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Master of Science in Engineering

An engineering program is designed to develop in the student a capability of applying advanced techniques to problem solving in engineering. A core of engineering courses is available which, when coupled with an appropriate mathematics or statistics sequence, provides a broad problem solving background. Students complete their programs of study by taking courses in their selected disciplinary option to develop a strong area of specialization. A thesis or non-thesis program is available. Students completing thesis programs should be well prepared to pursue other graduate study and solve advanced problems in engineering practice.

PREREQUISITES

Entering students must have a degree in engineering from a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 – telephone: (410) 347-7700, or an approved equivalent degree. If the undergraduate degree is not from an accredited curriculum or if deficiencies appear in the student's undergraduate work, the student may be required to take additional courses at the undergraduate level as prerequisites to beginning graduate study. A student must submit GRE scores before admission to the M.S. program can be considered. All international students are required to take English placement exams and to complete English courses according to University regulations. The prospective student must meet all admission requirements of the University, the Graduate School and the appropriate Engineering Department before entering the degree program.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The prospective candidate who writes a thesis must successfully defend it and pass a written examination on course work taken. However, on the recommendation of the student's graduate committee, the student may be exempt from taking the written portion of the exam. For the non-thesis track, both written and oral examinations must be completed successfully. No student may schedule more than twelve semester hours of graduate work applicable to the master's degree until all probationary issues have been resolved satisfactorily.

Course requirements for the option in each discipline in engineering are outlined in the following sections. Disciplines in which a student may select an option are Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Engineering and Technology Management.

Civil Engineering Option

Studies may be concentrated in one of three major areas: structural analysis and design, environmental and hydraulic engineering, or transportation engineering.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

For the thesis track, thirty (30) semester hours of graduate credit are required as follows: (1) Twelve to eighteen credits of Civil Engineering courses; (2) Three to six credits of approved elective courses; (3) Three to six credits of approved mathematics or statistics or equivalent courses; and (4) Six credits of thesis research and a thesis. (Mathematics/Statistics requirement depends on area of concentration).

For the non-thesis track, thirty-three (33) semester hours of graduate credit are required as follows: (1) Eighteen credits of Civil Engineering courses; (2) Nine credits of elective courses; (3) Six credits of approved mathematics or statistics or equivalent courses; and (4) Three credits of Civil Engineering course may be CICE 594-Project Research.

The committee chairman and the graduate coordinator must approve the selection of courses. Not more than four engineering courses may be numbered below 500 in the thesis track and not more than five in the non-thesis track. For more specific information, prospective students should contact the Department of Civil Engineering.