Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

The MSE program’s major emphasis is on the further development of engineering knowledge and skills in an effort to enhance the productivity of the practicing engineer. The program provides a flexible platform for students to take either an integrated approach or a specialized approach to meet the demands of their careers.

The MSE program enables graduate engineering professionals to further their problem-solving skills through the application of advanced engineering principles and methods. The strength of this program is its flexibility. The program offers students the opportunity to advance their quantitative skills through a series of modeling-based courses and provides for their choice of specialty courses in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering and/or other related fields. The program allows for breadth and depth of engineering topics and culminates in either a project or final paper where the student must integrate the knowledge and skills learned in the program.

The MSE is aimed toward engineers who are involved with industrial projects. The program’s major emphasis is on the further development of engineering knowledge and skills in an effort to enhance the productivity of the practicing engineer. It provides a flexible platform for students to take either an integrated approach or a specialized approach to meet the demands of their engineering practice. 

Curriculum Format

All classes are offered in the evening, providing convenient scheduling. The program is designed for individuals who hold bachelor degrees in engineering, engineering technology, or other closely related areas. Each student works with the program director to plan a course of study tailored to his or her needs. Typically, a total of 45 graduate credits is required to complete the program, but degree requirements may vary depending upon the type of bachelor’s degree. Each course typically meets once per week for 11 weeks during one of the three quarters of the regular academic year. Occasionally, select classes will meet twice weekly.

Courses include topics such as simulation and modeling, operations research, quality engineering, advanced engineering mathematics, finite element analysis, advanced mechanics, fluid power systems, data communications, control systems, and advanced electronic systems.

Engineering Project Option or Non-Project Option

Each student completes either a capstone project or a specialty paper. 

The Engineering Project Option (nine credits of GE 796, GE 797, and GE 798) can either draw from the multiple disciplines studied within the program or can focus more on technical areas within the student’s chosen engineering discipline. In consultation with a faculty advisor, each student develops an engineering project proposal and presents it for approval before a committee. The same committee reviews the progress and judges the completion of the engineering project in subsequent courses.

The Non-Project Option will require a two-course sequence in 700- or 800- level EE/ME specialty courses and a final course (GE 791) in which a specialty paper is written. In this final course, each student completes a paper analysis/design of certain aspects of the chosen specialty and presents it both orally and in writing. The paper is reviewed by the program director (course coordinator) and a faculty member in the specialty area.

Program Educational Objectives

• Graduates create new value in a process or product at their workplace through the application of advanced engineering skills and knowledge
• Graduates advance in their careers as a direct result of completing the degree

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the MSE program will:

• Be able to utilize advanced mathematics, with a primary focus on numerical methods and models, to solve engineering problems involving multivariate differential systems
• Have demonstrated an ability to apply advanced engineering principles to complex problems in his or her chosen specialty
• Have demonstrated an ability to integrate and analyze information in a chosen specialty in the form of scholarly work, either as an independent specialty paper or as an independent engineering project
• Have the ability to effectively present and communicate technical concepts, both orally and in writing

About MSOE

At MSOE you will find dreamers, thinkers, makers, and doers. It is the university of choice for those seeking a community of experimental learners driven to solve the complex challenges of today and tomorrow. MSOE faculty are student-focused experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom. This approach to learning makes our students ready now, as well as prepared for the future. Partnerships with business and industry leaders enable students to learn alongside professional mentors. We challenge our students to go beyond what is possible.

As a highly ranked engineering university in the US, MSOE focuses on laboratory experience and career practice. MSOE challenges students to think outside the box and apply a hands-on approach to solving problems.

MSOE students are hard-working, creative, and have a desire to know more. Our close-knit community of only 3,000 students gives the opportunity to work hand in hand with classmates and professors and allows students to bring practical knowledge to the classroom. Overall, MSOE is the university of choice for students looking to pursue their passions and challenge the standard. MSOE will set the standard for preparing leaders to solve the diverse technical challenges of the 21st century.