Questions
Q: Can you provide a general timeline or outline of next steps after we accept admission?
A: SEAS will start communicating the next steps to students after accepting their offer admission offer starting in May.
Q: Can I take classes in Summer 2021?
A: No, unfortunately you cannot start taking courses before Fall 2021.
Q: Can you please provide an overview of the degree path?
A: This is dependent on each program/specialization. Please contact the SEAS Registrar, Jennifer Taylor [email protected], for individual questions.
Q: When can we begin registering for classes?
A: Registration starts on June 1st at 8am. We will provide information regarding the registration process in the coming weeks.
Q: How do I know which classes to register for?
A: Students can find the degree requirements for each specialization here.
Q: I'm interested in knowing about important dates such as when classes start.
A: Fall courses start on August 30th. SEAS Orientation is typically the week before classes begin in the fall.
Q: Is it possible to take one class per semester?
A: Yes, we've had a few students pursue the MS program part-time. You should speak with your advisor and the school registrar about planning out your courses. Students should keep in mind the capstone/master's project timeline if pursuing the program part-time.
Q: For students that accept their offer of admission, what events/milestones should we expect to participate in from April until we begin classes in the Fall?
A: Students will be guided by the SEAS Registrar in spring on how and what to register for fall semester. In addition, the SEAS Student Center team will send onboarding messages and information about orientation in late August.
Q: What is the graduation rate in the program?
A: You can find graduation statistics using Rackham's interactive dashboard.
Q: Is it possible to manipulate one's schedule to have a majority of evening or weekend classes in this program?
A: We do have a few evening courses, but we do not have courses scheduled on the weekends.
Q: What does a typical first semester schedule look like?
A: This is dependent on each program/specialization. Please contact the SEAS Registrar, Jennifer Taylor [email protected], for individual questions.
Q: Can we schedule a meeting with an academic advisor or others to formulate a proposed schedule?
A: Yes, you can reach out to your faculty advisor or the SEAS Registrar, Jennifer Taylor [email protected], to formulate a proposed schedule.
Q: What is the process for declaring a dual specialization?
A: There is a form that you will need to complete and your advisor will need to approve. Specialization changes cannot take place until January.
Q: How many credits/courses do MS students typically take each semester?
A: Graduate students (domestic and international) are considered full-time with 8CR. For tuition purposes, students are considered full time with 9CR.
Q: What is the timing for the MS program?
A: The SEAS MS degree is a 2-year program and the MLA is either 3-year or 2-year.
Q: Is the first year mainly dedicated to classes?
A: Yes, students are primarily taking courses in their first year.
Q: How does one schedule so that they can gain knowledge on their chosen field of interest?
A: Each specialization has core course requirements. These are directly related to that specialization.
Q: Are there possibilities for students to complete credits before arriving on campus?
A: Rackham does allow students to transfer credits to their graduate record. Please contact the SEAS Registrar, Jennifer Taylor [email protected], about the process and guidelines.
Q: Are there any education abroad opportunities for SEAS graduate students?
A: No, SEAS does not have any formal education abroad opportunities.
Q: Is it common or possible to start SEAS in the winter semester?
A: No, it is not common for students to start in the Winter term. It is possible, but not ideal.
Q: What is the average number of students in a class?
A: This depends. Our MS core courses are larger, but most specialization specific courses have enrollment capacities of 25-50 students. MLA core courses typically have an enrollment capacity of 20.
Q: Are we readily able to pursue certificates during our studies?
A: Yes, students can apply to a certificate program after they have successfully completed their first term.