cases where transcripts are not in English, translations become a necessity. MSU’s Graduate School recognizes World Education Services (WES) as an official translation service. Should translation assistance be needed, official transcripts can be submitted through WES.
Applicants are mandated to furnish the names and contact details of three references. While certain departments may lean towards academic references, applicants are advised to select the most suitable references, be it professional or academic, to attest to their potential for success in graduate school. Following the submission of an application, references are sent links via email to evaluate the applicant’s aptitude for graduate studies. They are also prompted to attach recommendation letters highlighting the applicant’s potential for graduate school.
Subsequently, applicants are required to craft a statement of purpose. This serves as a platform for applicants to present themselves as strong candidates for graduate school. Students should compose three to five paragraphs delineating their personal background, academic journey, and professional aspirations.
For students contemplating participation in thesis or dissertation programs, it is recommended to peruse program websites, including faculty listings detailing their research interests. This aids applicants in identifying their compatibility with a program. Some programs encourage students to reach out to potential faculty advisors to ascertain additional research opportunities. These particulars can be located on the graduate information pages of each department.
“Prospective graduate students are advised to dedicate time to review department-specific webpages for valuable insights during the application process,” noted Dr. Kari Babski-Reeves, associate dean for the Bagley College of Engineering. “Most programs offer extensive information through a graduate guide, outlining the department’s prerequisites for a comprehensive application, whether it involves a research advisor’s identification or an updated resume.”
“Many prospective students overlook the program’s graduate catalog page, which provides official admission and program details,” mentioned Tamra Swann, distance education coordinator in MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering. “The graduate catalog furnishes admission and academic policy information, serving as a valuable resource for online searches.”
Once applications are finalized, the electronic packets are forwarded for departmental assessment. The decision timeline may vary based on the department’s deadlines and review procedures. Applicants with inquiries regarding their applications are encouraged to reach out to the department’s graduate coordinator via email. It is advisable to wait six to eight weeks before sending follow-up emails. All deadlines for online graduate engineering degrees can be accessed on the official website.
“Prospective students with additional queries about our programs can connect with us through our website to request information,” Swann added. “Inquiries should specify the program of interest and any specific questions. A response can be expected within 1-2 business days. Moreover, we conduct interest sessions two to three times monthly where potential students can engage online. These sessions typically last 30-45 minutes with extra time allocated for addressing specific queries.”
Post-admission procedures involve admitted students receiving notification from the Graduate School. They will collaborate with a graduate coordinator for class registration. Most online engineering courses follow a piggyback format, wherein on-campus classes are recorded for online viewing later the same day. While certain computer science courses necessitate synchronous attendance, other programs are typically asynchronous. Part-time online students generally commence with one to two courses in their initial semesters to acclimate to the program.
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