The GNM program permits students to attempt a limited number of graduate or advanced undergraduate credits (12 credits maximum) without being admitted as degree-seeking student.
The majority of GNM students attend part-time, although full-time enrollment is not prohibited. The advantage of this program is that it allows students to take graduate courses regardless of degree objectives.
GNM status includes several important limitations
- Admission with GNM status is valid for a limited time: 8 consecutive quarters, including summer.
- All GNM students are required to meet minimum enrollment and academic performance standards established by the department.
For more information, visit:
GNM - Departmental Enrollment Limits & Requirements
GNM - UW Graduate School Policies & Overview
Previous academic preparation: Taking graduate-level classes in our department requires a minimum level of undergraduate-level preparation. It is expected that admitted GNM students will hold an undergraduate degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
Undergraduate degrees in other fields may be acceptable, as long as the applicant has completed a minimum level of fundamental engineering and math coursework. (For an example of appropriate math and "engineering fundamentals," please see the requirements outlined in our department's Bachelor of Science curriculum).
Professional experience, though highly desirable, is not generally accepted in lieu of college-level coursework.
Minimum GPA and exam scores: The University of Washington Graduate School requires an applicant to have a minimum 3.0 GPA to be considered eligible for GNM admission.
The department accepts GNM students for Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters. Applications must be received by:
- Autumn: August 1
- Winter: November 1
- Spring: February 1
Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59pm (Pacific Time) on the deadline date. Late applications will not be accepted.
The department does not review applications until after the deadline has passed. You can monitor the status of your application by logging in to the application system. If we have any questions or concerns regarding your application, we will contact you.
Applicants will be notified via email when a final decision has been made.
Applying for GNM admission begins with the online application system managed by the University of Washington Graduate School. All materials will be submitted electronically through this system. Once an applicant submits an application, the application and all supporting materials are routed to the department for review.
Required application materials:
The following materials must be provided in order for an application to be considered complete and eligible for review.
- Electronic Application
- Resume
- Transcripts
We only want transcripts from institutions where you received (or will receive) a degree. Please do not mail official paper transcripts.
Unofficial electronic transcripts should be attached to your electronic application. They should be drawn from documents generated by the institution. A scan of an official transcript is strongly preferred. However, an unofficial transcript or "academic history" generated by an online student portal may also be acceptable.
Electronic transcripts must clearly show the institution's name; the student's name; a list of all courses taken and all grades received; as well as the title and date of any degrees conferred. Electronic transcripts must be in PDF format.
Anything that appears to be self-generated or otherwise lacking in the information specified above will not be considered valid (this includes "copy and pasting" from a website) and may be grounds for declining an application. Illegible or indecipherable documents may also negatively impact an application. The department admissions committee reserves the right to require further documentation, up to and including an official transcript, prior to reaching a final decision.
- Statement of purpose
Statements should be no more than 200 words. Your statement must clearly state and explain your reasons for seeking admission as a non-degree student. Your statement should also include a clear indication of which courses you intend you complete as a GNM student. Keep in mind that only a limited number of GNM credits (12 max) may be applied toward a future graduate degree.
GNM status is available as a fee-based program managed by the UW division of Professional & Continuing Education (PCE). Instructional fees are assessed on a per-credit basis. All students are responsible for the same per-credit fee rate regardless of residency.
Students expecting to be issued F-1 student visa documents are not eligible for GNM status. Current holders of F-2 (dependent) or B-1 visitor visas are not eligible for GNM status.
GNM students who wish to enroll as degree-seeking students must apply for regular admission, which is competitive. Please see: Graduate Admission Procedures.
GNM students admitted as degree students may only count up to 12 credits of GNM coursework toward their degree.
Enrolling as a GNM student and completing classes does not guarantee admission to a degree program or that GNM credits will be accepted toward the degree.