RIT - Department of Mechanical Engineering | Graduate Programs

Part-time Graduate Study

The Kate Gleason College of Engineering encourages practicing engineers in the greater Rochester community to pursue a program of study leading to the master of engineering or master of science degree without interrupting their work at their place of employment. Consequently, many of the courses in the graduate programs in mechanical engineering are scheduled in the afternoons or early evenings. Many graduate courses meet two times weekly. Common offering times include:

Monday    - Wednesday 2-4 pm,

Tuesday - Thursday      2-4 pm,

Monday    - Wednesday 4-6 pm,

Tuesday - Thursday      4-6 pm,

Monday    - Wednesday 6-8 pm, and

Tuesday - Thursday      6-8 pm.

Depending upon the specific courses that a student elects, some study may be required prior to 2 pm. As the part-time enrollment in the Masters program has decreased in recent years, and the full-time enrollment has increased, more courses are being taught earlier in the day.

The department recommends that students employed full time in industry should limit themselves to a maximum of two courses (eight credits) each quarter. A student who wishes to register for more than eight credits while employed in full-time industry should discuss this plan carefully with their academic adviser and their work supervisor.

Most practicing engineers choose to pursue the M.Eng. degree, which is a course only program of study, and offers an opportunity for the student to earn academic credits for industrial experience that will be treated as internship experience while the student is enrolled in the program.

Many engineers working full time find that they are readily able to complete the course work for their Master of Science degree while holding down a full-time job, but run into challenges when trying to complete their thesis. Most practicing engineers find that they need to spend a period of 6 months or more on a leave of absence from their job to complete their M.S. thesis.

For more information, please contact RIT’s Office of Part-time Enrollment Services.