Master's Degrees

Working professionals may pursue a Stanford University master of science degree on a part-time basis through the Honors Cooperative Program (HCP). Degree seekers have the same admissions and graduation requirements and are tested and graded to the same standards as full-time residential students and, upon conferral of the degree, receive the same alumni recognition and privileges.

Prospective students apply to the department in which they would like to pursue a graduate degree through the normal graduate admissions process and compete with all other applicants for admission to the program. Once admitted, HCP students are fully matriculated graduate students of Stanford University, with full student privileges, rights, and responsibilities. HCP students must complete 45 quarter units of master's degree study in five years. Up to 18 Stanford graduate credit units earned while taking individual courses or earning a graduate certificate may be counted toward the degree program if you apply and are accepted.

The Stanford Center for Professional Development provides online access to courses and customer service and handles financial transactions for tuition and related fees. If they are not already, the employer of an HCP student will need to become a member of the Stanford Center for Professional Development.

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Steps to Apply for a Master's Degree

Step 1: Choose a Course of Study

1. Explore available graduate degrees listed by department below.
2. Decide which degree program is right for you.
3. Ensure you meet any applicable prerequisites.

Step 2: Prepare to Apply

1. Review the graduate admissions process which includes Graduate Record Exams (GRE) scores taken within the the past 5 years.
2. Discuss your plans with your employer to gain their support and to become familiar with their tuition reimbursement policies.
3. Consider enrolling in individual graduate courses for credit to determine if distance learning and part-time graduate studies are right for you.

Step 3: Submit your Application Package

1. Select the appropriate application deadline. Several departments accept applications only once a year, others have rolling admissions for HCP applicants.
2. Follow the graduate admissions process for submitting your application package.

Step 4: Complete the Admissions Process

1. If you are admitted, you will be notified to file your study plan in Axess, Stanford's web-based system where you will also add, drop, and evaluate classes; update addresses; review grades; request official transcripts; and review degree requirements status.
2. If you have not previously taken courses delivered by the Stanford Center for Professional Development, you will need to create an account so that you can access your courses, view your account status, and pay your tuition through mystanfordconnection.
3. If they are not already, your company will be contacted so that they can become a member of the Stanford Center for Professional Development.