MT. PLEASANT — Central Michigan University will launch a new Master of Science in engineering degree this fall through its School of Engineering and Technology, strengthening student training and research opportunities to meet existing and emerging industry demands.
University officials say the program feeds a growing need for engineers in the workforce, particularly those interested in working for research and development in industry.
“CMU is establishing its name as one of the premier universities for the study of engineering,” said Mohamad Qatu, CMU’s School of Engineering and Technology director. “We are very excited to be adding another dimension to our teaching and research offerings.”
The M.S. in engineering requires 30 credits total — 24 credit hours of coursework and six credit hours of research — and a successfully defended thesis. Up to nine credit hours can be double-counted from appropriate undergraduate courses for acceptance into an accelerated M.S. in engineering degree track.
“It’s a very research intensive program, with the second year dedicated to students working with faculty on research projects,” said Tolga Kaya, assistant professor of electrical engineering. “Graduates will be able to successfully apply advanced concepts in areas such as materials science, mechanics, photonics, electronics and nanotechnology to improve production processes and techniques in research and development areas of engineering industries.”
CMU senior and mechanical engineering major James Hasbany is applying to the new master’s program and plans to continue his studies in Mt. Pleasant after graduation in May. The Grand Rapids native said that his independent undergraduate research project with Jinxiang Xi, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, has been instrumental in preparing him for graduate school and solidified his decision that CMU was his first choice for continuing advanced research in engineering.
Students should apply for the engineering master’s program through the College of Graduate Studies by March 1, 2015. Visit grad.cmich.edu for more information or call 989-774-4723.
A video about the new program is available at this link.
In addition to the new master’s degree, CMU’s School of Engineering and Technology also offers ABET-accredited bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. U.S. News & World Report ranked CMU’s undergraduate engineering program No. 86 for its 2015 rankings of engineering programs without a doctorate degree.