PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MS (CPE), MS (EE), AND MS (ME) DEGREES
Minimum Credit Requirements
Every candidate for the MS (CPE), MS (EE) or MS (ME) degree must complete 45 quarter hours of credit, at least 36 of which must be completed at the University of Denver.
Program Structure
Candidates for the degree of Master of Science in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering may elect either the Thesis or Non-Thesis Option. This choice may be made at any time, although a delay in declaration may impact the completion date. Students who are GTAs or who receive financial support from a University research grant as graduate research assistants (GRAs) are required to elect the thesis option. These programs are designed to be completed in about seven quarters if two courses (6 or 7 qtr. hrs.) are taken each quarter.
Non-Thesis Option: The more flexible of the two options, this is designed with the working professional in mind. For this option, a grade of B or better must be obtained in each course in order for that course to count toward the 45 QH requirement. The basic structure of the minimum 45 quarter hours for the non-thesis option is as follows:
- Specialty Track(with a minimum of four 4000 level courses, of at least 3 QH each)
- 18 QH
- Technical Electives(with a minimum of two 4000 level courses, of at least 3QH each)
- 21 QH
- AdvancedMathematics Requirement
- 6 QH
- Total credit hours
- 45 QH
Thesis Option: A thesis permits a candidate to obtain depth in an area of study and is especially useful for individuals seeking to pursue a subsequent degree. Thesis candidates work closely with a thesis advisor. The thesis option is required for all Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). For this option, a grade of B or better must be obtained in each course in order for that course to count toward the 45 QH requirement. The basic structure of the minimum 45 quarter hours for the thesis option is as follows:
- Specialty Track(with a minimum of three 4000 level courses, of at least 3QH each)
- 15 QH
- Flexible Minor(with a minimum of one 4000 level course, of at least 3QH each)
- 12 QH
- AdvancedMathematics Requirement
- 3 QH
- Thesis
- 15 QH
- Total credit hours
- 45 QH
Advanced Mathematics Requirement
All MS candidates must complete an Advanced Mathematics requirement. Advanced mathematics courses at the 3000 or higher level are selected with the prior approval of the student's advisor.
Engineering Seminar Requirement
All MS candidates must complete three quarter hours of Engineering Seminar (ENGR 4900). GRAs and GTAs are required to attend the Engineering Seminar even when they are not formally enrolled in the class.
Technical Electives Requirement (Non-Thesis Option)
A minimum of two of the technical elective courses must be at the 4000 level, (each with not less than 3 QH credit) with one course selected from each of two of the other specializations offered for the degree chosen. A course that appears in more than one specialization may only be counted towards one specialization. The remaining technical electives are chosen from appropriate courses numbered 3000 or higher, offered by either Computer Science or the NSM (Natural Sciences, and Mathematics) departments, with the prior approval of the student's advisor.
Flexible Minor Requirement (Thesis Option)
At least one of the courses for the flexible minor must be at the 4000 level (with not less than 3 QH of credit) selected from one of the other specializations offered for the degree chosen. A course that appears in more than one specialization may only be counted towards one specialization. For the MS (CPE) and MS (EE) degrees, the remaining courses for the flexible minor must be selected from the other specializations offered for the degree chosen, with the prior approval of the student's advisor. For the MS (ME) degree, the remaining courses for the flexible minor are chosen from appropriate courses numbered 3000 or higher, offered by either Computer Science or NSM (Natural Sciences and Mathematics) departments, with the approval of the student's advisor.