FAQs
Transmission and Distribution
1 . How does the online learning environment work?^
Gonzaga uses the Blackboard learning environment for the T&D courses. This program allows students to sign into a secure site for their course and follow weekly outlines of presentations, assignments and discussions. Each week students will have pre-recorded presentations to view and readings which are applicable to the course topic. Students will also interact in a discussion board area, posting responses to instructor-driven discussions each week which compliment the weekly topic. (Students have consistently stated this discussion between instructors and other students is the most valuable aspect of the T&D courses. The discussion board allows the course to fulfill the original industry mandate to provide mentoring to young power engineers).
2 . How do I apply for the Master of Engineering in T&D Engineering?^
Admission: Admission to the program will be administered by faculty and staff of the T&D Program. An undergraduate degree in engineering (or related field), two letters of recommendation from immediate managers or supervisors, and a letter of intent expressing the student's qualifications, professional goals, and employment experience will be required to enter the program. Preferred consideration for admission will be given to applications with industry experience that have completed the T&D Certificate Program. Admission Checklist:
3 . What do I need to complete for the ME degree?^
More specific information is located on the Master's webpage but briefly, here are the program course requirements:
Course Requirements Thirty-six (36) credits total:
4 . Which classes do I need to take for the T&D Certificate?^
The program offers 12 courses within the calendar year. Students may choose any 5 (3 credit courses) for their certificate, allowing them to study topics that are the most applicable to their careers. (Certificate requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA in 3 credit, graduate T&D courses) The courses are: Current courses: TADP 540 Transmission Line Design - Introduction TADP 541 Electrical Distribution System Design TADP 542 Substation Design TADP 543 Electrical Grid Operations TADP 544 Project Development and Construction Methods TADP 545 System Protection TADP 547 Underground System Design TADP 548 Electrical Aspects of Transmission Line Design TADP 553 System Automation TADP 556 Engineering Leadership TADP 640 Transmission Line Design - Advanced TADP 641 Power System Analysis
5 . Do I need to apply for the Certificate program?^
No, you only need to apply for the Master's degree program; otherwise you may earn the Certificate as a non-matriculated student. The only form you need is the non-matriculated registration form for each semester.
6 . Who are the instructors?^
Instructors are a mix of industry engineering experts with extensive backgrounds in the subject area and GU faculty with a working knowledge of teaching methods and industry theory.
7 . How much do classes cost?^
The courses are normal Gonzaga graduate tuition ($2610 per course for the 2013-2014 school year). There is a university technology fee [$40 for parttime (3 credits) and $85 for fulltime (6 credits)], plus the cost of textbooks.
8 . How much time do the classes take?^
The courses are traditional 15 week courses offered in an 8 week period. This means 45 hours of classwork in an abbreviated timeframe. Students should only plan on taking one course at a time as the time requirements are high. Generally students will have 3-5 hours of presentations to view each week. Depending on the student, assignments and readings can take at least 2-5 hours per week. Discussion board work can generally be managed in 5 hours per week.
9 . Can I start as a non-matriculated student for the Master's?^
Absolutely. We actually encourage students to take a couple courses as a non-matriculated student before applying to the Master's program. We want to make sure we are a good fit for you and your career goals.
10 . Will my Certificate courses count towards the Master's?^
Yes. Gonzaga T&D courses taken as a non-matriculated student count fully toward the Master's. Our students generally tend to be busy power engineers working full-time so it's a great idea to take a few courses as a non-matriculated student first. Those classes count toward both the Certificate and the Master's degree.
