RIT-CADS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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About the program:
What is the relationship between the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (CADS)?
RIT and CADS are independent institutions collaborating in many areas of research, education, and innovation. The RIT-CADS education program, in which CADS offers specialized RIT-accredited courses, is one example. Offered exclusively at the CADS headquarters in Washington, DC, these specialized courses are part of the Masters of Science in Professional Studies program.
When was the RIT/CADS Masters of Science in Professional Studies (PS) program established?
This program was launched in fall 2005. Institutional history and practice draws from 30 years of experience.
When will I receive an official welcome (new student) packet from RIT?
A welcome package containing necessary information about the program, the CADS campus, and information about RIT is available upon request. Please contact education@c4ads.org for further information.
Does the program provide academic or career advising? What about in-person help with applications or administrative issues?
Academic and Career Advising and personal assistance with administrative issues is available at these times:
- Sunday: 12:00 - 6:00 pm EST
- Monday: 2:00 - 8:00 pm EST
- Tuesday: 12:00 - 6:00 pm EST
- Wednesday: 12:00 - 6:00 pm EST
- Thursday: 2:00 - 8:00 pm EST
- Friday: 2:00 - 8:00 pm EST
Application/Acceptance:
Will I receive an official letter from RIT acknowledging my acceptance into the Masters of Science in Professional Studies (PS) program?
Absolutely. Please allow five to ten working days from the date you sent your application to CADS to receive an admission letter from RIT if you qualify and are accepted into the program.
Will we receive student Identification (ID) Cards? If so, when can we expect to receive them?
RIT student ID cards are provided only to students residing on the RIT campus in Rochester, NY to access buildings and facilities. There is no need for an ID card at the Center's facilities in Washington, DC. Please request proof of enrollment from CADS representatives, as required. A visit to the Rochester campus is necessary to obtain an RIT ID card.
Will I receive an RIT student account?
Yes, all admitted students will receive an RIT email account that provides access to RIT’s electronic resources. RIT-CADS program students receive the same access granted to students studying at the RIT campus in Rochester, NY. In order to set up your RIT account, once you are accepted, visit https://start.rit.edu and choose the option "Activate your account."
Tuition:
Why does the tuition for the RIT-CADS program differ from the tuition rates of graduate programs taught at the RIT campus?
The RIT-CADS degrees are specialized and intensive courses offered in Washington, DC and not on the RIT campus in Rochester, NY.
Does RIT Offer financial aid in the form of federal loans for this program?
RIT has several private (non-federal) financing options that you may wish to use. Please visit RIT's web site for additional information on these alternative loan options: http://www.rit.edu/~954www/loans.html#privateloans. Students enrolled in this academic program are not eligible for federal financial aid; therefore filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is not required.
Can I receive an Annual Statement of Tuition Paid for tax purposes?
Yes, an annual statement will be mailed to students according to standard guidelines.
What is the refund policy should I withdraw from a course?
3 days or more notification prior to the first day of the course is required for a 100% tuition refund, or a minimum 1-3 days before class starts for a 75% refund. Withdrawing on the first day of class results in a 50% refund. Any withdrawals after the first day of class will not be refunded. If a student wants to remove a course from his or her schedule after the Add/Drop period, they must fill out a Course Withdrawal form and submit it to their department. Withdrawing after the Add/Drop dates will result in a "W" on a student's transcript. After the sixth week of the quarter, they must provide documentation for extenuating circumstances and get the approval of their professor and department head.
Location:
Where are classes held?
Courses are taught at the Center's facilities in Washington, DC:
10 G St NE, STE 610
Washington, DC 20002
Courses:
When is the course schedule provided?
Like most major universities, a schedule of classes will be available five weeks before the beginning of each quarter.
What courses are currently available?
| Course Name | Course Number |
| Bacterial and Viral Weapons Threats & Defense | 0697-712 |
| Context & Trends | 0699-705 |
| Cultural Intelligence | 0688-798-31 |
| Detecting Biological Protection | 0697-798-30 |
| Economic & Political Violence | 0697-798-32 |
| Examining Terrorist Groups | 0697-798-33 |
| Intelligence Analysis | 0697-711 |
| Psychology of Terrorism | 0697-798-31 |
| Radiological Threats & Defense | 0697-713 |
| Toxin & Chemical Weapons Threat and Defense | 0697-710 |
What concentrations are available within the RIT/CADS Masters of Science in Professional Studies (PS) program?
The program currently features two concentrations: (CBRNE Defense) and (Cyber Security and Information Assurance). The entire degree focuses on different aspects of counterterrorism.
How many courses are offered per quarter?
Six courses are currently offered per quarter. A significant increase is expected in the coming quarters.
Other:
How many graduate courses can be applied to the RIT-CADS PhD program?
A maximum of 32 quarter credit hours of graduate-level coursework can be applied to RIT-CADS PhD programs. In accordance with standard operating procedures, all credit transfers must be approved by the PhD committee. To expedite the process, please submit the syllabi for courses wishing to be transferred.
Where will RIT-CADS PhD program courses be held?
To be determined.
How will I access course syllabi, class notes, required readings (articles), and required texts?
Admitted students are provided special access to the CADS website at www.c4ads.org. Blackboard or equivalent web-based technology is planned in the future for simplified access to course material.
What about library access?
Once students have created their accounts, they can utalize online databases and e-books via http://library.rit.edu. In addition, the Library of Congress is located a short walk from the Center and is easily accessable via the Washington DC Metro System.
I am a full-time employee. What is the recommended number of courses?
Three to four courses are considered a reasonable and manageable workload for working professionals.
Can I complete the RIT/CADS Masters of Science in Professional Studies (PS) program within one year?
Most students are expected to complete the program in one year, taking at least three courses every quarter.
Can my military/civilian work experience and training be evaluated for graduate level academic credits?
Yes, please review the credit transfer guidelines of RIT’s Center for Multidisciplinary Studies at www.rit.edu/cms
Does RIT/CADS offer academic and career counseling to students?
Student counseling is available upon request from your academic advisor and/or individual instructors.
I have several friends who are interested in the program. Can they sit in on a class? What is the required procedure?
For guests to attend, you must inform the instructor and receive approval. Once approval is granted, you must send the instructor your guest's information (full name, SSN, address, email, phone number). No guest can attend more than one session. If the guest wishes to audit a class (attending more than one session with no credit or grade), he or she must complete a special application. An auditing fee of $1000 applies.
What do I need to do after I complete my course work in order to receive my diploma?
Contact the current RIT Academic Advisor for the MS Professional Studies Program. Then, complete graduation form include program code IMDM and mail the completed form to RIT. The current RIT Academic Advisor for the MS Professional Studies Program is Abby Berner at ambcada@rit.edu.
What are the guidelines for the Capstone project?
Please download the following file and read carefully: Capstone Project Guidelines.
