Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering M.S.

The M.S. degree is perceived to be scholarly or fundamental and is well suited to students who wish to prepare for a professional career and also to measure their ability to pursue a Ph.D. without commitment of extra time beyond that required for an M.S.

Students completing the M.S. degree will write a thesis based on a research topic chosen by the student and a professor who serves as the academic adviser. The topic is chosen based on mutual interests and needs. Course work typically focuses on subjects related to the research topic. The corresponding thesis, independently written by the student as a single author, must be approved by the adviser as well as two additional committee members from the department’s faculty (Master’s Committee). A thesis defense will be presented to this committee.

In addition to the Institute requirements and those listed above, the M.S. requires a total of 30 credits, 6 of which come from the thesis. All courses used to earn the master’s degree must be taken at the 4000- or 6000-level. No 4000-level (or 6000-level) courses used to complete undergraduate degree requirements may be counted towards the completion of a graduate degree.

Of the 24 credits of course work:

• A minimum of 12 must be at the 6000 level with a maximum of 12 credits of 4000-level courses.
• One 4000- or 6000-level MATH course is required.  
• A minimum of 15 credits must contain the MANE prefix.
• A maximum of 9 credits may be from the other departments within the School of Engineering and/or the School of Science. 
• A maximum of 6 credits from schools outside of Engineering or Science may be completed; such courses require prior approval by the Graduate Program Director.
• A maximum of 3 credits of Individual Project/Independent Study may be taken.
• Each full-time student must register each semester for Graduate Seminar MANE 6900 and attend the required number of seminars.

Outcomes of the Graduate Curriculum
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to demonstrate:

• advanced proficiency in the core program area.
• proficiency in research techniques (theoretical, computational and experimental).
• effective oral and written communication skills.
• preparedness for professional careers and/or further graduate studies.