Frequently Asked Questions

• When do classes meet?
  Classes will meet either one evening per week or on alternating Friday evenings and Saturdays. Specific class meeting schedules will be based on what serves the students best.
   
• What is the Grant for Coast Guard Students?
  Every student from USCG will be awarded a $600 NGS Grant (tuition reduction).  NGS has agreed to increase this grant to $1200 if the enrollment of new USCG students reaches 100.  The objective of the grant is to minimize the out of pocket expenses for students and to maximize enrollment.
   
• Can I Expect To Receive Tuition Assistance?
  Yes, the Coast Guard Tuition Assistance program, has committed budget for as many as 100 Coast Guard students to attend the NGS Masters program.  Because the 12-month program starts in the spring, students will be able to take advantage of two years of tuition assistance.
   
• What will my out-of-pocket expenses be?
  Coast Guard students will be responsible for up to $6,725 of out-of-pocket expenses for the tuition of the NGS Masters program. 
   
• What degree will I receive?
  The Master of Science in Quality Systems Management (MSQSM).
   
• Is The National Graduate School a Business School?
  It is the only accredited business school whose graduates achieve tangible results before graduation.
   
• How is NGS different from other Business Schools?
  NGS emphasizes a "systems approach" to learning. All courses integrate into a composite skill set which is useful in a work environment.
   
• Suppose I don't have a business background or business degree?
  Our graduates succeed because they come from diverse backgrounds: science, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, service, biomedical, accounting, DoD, USCG etc.
   
• Is The National Graduate School accredited?
  Yes. By the same accreditors for Harvard and MIT. DoD and USCG installations allow only accredited schools on site.
   
• How long will it take me to complete?
  12 Months.
   
• What makes this program unique?
  An emphasis on tangible, financial results in real time.
   
• Do I write a Master's thesis?
  No, you complete an individual or team work-related project. The format is decided in advance by a collaboration between NGS and USCG.
   
• How does NGS handle proprietary data in MBP's and do we need a Non-Disclosure Agreement?
  NGS has experience working with sensitive information from many companies, and the military. However, we usually find it is not necessary to report proprietary or sensitive data in the Master Business Project, or in any other course.  Although the students may work with such data in their normal course of business, none of the classes, nor the improvement project, require reporting of such data. Even the specifics of a statistical analysis use data out of context of the whole, negating it's sensitivity. Improvements in overall quality, cycle time, customer satisfaction, and cost can be achieved, and reported on, without sensitive disclosure. If you have a question on how to approach this with your particular project, please contact your MBP supervisor.
   
• If I'm transferred or am on a work assignment away from my traditional workplace, how can I keep up with the program?
  If it's a temporary move, faculty work with you on independent study.  All of your materials are available via internet, so you have 24 hour access in any time zone. If it's permanent, we devise a tailored plan.
   
• Why choose an MSQSM versus an MBA?
  MBA's typically tilt toward finance, the MSQSM provides general, contemporary knowledge for graduate flexibility. And there's a unique mission and methodology fit between UTC learning programs and the NGS Master's Degree.
   
• What are the admissions requirements?
  We respond to every applicant individually. In general: 1) Bachelor's Degree 2) two reference letters 3) work or military experience 4) commitment to tangible workplace results 5) Internet access 6) computer familiarity. Contact Enrollment Management even before you apply online for personal attention.
   
• Do I take the GMAT or GRE's ?
  No. NGS and other schools such as Harvard no longer require or even accept such results. NGS values other success indicators such as supervisor recommendation, experience and personal commitment.