Frequently Asked Questions - The Robert H. Buckman College of Engineering Online Education Program - Purdue University

Sustainable Building Design and Operation is focused specifically on the built environment—building systems integration, performance modeling, controls/operations, and indoor environmental quality. The broader Sustainability Engineering major is more interdisciplinary across sectors and sustainability challenges. If your goals center on high-performance buildings and building operations, choose this major; if you want broader sustainability systems and applications across industries, the general major may fit better.

You would earn a Master of Science or a Master of Science in Engineering.

Transfer credit and credit-hour policies follow Graduate School policy, with a maximum of 12 transfer credits accepted toward the program. Transfer credits are officially reviewed for transferability after admission with academic and faculty advisors and, if approved, are applied within a student’s electronic Plan of Study as electives. Course substitutions, Plan of Study changes, and related approvals are managed through the program’s academic leadership and advising process.

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 must reapply.

No, all courses are not available every term. You can see our course availability on the courses page.

You may take a maximum of two consecutive semesters off. If you take more than two semesters, you will need to reapply to the program.

We suggest that you try to get at least one academic reference. If that is not possible, recommendations from employers will be accepted.

The courses will be offered asynchronously. We upload recordings of live lectures for you to view on your time. You will follow along weekly to complete your assignments, projects, and/or exams. Exams may require a proctor (virtual or in-person depending on the faculty).

Scholarships and funding are not available through Purdue as this program is a course-based, self-funded master's program. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for federal financial aid. The Purdue Division of Financial Aid can answer your questions. Veterans can visit the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Military Success Center to learn more about wrap-around support services for Purdue students who are veterans, members of the military, or benefit-using family members.

Students enrolled in the online Master of Science in Sustainability Engineering, which is supported by Purdue University, receive robust support from a dedicated team of student engagement professionals. All students have an assigned academic advisor, who is available for one-on-one support and helps students with academic-related questions or issues. Academic advisors also offer workshops on topics relevant to academic planning and preparation, including plan of study workshops and specialty info sessions for students enrolled in specific programs. Additionally, students have an assigned student success coach, whose role is to support students who may be struggling in the online learning environment. Students have access to their assigned success coach from the point they accept their offer of enrollment through graduation. Success coaches also work to build community among online students, including offering networking events, resources, and opportunities for professional development.

A graduate student is expected to maintain a graduation index representing a B average (3.0/4.0 GPA) or better. A student's 30 credits of graduate coursework must be cumulatively calculated at a 3.0 or higher in order to receive the Degree. For more details on policies and grading information, please visit: Policies and Procedures for Administering Graduate Student Programs - Purdue University - Modern Campus Catalog™ - see section VI for grading policies.

Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities.