Question about Online UWash Program

[Nagano]

Hi,

I am an engineer who is interested in enrolling in the online computational finance program at UWash. I have several questions that hopefully some UWash graduates here could answer.

1) How heavy is the workload? Will I be able to work full-time while finishing this program full-time online?

2) Can online students participate in the networking events on campus? I really want to know how the networking opportunities are for the online students.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rrbest]

1) The workload is quite heavy. I would estimate the average student works 5-6 hours a week per credit hour. This means a typical course of 4 credits requires 20-24 hours per week to succeed. Given this, working full time plus one course per quarter is the typical path.

2) The online students are invited to all events. There is no difference between the distance students and seattle students. Distance students can even drive to campus to take the tests in class if they want, and/or attend the lectures on campus. Distance students are given the same treatment for recruiting and networking. I have found they do a great job with this. They don't accept a ton of students, so even including online students the number of students in the program is pretty small.

 

[IntoDarkness]

well, there is very little going on in uw's recruiting scene anyway...

 

[Nagano]

When I looked at the UW website, it seems most of the first cohort had a good job placement, mostly within Washington. I was drawn to this fact, and I also would like to experience the Seattle area as I have been living in California all my life. Job placement is my primary concern though, as a comp finance masters degree will be completely out of my pocket as an engineer. If there is little job connection, then I would go for a certificate program instead.