Engineering & Science Management FAQ

Q1.	Can I take Engineering Management or Science Management classes before I am accepted into the program?
A:	Yes, you can take up to 9 credits (3 courses) before you apply to the ESM Program. However, you must submit a UAA application as a non-degree seeking student before registering for classes. Degree and non-degree seeking application instructions.
Q2.	Is the Engineering or Science Management Program Accredited?
A:	Yes, the MSPM Program has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU) since 2003. Additionally, the program received accreditation from the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Global Accreditation Center (GAC) in 2007. Click here to learn more about GAC accreditation.
Q3.	What undergraduate degree is required for Engineering Management or Science Management?
A:	An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is usually required. For any questions about what qualifies, please contact Dr. Wang
Q4.	How long does it take to complete the Engineering Management or Science Management Program?
A:	It can vary per student and per situation, but a full time student taking 9 credits per semester successfully can finish within 2 years. A part time student taking only 6 credits per semester successfully may take closer to 3 years.

Application for Admission

Q1.	How far in advance must I apply?
A:	Always allow enough time for your application to be processed before the commencement of the semester. The semester dates at UAA are available in an online schedule at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/records/catalogs/schedules.cfm. International students should allow up to four months between the time you first send your application to UAA and the beginning of the semester. As an example, for international students, if you want to register for the fall semester beginning in August, submit your application in April.
Q2.	How do I apply for the Engineering and Science Managment Program?
A:	Applications can be made online on the UAA website, http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/apply_for_admission.cfm. This is the UAA link incorporating a 'registration wizard', an online resource that can guide you in completing your application. International students must fill out a paper-based application by selecting this option from the UAA website, http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/printed_application_forms.cfm. Once you have verified that the application deadline for the semester you are seeking admission in has not passed, you can fill out your applications online. Always allow 24 hours after your application to obtain a student ID number. This student ID number will be used in most of your correspondence with the UAA. Non-degree seeking students can also apply for admission from the UAA admissions website, http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/admissions/apply_for_admission.cfm. If the semester application deadline has passed, please continue to apply for the next available semester and simply complete a non-degree seeking application for the current semester for which you would like to take courses.
Q3.	What must I submit with my application?
A:	Please refer to our application checklist (UAA New Student Checklist) to be sure to have included all the relevant material for your application to be processed. Remember that you need to satisfy both the UAA requirements and the Department requirements for admission. Submit to UAA Admissions: UAA Application Transcripts showing successful completion of a relevant undergraduate degree and completion of statistics course submitted directly to ESM Department at epsm@uaa.alaska.edu: 3 letters of recommendation (Please do not use MSPM faculty) Statement of Purpose (2-pages discussing your background, career goals, expected timeline for program study and any additional pertinent information) More information about applications.
Q4.	How can I check the status of my application?
A:	You can check the status of your application at UA Online at https://uaonline.alaska.edu/. Click “Login to Secured Area” and follow the instructions to access your secure UAA account. You can then check the status of your application as well as register for classes and obtain schedules for the classes you are registered in. You may also call or e-mail the department at (907) 786-1924 or e-mail epsm@uaa.alaska.edu for a status update.

International Students

Q1.	Is any financial assistance available for international students?
A:	Yes, graduate assistant positions are available; however, students must demonstrate academic excellence in their first semester of the program to be considered. For departmental level tuition assistance, please visit our Scholarships page.
Q2.	As an international student, what is the required TOEFL score?
A:	If English is not the native language of your country of origin, you will be required to show English language proficiency. Usually students take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum required TOEFL scores for Graduate Degree Programs are 79 iBT or 523 PBT overall score. For more details, please visit International Student Services.
Q3.	International Transfer Credit Evaluation?
A:	MSPM Department prefers Center for Applied Research, Evaluation and Education, INC to evaluate International transcripts.
Q4.	Do I need to take the TOEFL language test if I come from an English speaking country?
A:	No, if English is an official language of the country you come from.
Q5.	Do I need to complete an International Packet if I wish to join the PM Program as a distance student from my home country?
A:	No, but you will need to complete both TOEFL test and have a Degree Evaluation done on foreign transcripts.