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> Frequently Asked Questions
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Academic Information
Registration Information
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Curricula Information
Other Information
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Class Information (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior)
Q1. How do I know if I am a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior?
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Your class level is based on the total number of earned hours you have at Georgia Tech, including all transfer hours.
Freshman: 0-29 credit hours
Sophomore: 30-59 credit hours
Junior: 60-89 credit hours
Senior: 90 + credit hours
Full Time and Part Time Student Considerations
Q1. How many hours are needed to be a full time student?
- 12 hours are required in summer, fall and spring. Click here for more information.
Q2. Do I need to be a full time student?
- Co-op - Co-op students are required to be full time. Exceptions can be made in the summer if necessary. Please direct questions to the Professional Practice Office.
- Financial Aid/Loans/Scholarships - If you have loans, scholarships or financial aid, you may need to be full time during the fall, spring, and summer. Students needs to verify this with their financial aid advisor in the Financial Aid Department. Click here for more information about eligibility requirements for financial aid.
- Health Insurance - If students are using their parent's health insurance, the insurance company may require the student to be full time (except during the summer semester.) With the new health care law effective 1/2011, students may not need to show full time enrollment to be eligible for healthcare. Students need to check with each individual insurance company.
- HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship - HOPE and the Zell Mill Scholarships do not require that students be full time. The scholarships will be prorated based on your registration. Click here for more information.
- International Students - International students are required to be full time students. Questions about this should be directed to the Office of International Education (OIE).
- Other - Other things to think about are car insurance (if you are getting a discounted rate for being a full time student), etc.
- Parents/Guardians - Students should always consult their parents or guardians if they intend to be part time students.
- Housing - Students living in housing on the campus may be required to be a full time student. Students must verify with the GT housing department.
Q3. I plan to drop a class and as a result I will drop below 12 hours. Am I still a considered a full time student?
- No, you are no longer considered a full time student if you drop below 12 credit hours. Some things to think about are:
- Co-op - Co-op students should consult with their co-op advisor before dropping below full time status.
- Financial Aid/Loans/Scholarships - Some scholarships/loans/financial aid require that you maintain full time status. Students should always verify with their financial aid advisor to verify the requirements of your particular situation. In addition, you are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be eligible for future financial aid, loans and scholarships.
- Health Insurance - Health insurance companies verify students status generally once (sometimes twice) a year. With the new health care law effective 1/2011, students may not need to show full time enrollment to be eligible for healthcare. You should always check with the insurance company to see if they have already verified your status for the semester.
- HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships - Hope and the Zell Miller scholarships do not require that students be full time. However, any classes in which you receive a 'W' will count against your attempted HOPE hours. Click here for more information. In addition, you are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress at your checkpoints.
- International Students - International students are required to maintain full time status. There are a very limited number of exceptions to this. Questions about this should be directed to the Office of International Education (OIE).
- Parents/Guardians - Students should always consult their parents or guardians if they intend to be part time students.
- Housing - Students living in housing on the campus may be required to be a full time student. Students must verify with the GT housing department.
- Pre-requisites - Class pre-requisites are enforced in ME and pre-req overrides are not given. Dropping a class may result in an extra semester through the pre-requisite chain. Consult your academic advisor if you are not sure.
Q4. How many hours am I allowed to take while on Probation or Warning?
Academic Standing (Good, Warning, Probation or Dismissal)
Q1. What are the levels of academic standing?
- There are 4 levels of academic standing. They are Good Standing, Warning, Probation and Drop Status.
Q2. What do Good Standing, Warning, Probation and Drop Status mean?
- Click here for definitions of Good Standing, Warning, Probation and Drop Status.
Q3. What is the GPA required to be in Good Standing?
Q4. How many hours am I allowed to take while on Probation or Warning?
Q5. I am on Warning or Probation. How do I get back to Good Standing?
- You must have a term GPA above the required GPA for good standing AND your overall GPA must be above the required GPA for good standing.
Dean's List and Faculty Honors
Q1. What are the requirements for dean's list and faculty honors?
- Dean's List Requirements
- An academic standing of GOOD
- No Incomplete (I) grades
- At least 12 hours of course work on a letter grade basis
- Academic average of 3.00 or higher
- Faculty Honors Requirements
- An academic standing of GOOD
- No Incomplete ('I') or Withdrawal ('W') grades
- At least 12 hours of course work on a letter grade basis
- Academic average of 4.00
Q2. How can I notify my hometown newspaper about my honors?
- This can only be requested by the student through OSCAR. Click here for instructions.
Pass/Fail Classes
Q1. Can I take a class Pass/Fail instead of a letter grade?
- All 126 hours of classes that you are going to use for your BSME or BSNRE degree (including free electives), must be taken for a letter grade. Only classes taken in addition to your BSME or BSNRE may be taken pass/fail.
Q2. How do I know if a class is being offered pass/fail?
- Click here for instructions to see if a class is offered pass/fail.
