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 . Which classes do I need to take for my certificate?^

The program will be offering 8 courses by Fall 2008. Students may choose any 5 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 eight 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 553 System Automation

TADP 640 Transmission Line Design - Advanced

TADP 641 Power System Analysis

 

Upcoming Courses:

TADP 557 Underground System Design

TADP 548 Electrical Aspects of Transmission Line Design

3 . 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.

4 . How much do classes cost?^

The courses are normal Gonzaga graduate tuition ($2235 for the 2009-2010 school year). There is a university technology fee of $40 per course, plus the cost of textbooks. 

5 . 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.