Program Overview

Master of Science Thesis Program

The Master of Science Thesis is a degree program well-suited for students pursuing a career in academia or industry with a research component. MS Thesis students may choose from focus areas including, but not limited to, air quality, biomedical, design, energy and environment, materials, mechanics of materials, microsystems, and robotics/control.

Becoming an MS Thesis Student

To enroll in the MS Thesis program, students must first secure a thesis advisor. Upon obtaining a research advisor, MS Thesis students immediately need to complete Milestone 1, 2, and if applicable, 3.

MS Thesis Minimum Degree Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 30 cumulative graduate-level credits at the 5000 level or higher with a C or higher in all courses.
  • Courses taken for pass/fail and/or no-credit grading option cannot apply towards the MS ME Degree Requirements.
  • The majority of courses are 3-credits each, so the degree is normally earned by completing 10 courses.
  • A minimum of 18 credits (~6 courses) out of 30 credits must be mechanical engineering department courses (MCEN).
    • Up to 12 credits (~4 courses) may be taken outside of the department.
• Required Courses (included in the 30 cumulative credit minimum / 18 MCEN credit minimum):
  • MCEN 5030: Introduction to Research (3 Credits)
    • Offered in Fall semesters ONLY.
  • MCEN 5020: Methods of Engineering Analysis (3 Credits)
    • Offered in Fall semesters ONLY.
  • MCEN 6959: Master's Thesis (6 Credits)
• Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing (B average).

MS Thesis Milestones

• Milestone 1: Thesis Faculty Advisor Obtainment
  • Before the end of the 1st year / 2 semesters.
  • In order to enroll in the MS Thesis program, students must first secure a thesis advisor.
• Milestone 2: Submit Plan of Study (POS) to Graduate Program Advisor (GPA)
  • Immediately after finding a thesis faculty advisor.
  • Discuss potential classes with the thesis faculty advisor and ensure they meet minimum MS thesis degree requirements.
• Milestone 3: Switch Student Record Officially to MS Thesis
  • Depends on residency status.
• Milestone 4: Enroll in MCEN 6959: Master's Thesis Credits
  • 2nd year / 3rd semester.
  • Request Enrollment via the Thesis Hours Enrollment Request Form.
• Milestone 5: Thesis Submission, Defense, and Graduation
  • Graduating semester.
  • Request Enrollment via the Thesis Hours Enrollment Request Form.
  • Must be enrolled in at least one credit of MCEN 6959: Master’s Thesis Credits in the graduating semester / to defend thesis.

Graduate Program Mission

We establish an environment of respect and inclusive excellence where high-quality instruction, project-based learning, and cutting-edge research are leveraged to educate and nurture the next generation of socially conscious, deeply knowledgeable engineers, scientists, and problem-solvers.