Stacked Master's degrees in engineering
This unique degree type allows you to "stack" graduate certificates to earn a master's degree. You'll learn from renowned instructors while advancing your career.
Our stacked Master's
Master’s of Engineering in Multidisciplinary Engineering
The Master of Science in AI & ML for Engineering
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Upskill at your own pace
Designed for working engineers looking to enhance their skills or advance their careers, stacked degrees offer a flexible, strategic pathway with industry application in mind.
All stackable certificates are available part-time, with online and hybrid options.
Personalize learning for your career
With over a dozen stackable graduate certificates across seven engineering disciplines, you can choose to study emerging topics, highly specialized areas, or both. Then synthesize your coursework with an applied capstone project that demonstrates your skills.
How do stacked degrees work?
Stackable graduate certificates are the building blocks toward a stacked master’s degree, or can stand alone as a UW-granted credential, giving you the ultimate flexibility while following a well-defined pathway to your goal.
A stackable graduate certificate* consists of 4-5 courses in a focused area of engineering. The credits from all stackable graduate certificates can be applied to at least one master’s degree. Certificates can be completed in as little as one year, or at a pace that fits your life. Explore our selection of stackable graduate certificates.
Apply to the certificate you want through the UW Graduate School.
Certificate program advisors can provide more information about the available pathways to a stacked master’s degree.
Note:
*Not all certificates offered by UW Engineering are stackable. Credits from certificates labeled as “Affiliated” can only be applied toward specific professional master’s degrees in the department offering the certificate.
Getting your master’s degree with stackable certificates provides you with flexibility as you achieve your goals. Take breaks as needed between your certificates, or complete your certificates consecutively. You can even enroll in two stackable graduate certificates at the same time!
Just keep in mind: you have six years to complete both certificates and the applied capstone project starting from the quarter of your first class, to be eligible for the stacked master’s degree.
Ensure that all admissions requirements for the selected degree program are met, and submit an application through the graduate school. Refer to these step-by-step application instructions.
We have one Stacked Master's Degree with a second pending approval:
- M.S. in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Engineering
- Master's of Engineering, Multidisciplinary Engineering
- Master of Engineering in Leadership & Systems Innovation (MELS)
Stacked master’s degree applications typically require:
- Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Please refer to the webpage of the stacked master's degreee of interest for detailed application requirements.
Complete a capstone project that reflects your professional interests. This project will come from a real-world challenge you face or expect to face in the workplace.
Faculty and industry mentors will provide support and guidance to ensure your success. Capstone project requirements vary by degree program. Contact the academic adviser of the stacked master's degreee of interest for additional information.
By completing two qualifying graduate certificates and an applied capstone project, you will earn your master’s degree!
Our Stacked Master's Degrees in Engineering
Our Stacked Master's degrees are built with flexibility in mind. Working engineers can complete our programs part-time, full-time and are generally available completely online.
Master of Engineering in Multidisciplinary Engineering
Experienced engineers can build their degree from more than a dozen certificates in specialized topics.
Multidisciplinary Master's
The Master of Science in AI and Machine Learning for Engineering
A flexible master's degree designed for engineers to quickly acquire advanced AI and machine learning (ML) skills and apply these tools to engineering fields.
Explore Master's in AI & ML
Master of Engineering in Leadership and Systems Innovation
Designed for working professionals and full-time students, this interdisciplinary program combines advanced systems engineering with practical leadership and innovation.
Explore MELS