BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

In addition to the bachelor of science and master of science degree programs, a combined BS/MS degree program is also available for exemplary mechanical engineering students. The program offers outstanding students an opportunity to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree within approximately five years of entry to the BS program. The BS/MS program has a strong research-oriented focus, and is primarily directed toward students planning on completing a doctoral degree. All students enrolled in the BS/MS program are required to complete a graduate thesis and conduct scholarly research.

The four elements of study within the MS program include core courses, courses required within an elected focus area, selected elective courses, and a thesis. A minimum of 45 credits are required for the MS degree. At least 28 credit hours of graduate-level course work, including the core and focus area courses, must be taken in the mechanical engineering department. All full-time MS students are required to attend the weekly graduate seminar each quarter they are on campus. A minimum of 45 credits are required for the MS degree. Eight credits may be upper-level undergraduate electives (a course number beginning with 0304-6xx), or may be taken as technical courses outside of the department with prior approval. Typical out of department courses include advanced engineering, mathematics, and science courses.

Core Courses: All graduate students in the MS program are required to complete two required core courses: 0304-870 Mathematics for Engineers I and 0304-871 Mathematics for Engineers II (or an alternative course approved by the adviser and department head).

Focus Courses: All graduate students in the MS program must develop a graduate focus area of study, with prior approval from their adviser and the department head. The focus area should consist of at least 12 credits of graduate study in mechanical engineering, (0304-7xx or higher) and be related to the student's technical and professional development interests. Examples of focus areas include controls, materials science, thermo/fluids, and mechanics/design.

Elective Courses: All graduate students in the MS program must complete a minimum of 16 credits of elective courses.

Thesis:  Students considering the BS/MS program may take a “Research Methods” class in fall of their fourth year to begin working on their literature review and identify a thesis topic. Students must complete an acceptable thesis proposal and literature review by the end of Fall of their fourth year to be eligible for the BS/MS program. Upon completion of an acceptable thesis proposal, students may change programs from the BS/MEng program into the BS/MS program. Admission to the BS/MS program reflects a commitment on the part of both the student and faculty advisor, and is generally not reversible. Upon acceptance into the BS/MS program, students are eligible to enroll in and complete Senior Design I and II beginning in the Winter Quarter of Year 4.

Students in the BS/MEng program are expected to enroll in and attend 0304-889 Graduate Seminar each quarter that they are on campus.

Students in the B.S./M.S. program are normally expected to complete the requirements for the two degrees during the fall of their sixth year, including defense of their thesis. An extension to complete the M.S. portion of the dual degree program may be granted on a case-by-case basis. The extension, however, cannot extend beyond May 15^th of the sixth program year (12 months from the completion of all B.S. course work). Students not completing all requirements for both degrees by May 15^th of year 6 will automatically be separated from the dual degree program, and must take 12 additional credits of graduate course work to complete their Master's degree.

Invitation to Apply to the Dual Degree Program

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