Master of Science

Please refer to the Graduate School Website and your MyMichiganTech account for deadline requirements. 

Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a Master’s degree in one to two years. The thesis must be prepared following the current procedures.

At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must

• Schedule their final oral examination using MyMichiganTech
• Submit a draft thesis to the Graduate School
• Distribute the thesis to the examining committee

The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.

Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit a final thesis to the Graduate School prior to completing their degrees.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a Master’s degree in one year to a year and a half. The report must be prepared following the current procedures.

At least two weeks prior to the oral examination, students must

• Schedule their final oral examination using MyMichiganTech
• Distribute the report to the examining committee
• Submit the report to the Graduate School

The Degree schedule form must be approved before a defense is scheduled.

Students must also report the results of the oral examination and submit the final report to the Graduate School using the current procedures.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in course work other than the project.

Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through course work. Some sample course plans are available on the CEGE Graduate Program website (http://www.mtu.edu/cege/graduate/civil/ms/index.htm) under Course Work Option. These are samples and do not in any way preclude other possibilities. All students should work with an advisor to design their particular path to the Master’s degree.

MS Degree Without a BS in Engineering

If a student would like to enter a Master of Science program in Civil or Environmental Engineering and does not have a BS degree in an engineering discipline, the student should review the CEGE Graduate webpages regarding the Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering degrees to determine the appropriate leveling options.

Timeline and Time Limit for Completion

The Graduate School states that the Master’s degree must be completed within five years; however, students typically finish their degree in two years. Accelerated MS students and coursework students typically finish their degree in one year.  For degree completion timelines for MS students, please review the Graduate School webpage (https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/policies-procedures/timelines/).