Q3. How do I change a class from pass/fail to letter grade?
- Instructions to change the grade mode during active registration times are:
- Log into Buzzport
- On the Home tab locate the "REGISTRATION AND STUDENT SERVICES" channel, then select the "Registration - OSCAR" link
- Select "Student Services & Financial Aid"
- Select "Registration"
- Select "Add/Drop Classes"
- Select "Term"
- Select "Change Course Options" at the bottom of screen
- After Phase 2 registration closes and before the last day to drop an individual class for the semester, students can change the grade mode from letter grade to pass/fail (and vice-versa) using the Request for Grade Mode Change form. This can only be done for classes that are offered in both grade modes.
- After phase 2 registration closes, there is no way to change the grade mode to or from audit mode.
Grade Requirements
Q1. Is a D a passing grade?
- For all ME and NRE students a D is a passing grade except for the classes which specifically require a C or better on your curriculum. Additional requirements are:
- NRE
- Your truncated NRE GPA must be 2.0 or better.
- You must have a C or better in MATH 1501, MATH 1502, MATH 2401, MATH 2403 and ISYE 3770.
- Your truncated overall GPA must be 2.0 or higher to graduate.
- ME (2011-2012 Curriculum and earlier)
- Your truncated ME GPA must be 2.0 or better.
- You must have a C or better in MATH 1501, MATH 1502, MATH 2401 and MATH 2403.
- Your truncated overall GPA must be 2.0 or higher to graduate.
- ME (2012-2013 Curriculum and later)
- Your truncated Major GPA must be 2.0 or better. The Major GPA includes all required ME and COE classes, plus ISYE 3025, ECE 3710, ECE 3741 and MSE 2001. In addition, all of the major GPA classes must be passed with a C or better, with the exception of nine hours which can be a D. Research and special problems classes are not included in the Major GPA.
- You must have a C or better in MATH 1501, MATH 1502, MATH 2401, MATH 2403, PHYS 2211 and COE 2001.
- Your truncated overall GPA must be 2.0 or higher to graduate
Q2. Can I take a class Pass/Fail instead of a letter grade?
- Any classes that you are going to use for your BSME or BSNRE (including free electives), must be taken for a letter grade.
- Click here for instructions to change the grade mode during active registration times.
- After Phase 2 registration closes and before the last day to drop an individual class for the semester, students can change the grade mode from letter grade to pass/fail (and vice-versa) using the Request for Grade Mode Change form. This can only be done for classes that are offered in both grade modes.
- After phase 2 registration closes, there is no way to change the grade mode to or from audit mode.
Q3. I'm doing poorly in my classes, what can I do?
Q4. If I repeat a class, will my first grade be removed from my GPA?
- Students Starting Summer 2005 and Earlier - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA.
- Students Starting as Transfer Students Fall 2005 and Later - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA. Transfer students are not eligible for the Grade Substitution Policy.
- Freshmen Starting Fall 2005 and Later - Maybe. A very limited Grade Substitution Policy exists for first time freshmen who receive a D or an F in a course within their first two terms in residence. The class must be repeated within the first 4 semesters in residence AND the application for grade substitution must be submitted on time. Please see the office Grade Substitution Policy for details.
Repeating Classes
Q1. Can I take a class at another school which I have already taken at Georgia Tech?
- No!!! Georgia Tech will NOT award credit for courses successfully completed at another institution which were previously taken at Georgia Tech. This is regardless of the grade you received at Georgia Tech. If you have a 'W' on your transcript, then you may transfer the class into Georgia Tech.
Q2. I transferred a class into Georgia Tech, but decided to take it over at Georgia Tech. Can I still use my original transfer credit?
- No!!! If you decide to repeat a class at Georgia Tech and complete the class, your transfer credit will be removed from your transcript. If you receive a 'W' on your transcript, then you may still use your original transfer credit.
Q3. If I repeat a class, will my first grade be removed from my GPA?
- Students Starting Summer 2005 and Earlier - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA.
- Students Starting as Transfer Students Fall 2005 and Later - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA. Transfer students are not eligible for the Grade Substitution Policy.
- Freshmen Starting Fall 2005 and Later - Maybe. A very limited Grade Substitution Policy exists for first time freshmen who receive a D or an F in a course within their first two terms in residence. The class must be repeated within the first 4 semesters in residence AND the application for grade substitution must be submitted on time. Please see the office Grade Substitution Policy for details.
Grade Substitution Policy
Q1. Does Georgia Tech have a grade substitution policy?
- Yes, for students who started fall 2005 and later as freshmen only. There is no grade substitution policy for transfer students. The official rules can be found in the catalog.
Q2. What courses can I use to substitute my grade?
- First-time freshman students who receive a grade of D or F in a course within their first two terms in residence (first three terms in residence for freshmen who start in the summer) are eligible to repeat the course and have the original grade excluded from the computation of academic average. Grade substitution may be used only once per course, with a maximum of two courses total. The grade substitution form must be submitted on-time and with the proper signatures. Please see the office Grade Substitution Policy for details, rules and regulations.
