In preparing students to reach the pinnacle of their expertise within their chosen profession, the School of Engineering’s graduate programs strive to:

• Develop students’ skills for conceiving, conducting, and communicating creative thought through advanced study in the classroom and inquiry-based independent and collaborative original research.
• Deepen students’ knowledge while refining their ability to think critically and nurturing their ability to identify new areas for expanding knowledge and transferring it to application and practice.

The School of Engineering offers four graduate degrees through which students may achieve these objectives. These include the Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.

Master’s Programs   Both the M.S. and M.Eng. degree programs focus on engineering fundamentals at advanced levels, and both include significant elective opportunities that permit students to individualize their study plans. Either program provides an excellent basis for further graduate work in engineering, and neither includes a foreign language requirement.

The Master of Engineering program is designed primarily for students preparing for professional practice and does not require a thesis. Admission is based on the student’s demonstration of adequate preparation and competence. Applications for admission should be transmitted to the Office of Graduate Education. Note that many students complete a Master of Enginering and then pursue a PhD.

The Master of Science program encompasses diverse educational needs and is designed primarily for students intending to obtain a Ph.D. degree. Admission requires a baccalaureate degree in an area appropriate to the individual’s proposed plan of graduate study, and could conceivably be outside the field of engineering. Those who do not have a B.S. in Engineering, however, may be required to complete some extra course work that does not qualify for graduate credit. Depending on the department in which the degree is being pursued, a thesis may be required.

Doctoral Programs   A doctoral student formally affiliates with the department where activities most closely relate to his to her advanced study goals. However, the range of inquiry may cut across department and school lines, so that research opportunities are extremely broad, and students can pursue highly individualized programs. There are no foreign language requirements.

The Doctor of Engineering degree is characterized by the special nature of the thesis. Thus the student, working with an adviser, proposes an engineering problem of substance and develops a solution. The student must demonstrate ability to apply scientific principles to meet engineering needs, with due regard to social and economic factors and within a reasonable time constraint. The presentation and defense of his or her conclusions before a doctoral subcommittee and guests serves as the final examination for the degree.

The Doctor of Philosophy program is the traditional degree with a thesis that involves substantial original research. The program follows the general rules of the Office of Graduate Education.