Department of Civil and Systems Engineering

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Department of Civil and Systems Engineering

FAQs for Current Graduate Students

These are some of the most commonly asked questions.  Questions regarding preparing for your defense and graduation can be found under Graduation Deadlines and FAQs (under PhD program and Master’s Program) on our website.  If you have additional questions, please see the Academic Program Coordinator..

  • What courses am I required to take?

    The following courses are required for ALL graduate students.

    • Civil Engineering Seminars (fall and spring)
    • EN.500.603 Academic Ethics
    • Responsible Conduct of Research (all PhDs, some MSEs – if you’re not sure, consult the chart on the RCR page or ask the Academic Program Coordinator)

    The following courses can be accessed through your MyLearning page.  Log into MyJHU.edu, sign in with your JHED ID and password.  On the left blue bar, select “Education” and “MyLearning”.  Search for the courses by name.  Select the “Take Course” button.  Each course is approximately 1-2 hours in length.

    • Opioid Epidemic Awareness and Education Program
    • Title IX and Harassment Prevention

  • How do I Add/Drop a course?

    These forms can be downloaded from the Registrar’s website.  You may need to obtain the signature of the instructor and/or your advisor.

  • Can I take courses at School of Medicine, Health & Public Hygiene or Engineering for Professionals?

    It is possible to take courses at other JHU schools which can to count towards your degree requirements.  This is referred to as “Interdivisional Registration”.  Once you have obtained approval from your advisor, visit the Registrar’s Office in person to obtain an Interdivisional Course Registration Form.  This will need to be signed by your advisor and submitted in person to the Registrar’s Office.   You can find additional information on the Registrar’s website.

  • Can I take a summer course?

    It is possible that courses you take during the summer semester can be counted toward your degree requirements, however, you must first clear this with your advisor.

    NOTE:  funding provided by the department or university does not cover the cost of summer courses, and you will have to pay for these courses out of pocket.  There are no exceptions.

  • How do I set up my GBO?

    YOU DON’T!!  WSE policy does not permit students to choose their committee members or contact prospective members, prior to confirmation of the committee (which is coordinated by the Academic Program Coordinator).  You and your advisor may discuss possible members whose research is related to yours, but your advisor has the final decision and only he/she may email the Academic Program Coordinator to name the proposed committee members and suggest a suitable time for the exam.

    • The Academic Program Coordinator will then contact each person on the proposed committee to coordinate a date and time.  You will be notified when the exam has been scheduled.
    • Once the exam is scheduled, you may at that time contact committee members but only for the purpose of sharing your research.
    • Do NOT email the Academic Program Coordinator the names of your proposed committee members.  Again, this must come from your advisor.
    • The chair of the committee is always an outside (of the department) member and will be selected by the Dean of Graduate Studies. To ensure your committee can meet in the even the chair is unable to attend at the last minute, it is strongly suggested that the second outside member or the outside alternate be of the Associate Professor rank or above.

  • I am close to finishing my degree, but my I-20 expires before commencement. What should I do?

    You should make an appointment to see someone in the Office of International Services.  Optional Practical Training (OPT) which may be an option for you.

  • What courses am I required to take?

    The following courses are required for ALL graduate students.

    • Civil Engineering Seminars (fall and spring)
    • EN.500.603 Academic Ethics – you will be autoenrolled in this course.
    • Responsible Conduct of Research (Some master’s students have to take the online training.  If you’re not sure about your requirements, consult the chart on the RCR page or ask the Academic Program Coordinator)

    The following courses can be accessed through your MyLearning page.  Log into MyJHU.edu, sign in with your JHED ID and password.  On the left blue bar, select “Education” and “MyLearning”.  Search for the courses by name.  Select the “Take Course” button.  Each course is approximately 1-2 hours in length.

    • Opioid Epidemic Awareness and Education Program
    • Title IX and Harassment Prevention

  • Can I take courses at School of Medicine, Health & Public Hygiene or Engineering for Professionals

    It is possible to take courses at other JHU schools which can to count towards your degree requirements.  This is referred to as “Interdivisional Registration”.  Once you have obtained approval from your advisor, visit the Registrar’s Office in person to obtain an Interdivisional Course Registration Form.  This will need to be signed by your advisor and submitted in person to the Registrar’s Office.  You can find more information on the Registrar’s website.

    NOTE: any student receiving outside fellowships (including military funding) should first confirm with your fellowship coordinator to ensure your funding covers interdivisional courses.  Oftentimes these courses are not covered under these types of fellowships and you will have to pay out of pocket.

  • Can I take a summer course?

    It is possible that courses you take during the summer semester can be counted toward your degree requirements, however, you must first clear this with your advisor.

    NOTE:  funding provided by the department or university does not cover the cost of summer courses, and you will have to pay for these courses out of pocket.  There are no exceptions.

  • How do I Add/Drop a course?

    These forms can be downloaded from the Registrar’s website.  You may need to obtain the signature of the instructor and/or your advisor.

  • What if I don't complete/pass a course in my last semester? Can I still walk in the commencement?

    Under certain circumstances, you can still walk in the commencement/Master’s ceremony.  Please consult the WSE Master’s website for details on the Master’s Degree Extenuating Circumstances Commencement Participation Policy.

  • Part-Time Status

    Please note that you must discuss any plans to switch to part-time status with your advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.  Civil engineering students are only eligible to enter part-time status in their fourth and final semester, and must meet additional eligibility requirements.  The student is responsible for the cost of tuition while part-time.   For more information on tuition rates, click here.  International students must also seek approval through the Office of International Services.  Please contact the Academic Program Coordinator for more information on the process.

  • I plan to work hourly for a instructor or faculty member within the department. How do I get hired and start getting paid?

    The instructor or faculty member who wishes to hire you should send an email to the Academic Program Coordinator.  There are forms to be completed.  It takes at least a week for the paperwork to be processed and you SHOULD NOT start working until you have been given your hiring date.  The Academic Program Coordinator will email you with this date.

  • Where can I find information about Academic Policies & Procedures for graduate students?

    This website contains information for all graduate students and separate information specific to master’s students.

  • I am close to finishing my degree, but my I-20 expires before commencement. What should I do?

    You should make an appointment to see someone in the Office of International Services.  Optional Practical Training (OPT) which may be an option for you.

 

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