Q3. Is there anything I need to do to have my grade substituted?
- Yes. You must repeat the course at Georgia Tech within the student's first four terms in residence (first five terms in residence for freshmen who started in the summer).
- After you have repeated the course at Georgia Tech, fill out the application for grade substitution by the deadline for that semester.
- Have your academic advisor sign the grade substitution form. If you are waited until midterm week, you will probably need to drop the form off at the front desk in MRDC room 3112 and you will need to pick it up after your advisor has signed it.
- Take the signed form to the dean's office.
- Finally, submit the signed form to the Registrar's Office no later than the publicized deadline during your next term in residence after the course is repeated.
Q4. Will the original grade be removed from my transcript?
- No. The original course and grade will continue to appear on the student's transcript, with a notation that the course was repeated and that the original grade is not included in computation of the academic average.
Q5. Will the original grade be counted in my HOPE GPA?
Q6. How does the Grade Substitution Policy affect my financial aid?
GPA Information
Q1. How do I calculate my overall GPA?
- Click here for GPA calculation instructions.
Q2. How is my ME or NRE GPA calculated?
- ME (2011-2012 Curriculum & Earlier): The ME GPA averages all the grades from the ME and COE classes only. It is calculated only using the grades from your most recent classes. For example, if you took a class twice, only the latest grade is used to calculate your ME GPA. Click here to download an ME GPA Calculator (Excel spreadsheet)
- ME (2012-2013 Curriculum & Later): The Major GPA averages all grades from all ME and COE classes required by name and number plus ECE 3710, ECE 3741, MSE 20001, ISYE 3025, the Design Elective and the ME Elective. ME classes used for free electives are not included in the Major GPA.
- NRE: The NRE GPA averages all the grades from the NRE classes only. This GPA is calculated only using the grades from your most recent classes. For example, if you took a class twice, only the latest grade is used to calculate your NRE GPA. Click here to download an NRE GPA Calculator (Excel spreadsheet).
Q3. Is there any place that I can find my ME or NRE GPA without calculating it on my own?
- Yes. There is a degree audit system being used at Georgia Tech called DegreeWorks. To run your DegreeWorks audit, log onto DegreeWorks (the login is in the yellow bar on the right side of the screen under Buzz). After you log on, you will see your degree audit.
- ME (2011-2012 Curriculum & Earlier): You can find your ME GPA listed under the BSME - Major Requirements.
It is listed as 'Your GPA for Major Classes is...'
- ME (2012-2013 Curriculum): This will be updated when the new curriculum is added to DegreeWorks.
- NRE: You can find your NRE GPA listed under the BSNRE - Major Requirements. It is listed as 'Your GPA for Major classes is...'. NRE students who take NRE classes as technical electives will need to use the spreadsheet in Q2 above because DegreeWorks does use the technical electives to calculate the NRE GPA.
Q4. If I take classes at another school, are those grades included in my Georgia Tech GPA?
- No. Your Georgia Tech GPA is only classes taken at Georgia Tech.
Q5. If I repeat a class, will my first grade be removed from my GPA?
- Students Starting Summer 2005 and Earlier - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA.
- Students Starting as Transfer Students Fall 2005 and Later - No! Both grades will be averaged into your overall GPA. Transfer students are not eligible for the Grade Substitution Policy.
- Freshmen Starting Fall 2005 and Later - Maybe. A very limited Grade Substitution Policy exists for first time freshmen who receive a D or an F in a course within their first two terms in residence. The class must be repeated within the first 4 semesters in residence AND the application for grade substitution must be submitted on time. Please see the Grade Substitution Policy for details.
Midterm Grades
Q1. What are Midterm Grades?
- Midterm Grades (also called Progress Reports) are given in all 1000 and 2000 level classes. These grades are either a U (unsatisfactory) or an S (satisfactory). They give you an idea of how you are doing in class around the midterm time period.
Q2. Do my Midterm Grades count in my GPA?
- No. They do not show up on a transcript and they are not counted toward your GPA.
Q3. How do I see my Midterm Grades?
- Go to Buzzport and log in.
- Select 'Registration - OSCAR'.
- Select 'Student Services & Financial Aid'.
- Select 'Student Records'.
- Select 'Progress Report Grades'.
Q4. Do I need to have my Midterm Grades changed if they are incorrect?
- No. Midterm Grades are not counted toward your GPA and do not show up on your transcript, so there is no way to change them if they are incorrect.
Readmission after Academic Dismissal Information
Q1. I've been dropped from school, what do I do now?
- If you have been dropped from school, you will be required to sit out of school two or three semesters before you can apply for readmission. In order to be readmitted you will need to meet with your Academic Advisor. When you see your Academic Advisor, you are expected to bring three things: Petition to the Faculty (filled out), Readmission Form (filled out), and a letter explaining why this happened and how you are going to be successful at Georgia Tech if you are readmitted. Readmission after academic dismissal is not guaranteed, you need to show a justification of how things will be better academically.
