Current Online MSCE Student Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a minimum course registration required each semester?

• You need to register for at least one credit to be considered an active student. If you do not enroll for more than two consecutive semesters, you will lose your student status and would have to reapply.

Are all courses available every term?

• No, all courses are not available every term. Most will be offered once a year. You can find the course offering schedule at: https://engineering.purdue.edu/CE/Academics/Graduate/Online/curriculum-map.

Where can I find my registration PIN?

• Registration PINs are available at: https://engineering.purdue.edu/BannerPin. You will need to login with your Purdue Career Account. If you don’t find your PIN, please contact Jenny Ricksy at jricksy@purdue.edu.

When will I be able to see the course in Brightspace?

• The instructor must make the course active in Brightspace – so faculty do this before the start of the semester, others on the first day of class. If you are registered for the course and do not see it in Brightspace after the start of the semester, please email the instructor.

How long does it take to finish the program?

• The program requires 30 credits. You can finish it in as little as a year if you take a full-load of courses each semester (9-12 credits). However, most students will take about three years to complete all the required credits.

How are the online courses structured?

• The Civil Engineering courses will be offered asynchronously so that you would be able to access the materials at a time that is convenient to you. Some courses in other departments may have an in-person proctoring requirement for exams – the instructor should announce this requirement at the beginning of the semester.

How do I drop a course or withdraw for the semester?

• You can drop a course via the Scheduling Assistant in myPurdue. If you are dropping your only course or you last course for the semester, you would need to request a withdraw.

Will I receive a refund if I drop a course or withdraw for the semester?

• Depending on the date you request the drop/withdraw, you may receive a refund. You can find the refund schedule on the Drop/Add Refund & Deadline Calendar.

How do I graduate?

• You would need to have a Plan of Study on file with the graduate school prior to the semester you plan to graduate. Then, within the first two weeks of the semester you plan to graduate, you need to notify the CE Grad Office of your desire to graduate and you will be added to the candidate list for the semester.