Degree Program Options
Three separate degree programs are offered by the department. Course performance requirements are the same for M. Eng. (Industry sponsored, part time only), M.S.E and Ph.D. candidates. Only the emphasis of the overall plan of study (courses and thesis research) is different. With the permission of the Departmental Graduate Committee and the approval of the Graduate School, students in good standing may transfer between these programs to satisfy newly realized goals. It is not possible to transfer into the M.Eng program from either the M.S.E. or Ph.D. options. It is not necessary to obtain an M.S.E. before following a Ph.D. program.
The Ph.D. program
As a candidate for the doctoral program, the student, in consultation with a faculty adviser and his or her Ph.D. committee, develops an integrated program of study in preparation for a comprehensive general examination. Subsequent to passing the examination, the student prepares a dissertation showing technical mastery of the field and the contributions to the advancement of knowledge, followed by a public presentation of the material to the technical community. Candidates in this program are required to take a minimum of 10 courses throughout their enrollment, with eight of the courses being taken in the first three semesters. Candidates are also required to be an assistant in teaching for a minimum of three semesters after passing the general examination. The Ph.D. program typically lasts five years and includes full financial support.
The M.S.E. Program
Candidates for the M.S.E. program complete seven courses and write an acceptable thesis. The thesis is central to the program and is considered an integral aspect of graduate education in the field. It is the culmination of prior training and research and is expected to address a realistic and important problem. The thesis must be presented in good literary form and be written in good English. The technical quality is also expected to be high and differs from that expected for the Ph.D. only in the quantity of material presented. The M.S.E. program typically covers two years and is also fully supported; however, the number of master’s students admitted each year is limited.
The Master of Engineering
The M.Eng. degree program is a non-thesis, coursework-only degree program. This degree is an Industry sponsored part time option only. It is particularly suited to those interested in either obtaining a more fundamental understanding of their fields or in broadening their experiences to include disciplines outside of their particular technical focus areas.
The degree requires eight courses and an average grade of B or higher. At least one of those courses must be taken as an independent study project course under the guidance of a specific faculty member. Two semesters of independent study are allowed with the approval of the MAE Graduate Committee.
Candidates for this program must provide their own support.