Q2. I've been dropped from school a second time, what do I do now?
Q3. Do I really need to sit out for two or three semesters?
- Yes, there are no exceptions to this rule! The number of semesters that you must sit out depends on your current academic standing. Your Academic Advisor can give you more information about this.
Q4. When is my readmission paperwork due to the registrar's office?
Dropping a Class
Q1. Should I drop a class?
- Dropping a class is a very serious matter. You should always look ahead and see how it will affect your classes for next semester because it may be a pre-req to something you need next semester. Also, multiple W's on a transcript are not looked upon favorably by employers. Other things to consider are listed in Q2 and Q4 below.
Q2. How do I drop a class?
- All holds must be removed before a student can drop a course.
Click here for instructions to view holds.
- There is no refund for a dropped course.
- Full time Students who withdraw from a course which takes them below 12 hours, will no longer be considered full time.
- If there is an academic integrity violation pending, the student may not drop the class.
- Click here for instructions to drop a class.
Q3. Is there a limit to the number of classes that I can drop?
- No. There is no limit to the number of classes you can drop, including ME classes. However, multiple W's on a transcript are not looked upon favorably by employers. Dropping a class is a serious matter and should be carefully considered before making a final decision.
Q4. How do I verify that I dropped my class?
Go to Buzzport and log in.
Select ' Registration - OSCAR '.
Select ' Student Services & Financial Aid '.
Select ' Registration '.
Select ' Student Detail Schedule '.
Select the Current Term and press ' Submit '.
On that screen, each class is listed with its details.
The course Status will be ' Course Drop by Student '.
Q5. I plan to drop a class and as a result I will drop below 12 hours. Am I still a considered a full time student?
- No, you are no longer considered a full time student if you drop below 12 credit hours. Some things to think about are:
- Co-op - Co-op students should consult with their co-op advisor before dropping below full time status.
- Financial Aid/Loans/Scholarships - Some scholarships/loans/financial aid require that you maintain full time status. Students should always verify with their financial aid advisor to verify the requirements of your particular situation. In addition, students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to maintain future financial aid, loans and scholarships.
- Health Insurance - Health insurance companies verify a student's status generally once (sometimes twice) a year. With the new health care law effective 1/2011, students may not need to show full time enrollment to be eligible for healthcare. You should always check with the insurance company to see if they have already verified your status for the semester and if it is okay to be a part time student for the semester.
- HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships - Hope and the Zell Miller scholarships do not require that students be full time. However, any classes in which you receive a 'W' will count against your attempted HOPE hours. Click here for more information. In addition, students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress which will be evaluated at future checkpoints.
- International Students - International students are required to maintain full time status. There are a very limited number of exceptions to this. Questions about this should be directed to the Office of International Education (OIE).
- Parents/Guardians - Students should always consult their parents or guardians if they intend to be part time students.
- Housing - Students living in housing on the campus may be required to be a full time student. Students must verify with the GT housing department.
- Pre-requisites - Class pre-requisites are enforced in ME and pre-requisite overrides are not given. Dropping a class may result in an extra semester through the pre-requisite chain. Consult your academic advisor if you are not sure.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
Q1. How do I find a list of prerequisites or corequisites for classes?
Q2. On the Program of Study, how do I know if the class is a prerequisite or corequisite?
- All corequisites have an asterisk (*) after each class. All pre-requisites do not have an asterisk listed.
Q3. Do I really need to take the prerequisites or corequisites for the classes?
- Yes. The prerequisites and corequisites are there to make sure that you have all of the background information for the class you are going to take. You should make sure that you have the prerequisites for classes that you are going to take. Pre-requisites are strictly enforced for all ME and NRE classes.
Q4. OSCAR let me sign up for a class without the correct prerequisites or corequisites. Can I still take the class?
- The prerequisites and corequisites are there to make sure that you have all of the background information for the class you are going to take. You should make sure that you have the prerequisites for classes that you are going to take. Not all classes in OSCAR have the pre-reqs set up correctly.
Social Sciences and Humanities Electives (Core Classes)
Q1. How many social science and humanities classes do I need?
You need 12 hours of humanities and 12 hours of social sciences. The breakdown is as follows:
* Notes: Within the social science and humanities electives, students are required to take ethics and global perspective based on the requirements fro their catalog year. The chart showing the requirements for each catalog year is below.
| Curriculum |
Ethics |
Global Perspective |
ME: 2010-2011 & Earlier
NRE: 2010-2011 & Earlier |
PHIL 3105 (Humanities) - was PST 3105
PHIL 3109 (Humanities) - was PST 3109
PHIL 3127 (Humanities) - was PST 3127
PHIL 4176 (Humanities) - was PST 4176
INTA 2030 (Social Science)
HTS 2084 (Social Science)
|
Not Required |
ME: 2011-2012
NRE: 2011-2012 & Later |
PHIL 3105 (Humanities) - was PST 3105
PHIL 3109 (Humanities) - was PST 3109
PHIL 3127 (Humanities) - was PST 3127
PHIL 4176 (Humanities) - was PST 4176
INTA 2030 (Social Science)
HTS 2084 (Social Science)
|
One from this list |
| ME: 2012-2013 & Later |
One from this list |
One from this list |
Q2. What classes count as social science and humanities electives?
