FAQs

Yes, you need to hold a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, civil, mechanical, or other engineering field.

There are a few courses you may need to take before you begin your program. We refer to these as leveling courses.

• Essential Foundations in Power Systems: recommended for engineers without an electrical engineering background. See TADP 500 for more information.
• Essential Foundations of Transmission Line Components: recommended for engineers without a civil engineering background. See TADP 501 for more information.

These courses DO NOT COUNT as credits, but are recommended to be successful in the program.

The certificate program is comprised of five eight-week courses that are all three credits each. Most students complete the certificate program in as little as one year, after taking any leveling courses.

Certificate students may join the program at any time. Currently, there are five different options for beginning the certificate program: Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, Spring B and Summer.

Yes, this program is designed for working professionals.

Most students average about 15-20 hours per week on each course. You should plan to take one course during each 8-week session.

Courses are conducted entirely online, providing an asynchronous learning environment so you can log on and complete coursework at a time that works for your schedule.

The certification pathway is designed for current power utility engineers who are not ready to seek a master’s degree but wish to develop a strong knowledge base of transmission and distribution engineering.

No, you take one course at a time, choosing the available topic that interests you at the time of registration.

Yes, our certificate is a fantastic gateway into our master’s program. All credits, except for any leveling course credits, will be applied toward your master’s program when you are ready to apply.

It is a recommendation, but not a requirement, that you are currently employed in the power utility industry.

There are several ways in which this program can advance your career:

• Courses will successfully prepare you for emerging challenges: such as automation, alternative energy, etc.
• You will learn from industry experts
• Great preparation for the Professional Engineering (PE) License
• Prepares you to be a knowledgeable technical subject matter expert (SME) voice at your company
• Can provide opportunities for promotion or advancement into leadership
• Satisfy master’s degree requirement that some companies require to grant a promotion
• Provides technical vocabulary/versatility for transferring to other departments within a utility

Yes, Gonzaga is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Schools (NWCCS). Gonzaga is also member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.

Jesuits have been educating people since 1540 with a focus on the whole person, not just your mind. Gonzaga was founded in 1887 and continues to pursue a mission of educating leaders with the capacity for reflective and critical thought. Gonzaga's graduate programs offer you the opportunity to pursue a degree that strives to educate you; intellectually, spiritually, physically and emotionally.

Certificate students have access to the following resources:

• Foley Library
• Disability Access
• University Ministry

See the tuition statement for current credit costs. Each TADP course is 3 credits, or three times the per-credit cost, not including books and fees. It takes 15 credits to earn the certificate, not counting any leveling courses.

As a matriculated student, you may be eligible for federal financial aid - click here for more information. Certificate students are not eligible for internal scholarships.

Many of our students use tuition reimbursement funds from their employer. It is a good idea to check with your company about the possibility of using your tuition benefit.

If your company plans to pay for your tuition, please contact Gonzaga’s Student Accounts office at (509) 313-6812 or by email at studentaccounts@gonzaga.edu.