Master of Science in Engineering

The Rayen School of Engineering and Engineering and Technology, as part of the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, offers a graduate program leading to the Master of Science degree in engineering. Admission to any of the five engineering options, including chemical, civil and environmental, electrical, industrial and systems, and mechanical engineering, is granted to qualified applicants who have been judged to have a good chance of succeeding in the program and obtaining a graduate degree. Several technical concentration areas are available in each option. Students may select a thesis, non-thesis, or management curriculum plan. These opportunities serve the practicing engineer, as well as the student, who wants to pursue advanced graduate study and research. Courses offered on campus are usually held during the evenings. The educational opportunities include traditional classroom and laboratory courses, seminars, and research projects guided by experienced members of the graduate faculty.

What You'll Study

The Master of Science in Engineering may be characterized as being both career-oriented and flexible. Program plans and options are available to accommodate the needs of nearly every engineering graduate student. Graduate students enrolled in any of the engineering graduate programs must complete:

  • 30 semester hours for the thesis plan,
  • 33 semester hours for the nonthesis plan, or
  • 36 semester hours for the management plan.

The degree requirements consist of core courses, technical courses, and project courses. The management plan also requires a series of business courses. These degree programs are designed to provide graduate students with the knowledge and skills to excel in professional careers and/or pursue a PhD or doctorate degree in engineering. To obtain a list of core and technical course requirements for a particular engineering discipline, students should contact the option coordinator for the program of interest.

  • Civil and Environmental Engineering (MSE)

    At the time of initial enrollment, the student will select a program plan (thesis, non-thesis, or management) and technical concentration area (structural/geotechnical or environmental/water resources ). The requirements for each program plan are listed in the general description of the Master of Science in Engineering program. Lists of required courses and pos­sible electives for each plan may be obtained from the graduate program coordinator.

    In cooperation with an assigned faculty advisor, each student will establish a set of academic goals and desired outcomes, and a coursework plan to meet those objectives. Upon completion of the graduate program, all students will complete either a written or an oral assessment of the effectiveness of the program in meeting their established goals and outcomes.

    Thesis students, who have registered for all required thesis hours and have completed all course requirements but have not finished the thesis, are required to maintain current student status if they expect to utilize any University service (e.g., parking, computers, library, advisors’ assistance, thesis defense, etc.). This can normally be accomplished by registering for at least one hour of thesis credit.

    Non-thesis students must complete a graduate project under the guidance of a faculty member. Students with management option should consult the graduate program coordinator to develop their coursework plan.

    Civil and Environmental Engineering (MSE) Program Page

  • Electrical Engineering (MSE)

    The basic degree requirements for each program plan are described under the general program description for the Master of Science in Engineering. Descriptions of course requirements and available electives for each program plan in the electrical engineering master’s program can be obtained from the graduate option coordinator.

    Within the first semester of graduate study, every graduate student must complete an option plan form signed by the student, academic advisor, and the department graduate option coordinator. The student may seek another advisor in case of interest changes. Likewise, the student-advisor relationship may be terminated at the advisor’s recommendation. The graduate option coordinator is available to discuss these and other issues as appropriate.

    Selected electrical engineering (ECEN) graduate courses are offered each semester based on the available teaching resources and student needs. Each graduate candidate is required to receive advising each semester from the department graduate option coordinator before registration. Based on the graduate student’s academic background, work experience, and academic goals, the department graduate option coordinator may approve a student’s request to substitute a graduate course not listed on the applicable program plan description.

    Electrical Engineering (MSE) Program Page

  • Industrial and Systems Engineering (MSE)

    At the time of initial enrollment, the student will select a program plan (thesis, non-thesis, or management) and technical concentration area (engineering management, industrial/manufacturing systems engineering, operations research, etc.) The requirements for each option are enumerated in the general description of the Master of Science in Engineering program. Lists of required courses and possible electives for each plan may be obtained from the graduate program option coordinator. Every graduate student is responsible for selecting an area of specialization by signing a special form designed for this purpose. A student may change his or her area of concentration or program of study in consultation with his or her advisor.

    In cooperation with an assigned faculty advisor, each student will establish a set of academic goals and desired outcomes, and a coursework plan to meet those objectives. Courses taken without the permission of the advisor may not be used to meet the degree requirements.

    Thesis students who have registered for all required thesis hours and have completed all course requirements but have not finished the thesis are required to maintain current student status if they expect to utilize any University service (e.g., parking, computers, library, advisors’ assis­tance, thesis defense, etc.). This can normally be accomplished by registering for at least one hour of thesis credit in ISEN 6990 Special Topics.

    Industrial and Systems Engineering (MSE)

  • Mechanical Engineering (MSE)

    At the time of initial enrollment, the student will select a program plan (thesis, non-thesis, or management) and technical concentration area (mechanical analysis/design of rigid and deformable bodies, analysis/design of thermal-fluid systems, etc.). The requirements for each option are listed in the general description of the Master of Science in Engineering program. Lists of required courses and possible electives for each plan may be obtained from the graduate program option coordinator. In cooperation with an assigned faculty adviser, each student will establish a set of academic goals and desired outcomes, and a coursework plan to meet those objectives.

    Thesis students who have registered for all required thesis hours and have completed all course requirements but have not finished the thesis are required to maintain current student status if they expect to utilize any University service (e.g. parking, computers, library, advisors’ assistance, thesis defense, etc.). This can normally be accomplished by registering for at least one hour of thesis credit in MECH 6990 Thesis.

    Mechanical Engineering (MSE)

  • Engineering Management (MSE)

    Students who have been in the work arena and are moving into an engineering management role may wish to choose the management plan. A total of 36 semester hours of coursework is required for this plan. This consists of:

    • 6-9 semester hours of core courses,
    • 9-12 semester hours of business courses,
    • 12-18 semester hours of technical courses, and
    • a 3-semester-hour graduate project.

    A graduate student enrolled in a graduate project course will be required to defend the results of his or her project by giving a presentation to the engineering faculty and students.

    Engineering Management (MSE)

  • Non-thesis Plan

    The non-thesis plan is designed for students who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills to succeed in careers as practicing engineers, but are unlikely to pursue a PhD or doctorate degree. A total of 33 semester hours of coursework is required for this plan. In addition to 6-9 semester hours of core courses, every student enrolled in this option is required to complete 21-24 semester hours of technical courses related to their discipline, and a 3-semester-hour graduate project course. A graduate student enrolled in a graduate project course will be required to defend the results of his or her project by giving a presentation to the engineering faculty and students.

  • Thesis Plan

    Graduate students choosing the thesis plan are required to complete 30 semester hours of gradu­ate coursework. This generally consists of:

    • six to nine semester hours of core courses,
    • 15-18 semester hours of technical concentration courses, and
    • six semester hours of thesis.

    This plan is strongly recom­mended for all candidates who wish to continue their graduate studies beyond the master’s degree. The thesis provides firsthand experience with experimental design, literature searches, research methodol­ogy, technical report writing, and oral presentation of results. Additionally, the thesis option can lead the graduate student to a higher level of expertise in the chosen area of specialization.