Frequently Asked Questions

Courses / Degrees / Certificates

What are my enrollment options?
The Stanford Center for Professional Development makes it possible for working professionals to pursue:
- professional courses
- graduate courses
- professional certificates
- graduate certificates
- Master's degrees (Honors Cooperative Program) on a part-time basis.
Details
May I apply units (credits) from a graduate course and/or graduate certificate program to a degree program?

Yes, up to 18 credit units earned through the successful completion of graduate courses and certificates offered through the Stanford Center for Professional Development may count toward a degree program, if you apply and are accepted. Check with your advisor to be sure that the credits earned are applicable to the degree you are pursuing. Continuing Education Units cannot be transferred to graduate courses or programs.
How do I earn a master's degree through the Honors Cooperative Program?

To work toward a master's degree at a distance and/or on a part-time basis through the Honors Cooperative Program you will need to apply through the same graduate admissions process as fulltime residential students. The master's degree requirements include an application, letters of recommendation, transcripts, the GRE and TOEFL. In order to earn your master's degree, you are required to complete 45 units, about 11 to 15 courses. Details

Can I enroll for courses online?

To enroll online, search for a course, select the appropriate section and delivery option, and proceed to checkout by clicking "Enroll in This Section." During checkout, you will be asked to submit an application for courses and certificates, as required.
How do I begin the process to apply for graduate courses for credit?

The first time you submit an enrollment application to take courses under the Non Degree Option, you will need to send an official transcript from each college or university you attended to ensure that you have the appropriate academic background. The application should be submitted during the enrollment checkout process.
How do I enroll in professional courses and/or programs?

To enroll in a professional course, simply search for the course you would like to take as well as the preferred delivery option, click "Enroll in This Section" (which will add the course to your shopping cart), and proceed to checkout. Some professional programs require an application in order to complete checkout, showing evidence of industry experience and educational preparedness.

Are there exams for professional courses?

If you are taking a professional course online, you will be required to complete an online exam in order to earn a certificate of completion. Professional courses taken at Stanford require full time attendance, with no more than 30 minutes absence from class instruction, in order to receive a certificate of completion. Details
Graduate students must appoint someone to monitor their exams. How do I do that?

All students seeking credit for graduate courses are required to have an Exam Monitor for midterms and finals. Once you have created a profile under mystanfordconnection, you may view and download the Exam Monitor form from the Forms page of the mystanfordconnection drop-down menu. Details
How are graduate course exams administered?

The Stanford Center for Professional Development sends exams to the Exam Monitor. The Exam Monitor then administers the exam to the student and returns the completed exam according to the instructions provided with the exam.

How do I view my courses?

All course videos are available in mystanfordconnection. Your mystanfordconnection student portal will populate your courses in the "Current Courses" section of the page.
How do I access a course webpage?

Course webpages are maintained by the instructor or teaching assistant of the course in which you are enrolled. Issues regarding accessing the course webpage, downloading homework assignments, course handouts, or lecture notes should be directed to the instructor or teaching assistant.
How does the online technology work?

Graduate courses are taped in specially equipped classrooms and posted online at the conclusion of the class at Stanford using streaming audio and video technologies, as well as slide presentations.

Do you accept "intent to pay" letters from companies for tuition?

Stanford University requires that students pay their tuition at the time they enroll for courses.
What is my company's tuition reimbursement policy?

Check with your Human Resources department for this information. If your employer is a member of the Stanford Center for Professional Development, we may be able to give you the name of your company coordinator who can refer you to the correct contact. Please email scpd-registration@stanford.edu to request your coordinator contact.
Do you offer group pricing for professional courses?

Group pricing for professional courses can be arranged by calling our Customer Service team at 650.725.9200. There must be at least 5 people in the group to qualify. Once a price has been settled, we will work with you to arrange payment in the way that most suits you and your company's internal accounting.

Do member companies receive discounts on tuition?

Employees of Stanford Center for Professional Development member companies are eligible for discounts on tuition for both graduate and professional courses. Please visit the Benefits of Membership page to learn more.
Do I work for a member company?

The full list of member companies can be found on the Current Members page.
Is it possible to bring Stanford engineering courses to my company?

We do create custom on-site programs for companies interested in educating employees in large groups. Visit our Custom & Tailored Programs page if you are interested in creating a custom program for your organization.

Where can I find information about local hotels?

Please visit our Visitor Information page to find inportant information about hotels, airports, directions, maps, and much more.
What campus privileges are Stanford Center for Professional Development students entitled to?

Students pursuing a master's degree on a part-time basis through the Honors Cooperative Program have full Stanford University campus privileges. Students completing graduate courses for credit have access to the Stanford engineering libraries and receive a computer account. Professional course participants do not receive Stanford University student privileges.
Which airport should I fly into?

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) are the two closest airports to Stanford University. San Jose is closer, but you will have to arrange for a cab or shuttle service to take you to Stanford. From SFO, you can take the BART and the CalTrain directly to Stanford.

You may also fly into the Oakland International Airport (OAK) and take a cab, shuttle, or the BART from there. It is about 45 minutes to an hour from Stanford.