Frequently Asked Questions

No. While some of our students do have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, most MST students come from a variety of academic backgrounds, with Planning being the most common. We review all applications holistically.

A 3.0 GPA is the minimum guideline, but we review applications holistically. Reviewers consider academic performance in context, including trends over time, the rigor of prior coursework, how long ago you completed your degree, and professional experience since graduation. If your GPA was below 3.0, we will consider your application. We encourage you to address the context directly in your Statement of Purpose and highlight evidence of your readiness for graduate-level study.

You’ll find our application portal on the UW Graduate School website. In Program Selection, please select “Civil and Environmental Engineering - M. of Sustainable Transportation (Online).”

We review applications holistically, and no single component determines the outcome. Reviewers consider your academic background, professional experience, Statement of Purpose, and letters of recommendation together. Strength in one area can help balance a weakness in another area. For example, substantial professional experience or recent coursework may mitigate a weaker and/or older academic record. Our goal is to assess your readiness for graduate-level work and alignment with the program, not to apply rigid cutoffs.

Your Statement of Purpose should explain your interest in sustainable transportation, your professional or career goals, and how your experience prepares you for applied coursework and the capstone project. Our reviewers value clear connections between past work, career goals and interests, and the types of transportation challenges our program addresses.

Yes. Admission to this program requires two letters of recommendation. We strongly encourage you to contact recommenders as early as possible. We cannot begin reviewing your application until we receive your required recommendations.

Choose people who know you well and can speak specifically to your character, abilities and technical work.

If you’re still completing a degree or recently graduated, professors or research supervisors are strong choices. If you’ve been working for several years, your best recommenders may be direct supervisors or professional mentors who can speak to your technical contributions. Ask recommenders well in advance and remind them of the deadline.

Most applicants receive an admissions decision within a few weeks after their application is complete. We cannot begin reviewing your application until we receive all required materials. Timelines vary by application volume and time of year, and we notify applicants by email when a decision has been made.

No. The degree awarded is the same University of Washington degree that on-campus students earn, and the diploma does not indicate that the program was completed online. Transcripts list the degree and courses completed, without labeling the mode of delivery. The credential earned is equivalent regardless of format.

Most students spend about 10–15 hours per week on coursework. As a general guideline, 1 academic credit equals roughly 3 hours of total student effort per week over a 10‑week quarter (or 30 hours total). This includes all required work: reading, assignments, projects, problem‑solving, and any class meetings or instructor check‑ins.

Yes. Our online courses include structured interaction with classmates and instructors through discussion boards, group work, and direct engagement with faculty. You’ll move through courses alongside peers, and faculty will be actively involved in course instruction and feedback. 

The courses in this program include both live online sessions and asynchronous work. Weekly required live sessions take place midweek in the evening (6:00–7:50 p.m. PT). Participation in live sessions is a graded component, although most sessions are recorded. You’ll also complete additional asynchronous coursework following a structured schedule alongside the live classes. 

No. Online programs do not qualify students for F-1 visa / I-20 sponsorship. Our program is designed to be completed remotely, and we welcome international students to enroll.

Please contact an adviser and the UW International Student Services office to confirm your specific situation.

Yes. Veterans and active-duty service members can use GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance for this program. Eligibility depends on your benefit chapter and remaining entitlement.

Contact the UW Veterans Education Benefits office and your program adviser for guidance.