Engineering, Master of Science
Engineering
College of Engineering, Forestry, and Natural Sciences
This program assists students who wish to to further their engineering education and acquire the knowledge and skills to tackle important engineering tracks of our time: sustainability and innovation. The plan of study features real-world relevancy and considers how sustainable systems impact economics, design, and usability.
- Available Emphasis Areas:
- Civil and Environmental Engineering - Emphasis (ending Summer 2018)
- Computer Science Engineering - Emphasis (ending Summer 2018)
- Electrical Engineering - Emphasis (ending Summer 2018)
- Mechanical Engineering - Emphasis (ending Summer 2018)
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To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:- All requirements for your specific academic plan(s). This may include a thesis.
- All graduate work with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.
- All work toward the master's degree must be completed within six consecutive years. The six years begins with the semester and year of admission to the program.
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
- Research and Thesis (6 units)
- Graduate-level mathematics or statistics (3 units)
- Core Courses in sustainable systems and advanced engineering design (6 units)
- Electives (15 units)
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Student Learning Outcomes
Engineering M.S. with an Emphasis in Civil and Environmental, Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering
The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) is a thesis-based/research focused graduate degree program. Students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop a personal research plan within their emphasis area (Civil and Environmental, Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering), which allows the student to design and complete an original research study in their area of specialty. This degree program is valuable to engineers interested in pursuing doctoral studies, academic careers, or professional careers in research or product innovation.
Demonstrate the ability to apply graduate level critical thinking skills to formulate and solve advanced engineering problems in the emphasis area (Civil and Environmental, Computer Science, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering):
- Acquire knowledge on advanced contemporary engineering topics and computational tools specific to the emphasis area.
- Develop the ability to identify, formulate, and solve advanced engineering problems relevant to the emphasis area.
- Develop the ability to synthesize, explain, verify, and justify solutions to complex engineering problems specific to the emphasis area.
- Assess the state of the art in their field of study, including a thorough literature review
- Design a research study of personal or professional interest and importance including: planning, organizing, scheduling, and executing the project with the guidance and input of their thesis advisor.
- Apply independently and creatively appropriate engineering theories and tools towards finding a viable solution to the thesis topic.
- Perform and interpret complex quantitative analyses specific to the thesis.
- Create a publishable paper reflecting the integration of knowledge acquired through the thesis study.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of the project and the implications of the resulting data
- Synthesize and present the relevance of the research study in both technical and non-technical terms.
- Deliver an oral presentation to peers summarizing the work performed on the research study and its outcomes.
- Conduct a thesis defense to a community of engineering faculty and peers
Additional Admission Requirements
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Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
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The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:- Transcripts.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
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- Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or completion of prerequisite courses. See department website for details.
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- GRE® Revised General Test
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- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
Master's Requirements
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Take the following 30 units:
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- Nine of the 15 units of electives must be in your chosen emphasis area, which may include up to 3 units of 698.*
- A maximum of two courses, up to 8 units, may be at the 400-level.**
- You must complete at least 24 hours of formal coursework, other than such individualized studies as independent study, directed readings, thesis and research.***
**Electrical Engineering emphasis allows a maximum of two courses, up to 6 letter-graded units, in any combination of 400-level courses, EE 685, and EE 697.
***In Electrical Engineering emphasis, you must complete at least 18 units of formal coursework, other than 400-level units and such individualized studies as independent study, directed readings, and research.
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Primary Emphasis Requirements (Select One):
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- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
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Since the M.S. program emphasizes interdisciplinary topics, students may wish to take courses outside of their primary emphasis area. Some courses may require prior completion of prerequisite courses. Other requirements for Master of Science in Engineering students include the following:
- You are responsible for choosing the chair and members of your advisory committee before completing 9 units of coursework.
- You must submit a plan of study that lists all coursework intended to satisfy the M.S. degree requirements by the first month of the semester in which you take your 10th credit. The elective and math/statistics courses are selected in consultation with and acceptable to the student's graduate committee and its chair.
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Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
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Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.