- Click here for a list of social science electives.
- Click here for a list of humanities electives.
Q3. How do I know which humanities and social science electives are offered each semester?
Q4. What classes satisfy the global perspective requirement?
- Click here for a list of classes that satisfy the global perspective requirement.
Q5. I don't understand if ethics is a social science or humanities class!
Q6. Are there any level (1000, 2000, 3000 or 4000) requirements for my social science and humanities electives?
- Starting with the 2006-2007 catalog year, there are no level requirements for social science or humanities electives.
Free Electives (ME Students Only)
Q1. How many free electives do I need?
- ME students on the 2011-2012 Curriculum and earlier need 6 hours of free elective in their curriculum.
- ME students on the 2012-2013 Curriculum or later need 15 hours of free electives.
- NRE students do not take any free electives.
Q2. What options do I have for my free electives?
- Students are encouraged to pursue further interests or expand on something you are interested in.
The free electives are your options to take classes that will enhance or personalize your education, while following the requirements for the free electives.
A few suggestions are:
Q3. What classes are eligible to be used as free electives?
- Free electives must meet the level requirements for each curriculum. See notes on the curriculum guides for that information.
- Free Electives may not repeat the material in any other class used for the BSME degree.
For example, MGT 2250 (Management Statistics) does not satisfy a free elective for ME students because there is a required
statistics class (MATH/ISYE 3770) in the curriculum.
- Pre-calculus cannot be used as a free elective.
- Free electives must be taken as letter grade.
- Free electives can be classes
such as social science classes, humanities classes, management classes, additional ME electives, etc.
- Examples of classes that do not count as free electives:
- PHYS 2802 (Physics Help Class)
- MGT 2250 (Management Statistics)
- ME 3720 (a thermal/fluids science class for non-ME/NRE students)
- Work or internship experiences
- Any repeated class
- Any class that duplicates any other class required for the BSME degree
- If in doubt, ASK YOUR ADVISOR!
Q4. Do free electives need to be 3 hours each?
- No. Free elective hours can be combined. For example: If an ME student is required to have 6 total hours of free electives, the classes do not have to be 3 hours each. The classes can be combined to equal 6 hours.
This can be 6 one-hour classes, a two-hour class and a four-hour class, etc.
Q5. Can the free electives be taken pass/fail?
- No. Free electives must be taken letter grade. ME students cannot take any classes pass/fail if they want to use them for their BSME curriculum.
Q6. How can I look for a free elective that is 1 or 2 hours?
- Log into Buzzport
- Select Registration - OSCAR
- Select Registration
- Select Look Up Classes
- Select the Term and press Submit
- Select Advanced Search
- Select all of the Subject codes by click on the first option, press and hold SHIFT on the keyboard, scroll down to the bottom of the list and click on the last subject code
- In the Credit Range box, enter the number of credits that you are looking for
- Select Section Search
- You will now see a list of all of the classes that are being offered in that semester with the selected number of credit hours
Transfer Credit
Q1. How do I know what classes transfer into GT?
- Many classes are listed on the Transfer Equivalency Table. If the class is not listed on this table, you need to contact the advisor in each department to ask who handles transfer credit in their department. For example, you need to speak to the Math department for a math class.
Q2. Can I take a class at another school which I have already taken at Georgia Tech?
- No!!! Georgia Tech will NOT award credit for courses successfully completed at another institution which were previously taken at Georgia Tech. This is regardless of the grade you received at Georgia Tech. If you have a 'W' on your transcript, then you may transfer the class into Georgia Tech.
Q3. I want to take a class this summer while I am home or while I am co-oping. What do I need to do?
- Click here to see more information about transferring classes into Georgia Tech.
Q4. If I take classes at another college or university, will those grades count in my GPA?
- Any classes taken outside of Georgia Tech will NOT be included in your Georgia Tech GPA.
Q5. How do I apply for transfer credit?
Q6. I took a class that I did not get credit for at Georgia Tech. Can I test out of that class?
- Students who offer satisfactory evidence that they are qualified to do so may receive credit for a course by examination. This is called an Advanced Standing Exam.
Minors and Certificates
Q1. What are minors and certificates?
- Minor - A minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours in an area outside your major, 12 of which must be at a 3000 level or above. A minor will appear on your transcript. Click here for the minor rules.
- Certificate - A certificate consists of a minimum of 12 semester hours in an area outside your major, 9 of which must be at a 3000 level or above. A certificate will not appear on your transcript. Click here for the certificate rules.
