The Master of Science (M.S.) degree is offered with a thesis and a non-thesis option.
The Master of Science non-thesis option is for students seeking to further their depth and/or breadth of knowledge through advanced coursework and classroom instruction. M.S. non-thesis students are able to select coursework aligned with specialized technical areas of interest.
The Master of Science thesis option is for the student wanting to develop independent learning and research skills and function independently as a solver of “arbitrarily” hard engineering problems. The M.S. thesis is a research-intensive experience that includes advanced coursework.
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The Master of Science non-thesis degree requires a minimum of 30 semester credit hours. Students can complete this degree in as little as 1 calendar year.
The Master of Science thesis degree requires a minimum of 32 semester credit hours. Due to the nature of thesis research, completion of the M.S. thesis option generally requires more time than the non-thesis option.
Master of Science students do not have a research committee. However, the degree plan system requires that each student list a committee chair. The committee chair for all M.S. non-thesis students is the Associate Department Head for Graduate Programs.
