Two major curricular/program components distinguish the Master of Engineering degree from the Master of Science degree:

No professional paper or thesis is required for the M. Eng.

M. Eng. students are likely to either be practicing engineers or continuing students who wish to acquire credits required for professional licensure. In the first case, the students have experience in practical engineering and the concepts involved in a capstone experience. In the latter case, all senior engineering students at Montana State University have completed a senior design project that is of the same depth as most professional papers, and this is also true of practically all accredited undergraduate engineering programs. Eliminating the thesis or professional paper requirement provides students the opportunity for more coursework in an area of interest.

The M. Eng. has no comprehensive examination.

Because this is a courses-only degree that requires students to maintain a 3.0 GPA, there will be no further proof of proficiency. The intent is to provide education for practicing professionals.

Students will be supervised by an option coordinator, not by a three-member committee typical for M.S. degrees.

General Requirements

• 30 credits total
• At least 18 of the total credits required for degree must be at 5xx level
• 3xx level courses are not allowed
• 4xx level courses may be used (maximum allowed is 12 credits)
• Courses with grades below C cannot be used to satisfy graduation requirements
• Three credits (min.) registration required during term of graduation (1 credit with in absentia graduation request on file)
• A maximum of six credits of individual problems courses (570) are allowed
• In addition to the required courses, the Master of Engineering requires additional coursework in lieu of the 10 thesis credits.