Q2. What minors and certificates are available at Georgia Tech?
- Click here for a list of minors.
- Click here for a list of certificates.
Q3. How do I declare a minor or certificate?
Q4. How do I declare a minor or change a previously declared minor?
- Minor - The semester that you fill out your Application to Graduate (the semester before you graduate) fill out the Minor Form and turn it in to the registrar's office.
- Certificate - The semester that you graduate, fill out the Certificate Form and turn it in to the department offering the certificate. Once your certificate is approved the department offering the certificate will mail it to you.
Q5. How many minors am I allowed to declare?
- A student is allowed a maximum of 2 minors.
Q6. Does the Woodruff School offer any minors or certificates?
- Yes. The Woodruff School offers a minor in NRE and certificate in NRE (Nuclear and Radiological Engineering). We do not offer a minor or certificate in Mechanical Engineering. ME students are also eligible to participate in the Energy Minor.
Q7. How do minor and certificate classes fit into my curriculum?
- All Students:
- NRE Students: Minor and certificate classes can be double counted as minor/certificate classes and technical electives if the classes meet the NRE technical elective requirements.
- ME Students on the 2012-2013 Curriculum: Minor classes cannot be used for ME electives. Minor classes can be used to satisfy free electives if the classes meet the free elective requirements.
- ME Students on the 2011-2012 Curriculum and earlier:
- Minor and certificate classes can be used as free electives if the classes meet the ME free elective requirements. This is for all minors offered.
- Students who successfully complete a minor approved by the ME department are allowed to substitute courses required for the minor for up to six hours of ME elective credit. If a student does not complete the minor, then this substitution is disallowed and the student must complete six hours of ME elective credit. The list of minors that are approved by the ME department are:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computing Science
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
- Nuclear and Radiological Engineering
Second Undergraduate Degrees
Q1. Can I double major at Georgia Tech?
- Second Undergraduate Degree - Georgia Tech does not offer double majors but does offer a second undergraduate degree. You must meet all of the requirements for both degrees and earn credit for a total of at least 36 additional hours in excess of the first degree.
Q2. How do I declare a second major?
- Second Undergraduate Degree - A Change of Major Form must be filled out declaring the second major. The change of major form must be signed by your current advisor and an advisor in the new major.
Q3. How do I find the advisor for my new major?
Graduation Information
Q1. What are the GPA requirements for graduating with honors?
- Click here for more information about graduating with honors.
Q2. Where do I get more information about graduating?
- Click here for frequently asked questions on the registrar's website pertaining to graduation.
Q3. Where do I get more information about commencement and the graduation ceremony?
- Click here for frequently asked questions on the registrar's website pertaining to commencement.
Q4. Where do I get more information about caps and gown for commencement?
- Click here for information about caps and gowns.
DegreeWorks Degree Audit
Q1. What is DegreeWorks?
- DegreeWorks is a degree audit system which monitors a student's progress towards graduation. This report is what the registrar uses to verify that all requirements have been met for graduation.
Q2. Why do I need to look at my Degree Works Audit?
- It will tell you how far along you are in the curriculum and will identify the required classes that you are missing.
Q3. How do I look at or print my DegreeWorks audit?
- Click here for instructions to view your DegreeWorks audit.
Q4. Can I choose a different major for my DegreeWorks audit?
- YES! Click here for instructions to view your DegreeWorks report. You can run a what-if analysis to select a different major. Students should always verify this with an academic advisor in the other department to be sure.
Hope Scholarship
Q1. What is the Hope Scholarship?
Q2. Do I need to be a full-time student to qualify for the HOPE scholarship?
Q3. What if I have other questions about the HOPE scholarship?
- All questions regarding the HOPE Scholarship should be directed to the HOPE Scholarship Webpage and then the financial aid department.
Q4. I have heard that there are changes coming to the HOPE scholarship. What are these changes?
Change of Major
Q1. How do I change my major?
- You must obtain a Change of Major Form and have the new department and your current department sign the form. You will then need to turn in the signed form to the Registrar's Office.
Q2. Who must sign my Change of Major Form?
Q3. Are there restrictions I need to know about before I change my major?
- Students have one 'free' change of major before he/she reaches 60 credit hours (including transfer credit hours.) After the one ' free ' major change, schools can impose GPA requirements in order to change into their major.
Q4. What are the requirements to change my major to ME or NRE?
- Students who have more than 60 credit hours or have previously changed their major at Georgia Tech must have a Georgia Tech GPA greater than 2.6 to transfer into ME or NRE.
- Students who started at Georgia Tech as freshman are eligible for the unrestricted (no GPA requirements) major change into ME or NRE if they have less than 60 credit hours and have not previously changed their major.
- Students who started at Georgia Tech as transfer students must have a Georgia Tech GPA >= 2.6 to transfer into ME or NRE.
Readmission
Q1. I have been away from school for more than two consecutive terms. Do I need to apply for readmission?
