Catalog and Student Handbook 2008-2009

General Information for All Applicants
Early submission of applications is encouraged and applications are due thirty (30) days prior to the start of the term or program, as indicated in the Academic Calendar. Degree and nonmatriculated (nondegree status) applicants have different application requirements. Please read the section that pertains to you. If you are interested in nonmatriculated status at this time, but may wish to matriculate in the future, then please read both sections. Application forms and complete application instructions are available by calling the Office of Enrollment Management at (860) 548-2420; (800) 433-4723, ext. 2420; or e-mail: info@ewp.rpi.edu. You can also apply online.

Degree Applicants
An applicant may request degree admission if he or she has received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution and has demonstrated a strong academic record. Credentials will be reviewed to determine whether the applicant has the necessary qualifications and meets the competitive admissions standards established by Rensselaer. Please refer to the Checklist of Application Credentials needed to complete your file which can be found on page III in the application package. Degree-seeking applicants may be admitted with conditions. Admission and continued enrollment depend upon the satisfactory fulfillment of the stated conditions.

Nonmatriculated Applicants (Nondegree Applicants)
The applicant who wishes to undertake graduate course work to improve his or her knowledge in a specific area but not follow a degree program is considered for nonmatriculated status. An applicant may request admission as a nonmatriculated student if he or she has received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited undergraduate institution and meets the admissions standards established by Rensselaer. It does not represent a conditional admission to any degree program, nor does it guarantee later degree admission. If the ultimate academic goal is a master’s degree, then applicants should apply for degree status at the outset.

Admission for nondegree students is granted if the supporting documents indicate strong academic achievement and demonstrate that the applicant has the necessary preparation for the desired course(s). To apply, an applicant must submit an application form indicating the requested course or courses; application processing fee; an unofficial copy of the bachelor’s (or post-baccalaureate) degree transcript showing all courses, grades, and award of the degree; a current résumé, and proof of immunization as required by Connecticut State law. If the transcript is not sufficient for a decision, the Office of Enrollment Management may request additional supporting documents such as references or results from standardized admissions tests.

Applicants with Postbaccalaureate Degrees
Applicants who have been awarded a postbaccalaureate degree (i.e., M.S., M.B.A., J.D., Ph.D., etc.) may be eligible to participate in the Rensselaer special admissions process. Please call the Office of Enrollment Management at (860) 548-2420 or (800) 433-4723, ext. 2420 to discuss your particular circumstances.

International Applicants
To receive complete information on the credentials needed to apply, please write or call: Office of Enrollment Management, 275 Windsor Street, Hartford, CT 06120-2991 U.S.A.; (860) 548-2420; (800) 433-4723, ext. 2420; or e-mail: info@ewp.rpi.edu.

All international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of at least 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the Internet-based test.

Lally School of Management and Technology GMAT Requirement and Waiver Policy for M.B.A. Candidates
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is one component given consideration in the admissions decision for applicants to the Management and Technology M.B.A. program. There are certain occasions when other graduate admissions examinations such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are accepted in place of the GMAT. For example, applicants for a dual degree such as the M.B.A. and Engineering or M.B.A. and Computer Science may submit GRE scores if desired.

A GMAT score must be presented as part of the admissions file. However, a waiver of this requirement may be granted if the candidate presents:
• Significant analytical background as evidenced by strong undergraduate course work and grades.
and
• 2 - 5 years of progressively responsible work experience as indicated on the requested resume.
or
• A relevant graduate degree.

Those applicants wishing to pursue a full-time course of study (12 credit hours or more each term) will be required to submit GMAT scores with only rare exception.

The GMAT is not required for applicants to the M.S. degree in Management. However, students concerned about the competitiveness of their academic background may wish to take the GMAT exam to obtain an additional academic credential.

Background Preparation for Master of Science in Computer Science and Nonmatriculated Computer Science Applicants
Depending on academic background and professional experience, some students may be required to begin their studies with one or more of the following prerequisite "immigration" courses. These courses will be taken in addition to the standard 30 credits needed for degree completion.

CISH-4960 Introduction to Computer Programming
CISH-4010 Discrete Mathematics
CISH-4020 Object Structures
CISH-4030 Structured Computer Architecture

Students with immigration courses as prerequisites may be admitted conditionally. Since these are undergraduate courses, students are expected to achieve a grade of "B" or better in each course. Achievement below this level is cause for reexamination of admission. In addition, these immigration courses will not enter into the calculation of a student's GPA for graduation.

Background Preparation for Master of Science in Information Technology (IT) and Nonmatriculated IT Applicants
Depending on academic background and professional experience, some students may be required to begin their studies with one or more of the following prerequisite "immigration" courses. These courses will be taken in addition to the 30 credits needed for degree completion.

CISH-4960 Introduction to Computer Programming
CISH-4010 Discrete Mathematics
CISH-4020 Object Structures

Background Preparation for Engineering Applicants
All Engineering applicants are expected to have earned a Bachelor of Science degree from an ABET-accredited college or university. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET) is not generally appropriate for master’s level courses or degree programs in Engineering. If you hold a BET degree and are interested in courses and/or a degree in Engineering, please refer to the General Engineering Requirements listed in the Engineering section of the Catalog. If you do not yet have the background indicated for a particular Engineering discipline, please call the Office of Enrollment Management at (860) 548-2420 or (800) 433-4723, ext. 2420 to discuss your particular circumstances. In certain instances, you may be required to submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Engineering Test or to pursue further instruction in order to meet these background requirements.