Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Rensselaer at Hartford, the Rensselaer Groton Site, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Rensselaer at Hartford is a branch campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, New York, offering Master's Degrees, graduate certificate programs, and professional development courses. The Rensselaer Groton Site serves students in southeastern Connecticut, offering the graduate programs of Rensselear at Hartford. Students at Rensselaer at Hartford and the Rensselaer Groton Site earn Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute master's degrees.
Do I have to apply to take classes?
Although Rensselaer requires the formal admission of all students prior to registering for a credit course (even if you are not seeking a degree), the process is designed to be both streamlined and flexible. We also offer an online application that can be accessed by clicking HERE.
How is an application evaluated?
The review process is designed to comprehensively evaluate an applicant’s academic and professional background. Some factors include: the undergraduate or graduate school attended, the applicant’s major, the year graduated, subsequent course work, performance in key subjects, rank in class (if available), awards and/or honors received, letters of recommendation, a personal statement of goals, résumé, and standardized test scores (if requested).
When should I apply?
The rolling admission process allows you to apply and enter a program during any of the three terms beginning in September, January, or May. The application deadline is approximately one month prior to the start of a particular term or program. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-accommodated basis.
How long does the application process take?
As soon as all of your materials are received your application will be considered for a decision. The Office of Admissions will contact you in writing with the admissions decision.
Do you require GMAT or GRE test scores?
Although applicants to the M.B.A. are required to submit GMAT
scores, waiver of this requirement may be granted to part-time
applicants. The GMAT waiver policy is covered in the Catalog and Student Handbook. Please note: the GMAT cannot be
waived for full-time M.B.A. candidates.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for
our master’s programs in Engineering, Computer Science
or Information Technology. However, if an applicant’s
credentials do not indicate strong probability of success
in a competitive graduate program, a GRE may be required as
part of the process.
How long does it take to complete a degree and how long does a student have to complete all the requirements?
The mission of Rensselaer's Hartford Campus is to provide education for the working professional. Classes are held once a week, in the evenings or on weekends, on a trimester basis. A student sets his or her own pace depending upon the number of classes he or she decides to take each term. All work for a 30-credit master's degree must be completed within three calendar years, beginning with the date on the original acceptance letter. All work for the 60-credit M.B.A. must be completed within five calendar years, beginning with the date on the original acceptance letter. However, one-year extensions are granted for compelling reasons.
Are your programs accredited?
Yes. Rensselaer is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS) and by the Board of Governors for Higher Education of the State of Connecticut. The Lally School of Management and Technology is accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International).
When are classes scheduled?
Computer Science, Information Technology, and Engineering classes for Advanced Studies students are generally held Monday-Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Management courses are offered Monday-Thursday, from 5:30-9 p.m., and on alternating Saturdays. We also offer the Weekend M.B.A. that meets on Friday evenings and alternating Saturdays. Each course meets once a week. The Hartford Campus also offers an array of cohort programs that may have special scheduling. Cohort scheduling is also available at the Groton Site.
Will I have an advisor?
Each student, whether matriculated or non-matriculated, is
assigned a faculty advisor.
How does the M.B.A. differ from the
Master of Science in Management?
- The M.B.A. is a 60-credit program (20 classes). It consists of 15 core management courses and 5 electives, which can be organized into a concentration. The M.B.A. equips graduates with the skills necessary to assume leadership positions in their organizations.
- The M.S. is a 30-credit program (10 classes). It consists of 4 core Management courses and 6 electives that must be organized into a concentration. The M.S. is a more specialized program, because the majority of the coursework focuses on a concentration. The Lally School of Management offers several different concentrations that can be applied to the M.S. in Management.
The Lally School of Management offers several different focal areas that can be applied to the M.S. in Management. See the current Course Catalog for details.
Do you require a Thesis for your M.B.A./Management program?
All students enrolled in the M.B.A. and M.S. programs in the Lally School of Management and Technology are required to complete a 3-credit CAPSTONE course. The CAPSTONE is to serve as an opportunity for students to synthesize the body of knowledge gained during their course of study and is ordinarily completed in the final term of the degree program. More information is available in the current Catalog and Student Handbook.
What is the dual degree program?
The dual degree program is a combination of an M.B.A. and an M.S. or M.Eng. program. Taken separately, the two degrees consist of 90 credit hours. However, if done in a "dual" format, both may be obtained in 72 credit hours. If you are interested in a dual degree, it is beneficial to fill out a Plan of Study and meet with an advisor as soon as possible.
How many classes can be transferred or waived?
- A student in the M.B.A. program may waive up to four classes (12 credit hours) and transfer two (6 credit hours) of appropriate graduate work. The transfer/waiver process must be approved by faculty advisor and the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs. Transfer courses must be the same subject, depth, and breadth of courses offered by Rensselaer.
- A student in the M.S. program may transfer 2 graduate courses (6 credit hours) and the same rules apply.
What is the tuition?
Tuition is charged at the rate of $1255 per credit hour of graduate instruction. There are no additional fees for registration, use of the library, computing facilities, parking, or any other Rensselaer student service.
Do you offer Financial Aid?
Rensselaer offers a range of programs and resources to help you effectively manage graduate education expenses. Please call the Financial Aid Office at (860) 548-2406 or (800) 433-4723, ext. 2406 to request financial application materials, or access the online Financial Aid Handbook by clicking HERE.
If I still have questions, what should I do?
Contact Enrollment Management. Personnel are available to answer your questions over the phone, or you may wish to schedule an appointment or attend an Open House. For more information, please call (860) 548-2420; (800) 433-4723, ext. 2420; or e-mail: info@ewp.rpi.edu.
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