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Master of Science in Engineering

An engineering program is designed to develop in the student a capability of applying advanced techniques to problem solving in engineering. A core of engineering courses is available which, when coupled with an appropriate mathematics or statistics sequence, provides a broad problem solving background. Students complete their programs of study by taking courses in their selected disciplinary option to develop a strong area of specialization. A thesis or non-thesis program is available. Students completing thesis programs should be well prepared to pursue other graduate study and solve advanced problems in engineering practice.

PREREQUISITES

Entering students must have a degree in engineering from an accredited (ABET/EAC) program or an approved equivalent degree. If the undergraduate degree is not from an accredited curriculum or if deficiencies appear in the student's undergraduate work, the student may be required to take additional courses at the undergraduate level as prerequisites to beginning graduate study. A student must submit GRE scores before admission to the M.S. program can be considered. All international students are required to take English placement exams and to complete English courses according to University regulations. The prospective student must meet all admission requirements of the University, the Graduate School and the appropriate Engineering Department before entering the degree program.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The prospective candidate who writes a thesis must successfully defend it at the oral examination. For the non-thesis track, an oral examination must be completed successfully. However, for both the thesis and non-thesis tracks, written examinations may be required at the discretion of the student’s graduate committee.

Course requirements for the option in each discipline in engineering are outlined in the following sections. Disciplines in which a student may select an option are Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

Petroleum Engineering Option

Studies may be concentrated in areas relating to the petroleum industry, with special interest in oil and gas exploration and production. Advanced courses in well drilling and completion, petroleum production, and reservoir evaluation and engineering are offered. 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

For the thesis track, thirty (30) semester hours of graduate credit are required as follows: (1) three to six credits of engineering elective courses that are closely supportive of research work; (2) twelve to fifteen credits of Petroleum Engineering courses; (3) six credits of an approved mathematics or statistics sequence; (4) six semester hours of thesis (research), and (5) a one hour Petroleum Engineering seminar course. The student must present a full and complete report on a topic of research mutually agreed upon by the department head, the graduate coordinator, the chairman of committee, and the student. Thesis defense may be used as a substitute for the final examination (comprehensive examination).

For the non-thesis track, thirty-six (36) semester hours of graduate credit are required as follows: (1) six to nine credits of General Engineering courses; (2) eighteen credits of Petroleum Engineering courses; (3) nine credits in Mathematics, three credits of a special problem (research with report), and (4) a one hour Petroleum Engineering seminar course. In addition, the comprehensive examination is required during the semester of graduation.

In both options the selection of courses must be approved by the committee chairman and the graduate student coordinator. A maximum of six hours of 400G courses in engineering will be allowed for the degree credit in either the thesis or the non-thesis option.