Who can I talk with to learn more about graduate school?
You can talk with any of your professors for more information about graduate school. Also, each fall Chi Epsilon hosts the Graduate School Info Night where faculty talk about graduate school, why they continued their education, and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
Is there a deadline for applying?
There is no deadline for receipt of your application. Graduate applications are considered as they are received, once they are complete. However, financial assistance is usually awarded by mid-March. To be considered for assistance at that time, your completed application must begin review up to 1.5 months earlier, so all materials should be in by the end of January (somewhat earlier for foreign applicants).
Is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) required?
All Master of Science applicants must submit a GRE score to be considered for fellowships or graduate teaching assistantships. While your GRE score is important, we have no specific cut-off for GRE scores, and consider the GRE score to be just one part of your overall application.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by many universities for admission to graduate school and for award of financial aid, I have enclosed a copy of the GRE Information Bulletin. One very prestigious set of awards, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships, uses the GRE almost exclusively as the basis for selection. Moreover, the general GRE test is required for most types of graduate fellowships and assistantships in our civil and environmental engineering graduate program at Michigan Tech.
You will notice that there is a "general" test as well as a "subject" test. Since the subject test in engineering has been discontinued it is advised you take only the general test. Only computer-based tests are available for the general test. Testing is available year-round. Register early to get your preferred test date and to avoid the crowded testing period of November through January.
Register by calling 1-800-473-2255. See www.gre.org/cbttest.html for a complete listing of test centers. It is important to become familiar with the test and testing procedure before you arrive at the test center. Test preparation material will be sent to you once you register.
What is the difference between the Master's of Engineering & the Master's of Science degrees?
Both degrees require 30 semester credits. However, the Masters of Engineering degree consists primarily of coursework with an advanced practicum of 2-4 credits and the Masters of Science consists of a research project or research thesis which consists of 2-9 credits. The Masters of Engineering degree also provides more flexibility in coursework a student may wish to take outside the department. For example, Masters of Engineering students may take a significant number of their courses in business, policy, computer science, and other engineering disciplines.
The Masters of Engineering degree is designed so a student can complete their degree requirements in 2 semesters (9 months). A student will typically complete the degree requirements for a Masters of Science degree in 4-6 semesters (1.5-2 years).
The engineering profession views the Masters of Engineering and Masters of Science degrees as equal. Graduates of both degree programs obtain employment in government, industry, and consulting. Our department's Professional Advisory Committee (which consists of practitioners) has endorsed the Masters of Engineering degree.
Masters of Engineering students do not receive financial support. Many Masters of Science student do receive support in the form of a graduate teaching assistantship or graduate research assistantship.