- Yes! Click here for more information about readmission.
Q2. Who needs to sign my readmission form?
- The school which you are applying for readmission to must sign your readmission form.
Q3. Where can I find more information about the readmission process?
- Click here for more information about readmission.
Q4. When is my readmission paperwork due to the registrar's office?
FE or EIT Exam (Fundaments of Engineering Exam) - Click here for the PDF Version
Q1. What is the EIT or FE exam?
- The FE exam is the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. The old name of the exam was the EIT (Engineer in Training).
Q2. Why should I take the FE Exam?
- If you want to pursue a Professional Engineering license (PE), then you first need to take the FE Exam. Click here for more information about Engineering licensure.
Q3. When can I take the FE Exam?
- All students must be within two semesters of graduation when they take the exam, including the semester of the exam.
- Students are also eligible to register through Georgia Tech for the next exam after graduation (only). Students who take the exam after graduation, must send an official copy of their transcript to the state of Georgia (an e-mail with instructions will be sent to all students in this situation).
- Applicants who have graduated are not eligible to register as a student and must take the exam in Macon. Click here for more information about non-student registration.
Q4. If I take the FE/EIT Exam in Georgia, can it transfer to other states?
- The FE/EIT exam is a national exam and will transfer to other states. If you take the exam in Georgia, you are still eligible to obtain your PE license in any other state.
Q5. When is the FE Exam offered?
Q6. What is the registration deadline for the FE Exam for the state of Georgia?
- The due dates for the FE exam change every semester. The ME department will send out an e-mail to the mailing list regarding due dates to register for the FE Exam.
- Registration is due to ME well before the state deadline. ME must have the applications by our deadline due to the time it takes us to get the PE signatures and get the paperwork submitted to the state of Georgia. As a result of this, ME cannot accept any late applications.
- Registration for the October exam is generally due in June. Registration for the April exam is generally due in December.
- Registration for the October 27, 2012 test is as follows:
- State Application: Monday, June 11, 2012 to Norma Frank in MRDC 3112. If you plan to mail the application, she must have it in her hands by this date!
- NCEES Exam Registration: June 15, 2012 - September 7, 2012
- Registration for the April 14, 2012 test is as follows:
- State Application: Monday, December 19, 2011 to Norma Frank in MRDC room 3112. If you plan to mail the application, she must have it in her hands by this date!
- NCEES Exam Registration: December 15, 2011 - February 23, 2012
Q7. How do I register for the FE Exam?
- Please note that there are 2 parts to the application; both parts must be completed at different times to be eligible for the exam.
- State of Georgia Application - The state of Georgia must determine if you are eligible for the exam.
- Exam Registration through NCEES - You must register with the company who administers the exam, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
- Exam Registration:
- If you have previously registered with the state, you need to fill out the re-exam form. A new application to the state of GA must be filled out for EACH test date (even if you already filled one out but did not take the exam). Students are allowed 2 opportunities to take the exam based on their status as a senior in good standing. If the student does not pass after teh second offering, he/she must send in a transcript to receive the remaining offerings.
- If you are registering for the first time, click here for the registration instructions.
Q8. I decided not to take the FE exam after I already registered. Am I entitled to a refund?
- Click here for refund policies.
Q9. Where can I find more information about the FE exam?
- Click here for more information about the exam available from ELSES.
- Click here for the calculator policy for the exam.
- Click here for exam day policies.
- Click here for exam pass rates.
- Click here for exam study materials.
- Click here for exam form.
- Click here to purchase on-line tests.
- Click here to find out about special accommodations.
Q10. Where can I find study materials for the FE exam?
- Click here for FE Exam study materials. Tau Beta Pi (the engineering honor society at GT) holds free review sessions one week before the exam. This information is e-mailed to all students when the details are finalized.
BS/MS Program in ME and NRE
Q1. What is the BS/MS Program?
- The BS/MS Program is a way for students to be accepted into graduate school early in their undergraduate program. This program allows students to start in the MS program immediately after the BS Program. Students are allowed to use two classes (6 credit hours) taken for the BS degree towards their MS program. This potentially reduces the time required to finish the MS program. Click here for more information.
Q2. What are the qualifications to apply to the program?
- Students must be an ME or NRE undergraduate student and apply to the Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Medical Physics, Paper Science or Bioengineering programs within the Woodruff School.
- Students starting as freshman at Georgia Tech must apply after earning 30 credit hours but before 75 earned credit hours, including transfer and AP credit hours. Applications from students with more than 75 earned hours are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- Students have shown appropriate progress towards their degree program.
- Students starting as transfer students at Georgia Tech who have more than 75 credit hours are eligible to apply immediately after completing 12 credit hours at Georgia Tech.
- All students must have a Georgia Tech grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 to be eligible to apply. Classes taken at other colleges and universities are not included in this GPA.
Q3. How do I apply to the BS/MS program?
