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. degree requires a total of 30 credits, 6 of which come from the master’s 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 course credits must be at the 6000 level with a maximum of 12 course credits of 4000-level courses.
• one 4000- or 6000-level MATH or MATP course is required. Alternatively, MANE 5000 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics I also fulfills this requirement.
• a minimum of 15 course credits must contain the MANE prefix. Programs that do not include 15 course credits from MANE must have prior approval from the MANE Graduate Program Director and student’s adviser.
• 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 applied; such courses require prior approval by the Graduate Program Director.
• a maximum of 3 credits of Individual Project/Independent Study may be taken. Individual Project/Independent Study may not be taken with student’s graduate research advisor. 
• full-time students must register each semester for Graduate Seminar MANE 6900 and attend the required number of seminars. This requirement does not apply to Co-Terminal Program students.

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 or further graduate studies.