Application process and FAQ

Graduate Certificate Program in Polymers & Coatings

Thank you for your interest in the Fully Online Graduate Certificate program in Polymers and Coatings at EMU. We encourage you to refer to Graduate Admission at the EMU website for more comprehensive information. International students are advised to follow the International Admissions link. Specific information on admissions requirement, curriculum and advisor can be found here.

The following information may serve to help you in making decision and admission process for Graduate Certificate in Polymers and Coatings (GCP&C). After reviewing this information if you have any questions or need any specific information, please contact the Polymers and Coatings program coordinator by email at: polymers_coatings@emich.edu

I Program Type:

GCP&C is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.

II Admission requirements:

1. A baccalaureate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemical Technology, or other areas of science /engineering /Technology with emphasis in chemistry - from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission.

2. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

3. A Personal Statement (Highlighting your interest, experience, in this field and how it will help you succeed in P&C program).

III.Steps to APPLY:

Fill out a Graduate Online Application Form

For Winter 2022: 2021-2022 Application (Winter 22)

For Summer 2022, Fall 2022: 2022-2023 Application (Summer 22, Fall 22, or Winter 23)

2. College Transcripts

All international, post-secondary transcripts from a non-U.S. institution must be submitted directly to one of the following four approved evaluation services for a detailed, course by course report. These evaluation services are accredited through NACES, an association of independent, non-governmental organizations providing credential evaluation services to individuals who have completed a part or all of their education outside the United States.

Applicants should allow 2–6 weeks for the evaluation to be completed and the evaluation process will cost approx. 160-200 USD.

Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
- Course-by-course report
- Submit electronically using ECE DISPATCH
Educational Perspectives (EP)
- Course-by-course evaluation
- Select Digital/Electronic Deliver to international.admissions@emich.edu

Translation Services Available

SpanTran [PDF]
- Course analysis evaluation
- Request report be submitted directly to international.admissions@emich.edu

Translation Services Available

World Education Services (WES)
- Course-by-course evaluation
- Submit electronically using Access WES

Once the transcript evaluation is completed by the agency, both the transcript evaluation report and the international credentials required for the evaluation must be submitted to Eastern Michigan University. These documents must be submitted directly from the transcript evaluation company or through Digitary Core, a secure method of transcript submission. If the student decides to use more than one transcript evaluation service from the approved list, the university will only use the first one received for making the admission decision and for transfer credit purposes. If you are admitted as a conditional senior to the Graduate School, you must submit the final international transcripts and degree certificate from your prior academic program as well as an official English translation to the Office of International Admissions to fulfill the condition. You do not need to submit these documents back to the evaluation company.

IV English Proficiency:

Official test scores must be sent directly to EMU from the following testing agencies: TOEFL (school code: 1201), IELTS, MELAB or PTE. Copies are not acceptable. Some students may be eligible for ESL testing waiver based on prior academic experience. Please confirm your waiver eligibility with International Admissions office.

The minimum test scores required for full admission:

TOEFL: 79 iBT

IELTS: 6.5

Note: TOEFL/IELTS score can be sent later so don't wait for scores to come– Apply First.

V Scholarship and Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

There are a limited scholarship opportunities available for the students of Graduate Certificate in P&C. Students are informed of their selection for scholarships only after they are admitted and enrolled in the course/s. There are no Graduate Assistantships available for the students of GCP&C program.

Cost of attendance:

The following is good faith estimated cost for completing GCP&C and M.S. P&C programs. Note that GCP&C is full-online program so cost of living, insurance and other miscellaneous costs are not included. M.S. degree program cost is estimated based on to-year residency in Ypsilanti.

1 Based on EMU tuition and fee calculator. Sept 2021.

2 These are good-faith estimates based on current student experiences.

# Number can vary based on online or on-campus courses.

* Note: There are many scholarships / assistantships and possibilities for on-campus and off-campus jobs, that can significantly reduce your cost of attendance on-campus and/or provide additional income.

If you have any further questions or need specific information, please contact us at

polymers_coatings@emich.edu

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is GCP&C a fully-online program?

Yes. Students can complete this program (5 on-line courses–15 credits) fully online (all instructions and exams) without the need for coming to EMU campus.

How long it takes to complete this program and earn a graduate certificate?

We understand that many students in this program may be full-time employees or full-time students in another program. Therefore, we typically offer only one or two courses each semester. We anticipate approximately two years (4 semesters) to complete this program.

Completing this GC P&C will improve my job potential and career advancement?

Absolutely. This program will prepare you with advanced technical knowledge and skills in the niche area of polymers and coatings. EMU’s P&C program is well recognized by the industries in the US and also globally.

How does a fully online course work?

In an online course, students can access all instructional materials, tests, assignments (via EMU’s online learning platform – Canvas) at your convenient time. These courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can do all activities at your own convenient time without coordinating with that of instructor or other students. Click here to learn more.

What is the pace of an online course?

Typically, a course will have 10-12 modules. One module is available each week for access. A module typically has instructional material including text, videos, audios, assignment questions, tests etc. Students are required to complete each module within one week, before moving to a next module.

Will I have any interaction with instructors and other students?

Absolutely. We recognize that such interaction is very important. Instructor will chat with you if and when required. You can request a video or non-video chat with the instructor. There are exercises where you interact with other students and comment on their work and vice a versa.

Do I need GRE score?

No. You do not need GRE score for admission to this program.

Am I eligible for admission to M.S. in Polymer and coating after completing this online program?

Yes. You are eligible for admission to MS Polymers and Coatings degree program.

Can I transfer all 15 credits of GC P&C to MS P&C degree program?

Yes. Courses with at least C+ grade can be transferred?

Do I have to come to the EMU campus for M.S. degree program?

Yes. Because you will need to take some courses that are not offered online. These typically include lab courses and research / project courses.

How will it be cost efficiency for me to attend this online course?

Being a fully online program, even though you are an international student, you will be paying only the resident tuition fee. You will also be saving on your living costs, Insurance and other miscellaneous expenses.

What will be the certificate I will be getting once I complete this course?

You will be awarded a certificate: “Graduate Certificate in Polymers and Coatings”.

Am I eligible for CPT and OPT if I decide to transfer my credits and purse MS in Polymers & Coatings?

Yes, you are eligible for CPT and OPT post completing the course as per the U.S. federal government guidelines. MS in Polymers and Coatings is a STEM program.

What scholarships will I be eligible for if I take this certificate program?

There are some departmental scholarships available for eligible students of GC P&C program. These will be available to selected students only after their enrollment in the program.

Do I need a student visa (F1) to attend this program, if I am an international student?

No, you don’t need any visa since to attend this fully online program.

Who should I contact if I have any questions or need any specific information?

You can contact faculty program coordinator Prof. Vijay Mannari at vmannari@emich.edu or polymers_coatings@emich.edu

I Program Type: GCP&C is a designated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program.