School of Engineering and Computer Science

Curriculum Overview

Students may complete the requirements for the MSES program following one of two degree plans:  thesis or non-thesis plans, each requiring a minimum number of 30 units.

The thesis plan will require students to perform independent research and will culminate in the completion of a thesis based on the findings of the research.  The thesis plan is intended for students who plan to pursue a career in research or plan to pursue a PhD.

The non-thesis plan requirements may be completed following one of three options:

1.  Project:  primarily intended for students concurrently employed.  For a project, these students may opt to define a special design project through their current employer.

2.  Directed Experiential Learning:  requires seven and one-half months of paid practical experience.  Students in the blended program who choose the non-theses plan with the directed experiential learning option could postpone their co-op experience until they are admitted into the blended program, then register instead for the graduate level "Directed Experiential Learning" placement.  At the end of the work experience, students must submit a comprehensive report documenting fulfillment of specified technical and professional learning objectives.

3.  Coursework:  satisfy the entire unit requirement through coursework.

All students will complete a set of core courses that covers the broader subjects of research and analysis in addition to a minimum of three courses specific to their chosen concentration.