Master of Science Professional Program

The Master of Science Professional is a degree program that offers possibilities for a wide range of prospective students. It emphasizes project-based and curriclum-driven learning and is targeted for working engineers and undergraduates considering a career in industry. This program offers courses in five focus areas, including a flex option that allows students to combine courses across the academic spectrum to meet their specific needs. These focus areas include the following options:

MS Professional Degree Requirements

The only focus area that has specific course requirements is Design. Students interested in pursuing the other focus areas can enroll in any combination of coursework they would like. All MS Professional students must complete the following requirements to be eligible for graduation. 

  • Coursework: 30 graduate-level credit-hours must be completed with at least a grade of C in each course. At least 18 credits must be in Mechanical Engineering (i.e., MCEN courses). Up to 12 credit-hours may be taken outside the department, inclusive of any transfer credits applied towards the degree. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing.
  • Professional Development: Completion of MCEN 5000: Sociotechnical Industry Skills with a grade of at least C. This course is offered every spring semester and consists of a series of seminars, workshops, and projects focused on various topics relevant to careers in industry, including project management, engineering ethics, communication skills, writing skills, budget preparation and management, leadership styles and philosophies, and interview skills. 

What about a thesis?

Master of Science Professional degree students do not complete a thesis and instead pursue coursework or project-based learning opportunities. While a thesis is not required, we offer a thesis program if you would like to complete one. For more information, visit the Master of Science Thesis page. 

Graduate Program Mission

We establish an environment of respect and inclusive excellence where high-quality instruction, project-based learning and cutting-edge research are leveraged to educate and nurture the next generation of socially conscious, deeply knowledgeable engineers, scientists and problem-solvers.