- There are 3 parts to the application (Click here for the application). It does not cost any money to apply.
- BS/MS application
- One recommendation form filled out by a Georgia Tech Faculty member (does not have to be ME or NRE)
- A short biographical essay about the benefits and opportunities the student will derive from the program
Q4. Why should I apply to the BS/MS Program?
- There are several advantages to the program. It allows students to double count 6 hours of classes towards their MS and BS degrees. Also, students accepted in the program are not required to take the GRE. Click here for more information.
Q5. What are the conditions to remain in the BS/MS Program?
- Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher to remain in the program. Students are required to complete their MS degree within two years of graduation with the BS degree. Students must also start into the MS program immediately after graduating with their BS degree (not including summer semester). Click here for more rules about the BS/MS Program.
Q6. If I am accepted into the BS/MS Program, am I obligated to finish my MS degree at Georgia Tech?
- No! Students who are accepted are not required to complete their MS degree. This is not a requirement of the program.
Q7. I am accepted in the BS/MS program and I plan to start graduate school within a year. What do I need to do?
- You should schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Paul Neitzel, who is the BS/MS advisor for students in the ME school.
- Click here for a power point presentation about the transition to graduate school.
- Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the BS/MS program.
Q8. How and when do I apply for funding for graduate school?
- Funding may be available for students who do a PhD or a MS with a thesis. Students should apply for funding the semester before starting the graduate program. Click here for the electronic submission information.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Q1. What is the GRE?
- The GRE measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE is similar to the SAT, but designed for college students. Click here for more information.
Q2. Why should I take the GRE?
- Nearly every graduate engineering program requires GRE scores as part of the application process.
Q3. When can I take the GRE?
- It is strongly suggested that students take the GRE during their senior year, atleast one full semester before the graduate school applications are due.
Q4. When and where is the GRE offered?
- The computer based GRE is offered year round at many locations through out the US, including several locations in Atlanta. Click here for more information about locations.
Q5. Do I need to take the GRE subject tests?
- Subject tests are offered in 8 different areas. Most graduate engineering schools do not require subject tests. However, you should always verify with the school to which you are applying.
Q6. How can I register for the GRE?
- Click here to register for the GRE.
Q7. If I did not do very well, should I repeat the exam?
- Yes. Most graduate schools will take the highest scores.
Q8. How much does it cost to register to take the GRE?
- Click here for the exam fees.
Q9. Where can I get more information about the GRE?
- Click here for more information about the GRE.
Undergraduate Research
Q1. How do I find an undergraduate research position?
Q2. How do I register for undergraduate research?
- Students must fill out the Undergraduate Research Form and turn it into MRDC room 3112. After the form is processed a permit will be issued to register for a specific section of undergraduate research. The student must then register for the class. The ME department does not register the student for the class.
Q3. Can I get class credit for research? Can I get paid for research?
- You can either get class credit or be paid for the research, not both. Generally students get class credit for the research.
If you want to be paid, the professor must be willing to pay you. Unpaid research is ME/NRE 2699 or 4699. Paid research is ME/NRE 2698 or 4698.
Q4. Do ME or NRE participate in the research option?
- ME and NRE do not participate in the research option. However, students can still
participate in the research option in other majors. This means that your research would most likely be in a different area. The research option is
a degree designator that will show up on your diploma if you complete the requirements of the program.
Q5. Where can I find information about summer research opportunities?
Q6. How much research can I use towards my degree?
- ME (2011-2012 Curriculum & Earlier): Students may use up to 4 hours of ME 4699/4903 for ME elective credit. In addition, up to 6 hours of 2699/4699/4903 from any department may be used as free elective credit. Research performed in other departments may only be used as free elective credit.
- ME (2012-2013 Curriculum & Later): Students may use up to 6 hours of 2699/4699/4903 from any department for free electives. No research or special problems can be used for the ME elective.
- NRE: Students can satisfy up to of 4 hours of technical elective credit with 4699/4903 as long as the class is from the college of science, college of engineering or college of computing.
Q7. What class do I register for?
| Course |
Hours for BS? |
Used As? |
For Pay? |
Description |
Eligible |
| ME 4903 |
Yes |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Non-Research Special Problem |
Juniors, Seniors |
| NRE 4903 |
Yes |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Non-Research Special Problem |
Juniors, Seniors |
| ME 4699 |
Yes |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Research Special Problem |
Juniors, Seniors |
| NRE 4699 |
Yes |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Research Special Problem |
Juniors, Seniors |
| ME 2699 |
Yes |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Research Special Problem |
Freshmen, Sophomores |
| NRE 2699 |
No |
Class credit per rules above |
No |
Research Special Problem |
Freshmen, Sophomores |
ME 4698
NRE 4698 |
No |
Transcript Entry Only |
Yes |
Research for Pay |
Juniors, Seniors |
ME 2698
NRE 2698 |
No |
Transcript Entry Only |
Yes |
Research for Pay |
Freshmen, Sophomores |
|
