HCP Program
Honors Cooperative Program (HCP)
The Honors Cooperative Program (HCP) makes it possible for academically qualified engineers and scientists in the industry to be part-time graduate students in the MS Materials Science Program while continuing professional employment. Prospective HCP students follow the same admissions process and must meet the same requirements as full-time graduate students. HCP students typically finish degree requirements in 3-5 years.
All Materials Science and Engineering courses are held in-person and on Stanford’s main campus. Some elective coursework in other departments may be taken online through the Stanford Center for Global and Online Education with approval from the MSE department. Refer to Stanford Online's course offerings to see which classes are typically available online. This list varies from quarter to quarter.
HCP students must reside in the United States. International students cannot be HCP students unless they have an H1B visa. HCP students enroll in at least 3 units during Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters. Summer enrollment is optional. HCP students can enroll in a maximum of 7 units a quarter. At least 3 units must apply to the MS degree requirements per quarter. HCP students only have 5 years to complete their degree, which translates to 15 non-summer quarters. The MS cannot be completed with only online coursework. You will need to attend most of your classes in-person on Stanford's main campus.
You can find more information on the HCP program requirements, policies, and tuition here.
Transferring to HCP Status While in the MS Full-Time Program
Transfer to HCP status is available to eligible MS students. Students would just need to change their status from full-time to HCP part-time status, which involves a simple web form. Requests to transfer are reviewed by the department on a case-by-case basis. Final decisions are at the department's discretion. Students should first consult with the department's student services team. Then, they must submit the web form 3 weeks prior to the beginning of the quarter, or earlier.
Some things to note about HCP status:
- HCP status allows you to take as few as 3 units per quarter and a maximum of 7 units per quarter.
- HCP students usually complete the program (45 units) in 3-5 years.
- HCP students receive the same degree as all MSE MS students. There is no specification on the diploma.
- The tuition structure is different, as you will be paying per unit.
- You will not be eligible for on-campus housing
- You will not be eligible for on-campus employment
- Co-Term students: Eligibility to transfer to the part-time masters degree (HCP) program is granted only after conferring your undergraduate degree.
Students may change their enrollment status a maximum of two times. For example, if you switch to HCP status in the Fall and later return to full-time, you will not be allowed to switch back to HCP again. We refer to this limit as a “one round trip.”