MS IN ENGINEERING
Minimum Credit Requirements
Every candidate for the MS (ENGR) 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 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. This program is designed for completion in about seven quarters if two courses (6 or 7 quarter hours) are taken each quarter.
Non-Thesis Option: The more flexible of the two options, this is designed with the working professional in mind. A grade of C or better must be obtained in each course to count toward the 45 QH requirement. To satisfy graduation requirements, candidates must maintain a course GPA of 3.0/4.0. The basic structure of the minimum 45 quarter hours for the non-thesis option is as follows:
- Engineering Focus(a minimum of four 4000 level courses, of at least 3 QH each, designed to complement student interests and background)
- 24 QH
- Technical Electives(of at least 3 QH each, these may be math, computer science and/or science courses)
- 12 QH
- Advanced Mathematics Requirement
- 6 QH
- Engineering Seminar
- 3 QH
- Total credits—
- 45 QH
A substantial project of a research nature may be part of the Engineering Focus.
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 and thus this option requires support from a qualified faculty member. The thesis option is required for all Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) and Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs). A grade of C or better must be obtained in each course to count toward the 45 hour requirement. To satisfy graduation requirements candidates must maintain a course GPA of 3.0/4.0 (excluding thesis credits). The basic structure of the minimum 45 quarter hours for the thesis option is as follows:
- Engineering Focus(a minimum of four 4000 level courses, of at least 3 QH each, designed to complement student interests and background)
- 15 QH
- Technical Electives(of at least 3 QH each, these may be math, computer science and/or science courses)
- 9 QH
- Advanced Mathematics Requirement
- 3 QH
- Thesis (must be in engineering)
- 15 QH
- Engineering Seminar
- 3 QH
- Total credits—
- 45 QH
The thesis option will be rare for students whose undergraduate study was not in engineering, because of the need for sufficient knowledge prior to undertaking a master's thesis in engineering.
Engineering Focus
The engineering focus consists of a set of coordinated and related engineering courses designed to give the student depth in a particular area of engineering. The focus area must be determined and recorded early in the student's program (preferably at or before the beginning of the first quarter). Consultation with, and approval by, the student's engineering advisor is required.
Technical Electives
Technical electives are chosen to complement and provide additional depth and breadth to the student's program. In addition to engineering courses, these may be selected from mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, or biology, but must be coherent with the student's overall program of study.
Advanced Mathematics Requirement
All MS candidates must complete an advanced mathematics requirement. Advanced mathematics courses at the 3000 or higher level are selected with 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.