NIA | Graduate Education

Graduate Education - FAQs

I want to take courses next semester. How should I get started?
First select a university and degree program. Apply to the university using the on-line forms listed or contact the university representative listed in this document for application forms. Then register for the courses again using the on-line forms. Registration help may be obtained from the university representatives or Lisa Burke at NIA (phone 757-325-6731) or education@nianet.org. Registration assistance is also available from Rita Aguillard at (757) 325-6952.

What is VCES? What is CGEP?
These are both Virginia programs. VCES stands for the Virginia Consortium on Engineering and Science and is primarily a PhD program in Hampton Roads. CGEP stands for Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program is a state-wide, primarily Masters degree program. NIA member universities Virginia and Virginia Tech participate in both programs and any UVa or Virginia Tech course from these programs may be used as an NIA course. CGEP courses may be obtained locally at the Peninsula Graduate Center.

Can I transfer credits from another (non-member) university?
Each university program allows some transfer of credits (but much less than the 50% allowed by NIA member institutions). See your university representative for details.

What is the role of Old Dominion University, William & Mary, and Hampton University in the NIA graduate program?
The NIA affiliate members (ODU and William & Mary) do not presently play a role in the NIA Graduate education program. Transfer credits from these programs follow rules for other (non-member) universities. The relationship with affiliate members is currently under discussion and a stronger affiliation in the future is possible. Hampton University does not presently have a graduate engineering program. NIA partners with Hampton University in a graduate program in Atmospheric Sciences.

How do I take a course from a member university different from the one that I am getting my degree?
Full-time graduate students at NIA may register for courses at another consortium university by registering at their home university through the NIA consortium agreement. Contact Lisa Burke at NIA (phone 757-325-6731) or education@nianet.org for additional details. Part-time students should follow University procedures for non-degree students. Tuition is paid to the university that is giving the course. Contact your university representative, or Rita Aguillard at NIA (phone 757-325-6952) for assistance.

How do I get a graduate advisor? How do I form a graduate committee?
Procedures vary among universities. Contact your university representative for help.

Why does the NIA Course Listing have some programs with (M.S. and Ph.D.) and others with a (courses only) designation?
The (M.S. and Ph.D.) indicates that these are degree programs which follow the full NIA program as outlined previously. The (courses only) designates that the department is not necessarily engaged with the NIA program, but that the courses are available through distance learning and they may be used to enrich the program of study of the degree programs. In time, a number of these programs will be added to the degree programs offered at NIA.