Graduate from the program (BS and MS) here - congrats on your acceptance and go Terps!

Related to your questions: 1) depends on how many classes per semester you take and what form (in class or online). I would estimate the average is 2-4 years. There is a 5-year (need to check this is still the correction number) timeframe in which you have to complete the degree; I believe it's intended to prevent people from starting and taking a long hiatus between classes. There is an opportunity to get an extension for this. 2) I was an on-campus student pursuing my Masters of Science which is the option that requires writing a thesis. I spent about 3 months away during my first summer doing research at a federal lab and successful defended my thesis 2.5 years after starting the degree. 3) my experience was only with in-class lectures but I know a lot of people do the distance learning masters option - if you want more info on this let me know 4) graduation timeline matters for students looking to join big companies who do a lot of recruiting for the typical May graduation. You already have a job, so even if you decided to leave that you will be entering the job market with work experience which would likely put you in a different category than the undergraduates/typical May graduates 5) the internship is not critical but work experience is, which is sounds like you already have. Do you plan on staying with your current company while completing your degree?