Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Engineering does not specify a “major” area of study on the diploma. What is the correct protocol with regards to my resume?

The Master of Engineering degree does not specify a “major” area of study on the diploma. However, it is appropriate for the graduate to state his/her primary area of specialization in any communication, including the resume. For example, this can be done in a cover letter to anyone who requests a transcript. The transcript(s) will then reflect course work taken in the area of specialization.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET). Can I be admitted into the program?

If you have a BSET, it will be treated as a non-engineering degree, and you will have to take pre–admission coursework that will prepare you for the graduate program in engineering. While taking the pre–admission coursework, you will be on a “deferred” status, which means that you will be accepted into the program as soon as you finish the pre–admission coursework with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better. The specific courses you need to take will depend on your undergraduate coursework and the field of engineering you want to pursue. For more information, you should talk with a Master of Engineering Graduate Advisor in your desired engineering field at your intended home institution.

Is the Master of Engineering a terminal degree?

The Master of Engineering degree is not a terminal degree. It is, however, usually designed for/by students who are now in the engineering workforce or who plan for employment upon graduation. While it will not stop anyone from pursuit of a PhD degree, that is not usually its focus. Students who intend to continue their educational careers beyond the master’s level are encouraged to take master’s courses appropriate for entry into a PhD program. Entry into most PhD programs is contingent on appropriate preparation rather than on the name of, or existence of, an applicants master’s degree.

How do professional organizations and other academic institutions perceive the Master of Engineering program?

Numerous engineering colleges grant Master of Engineering degrees, typically designated as practice oriented master degrees. Examples of schools offering such degrees are: MIT, U Michigan, Princeton U, Virginia Tech, U Wisconsin, and Lehigh U. The Master of Engineering degree offered by Arizona's three universities will be as successful as the reputation it builds. The three universities that have collaboratively established the program, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona, already have outstanding, reputable recognition across the nation. The reputation of this new master’s degree in engineering is building upon these existing reputations.

What is the difference between a Master of Engineering and a Master of Science?

Is there an application deadline?

Fall applications are due April 1 (decision deadline is May 1)

Spring applications are due October 1 (decision deadline is November 1)

Applications may be reviewed before or after these dates, but there is no guaranty of decision date for applicants not adhering to the application deadlines.

How much time do I have to complete the requirements for my M.Eng. degree?

Six years is the time–limit set by the graduate colleges at all three campuses.

What time–schedule do the Web courses follow?

Typically, they follow the semester schedule. Most web courses will have both distance and residential students enrolled and all students will be expected to meet assignment deadlines. We are offering both three credit–hour Web courses, which last for 15 weeks, and are also experimenting with one credit–hour modules, which will typically last for five weeks.

How do I take examinations as a distant student taking a Web courses?

Some instructors will administer examinations using the Web. In other cases, you may need to take the examination utilizing a local proctor. Some instructors may utilize alternative grading criteria other than examinations for their Web courses.

What equipment do I need to take Web courses?

Please visit the ASU Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering or NAUOnline, Support. Both sites have hardware requirement descriptions.

What if my undergraduate degree is in something other than engineering?

You can take undergraduate courses that will prepare you for the graduate program. The specific courses you need to take will depend on your undergraduate coursework and the field of engineering you want to pursue. You should talk with a Master of Engineering Graduate Advisor in your desired engineering field at your home institution.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, but received it 10 years ago and have forgotten most of the material. What should I do?

Many of your colleagues in the Master of Engineering program are in a similar situation. We intend to develop “refresher” courses for the various engineering fields, but these are not available now. Depending on your chosen field of study and your undergraduate performance, you may choose to retake some of the undergraduate coursework. On the other hand, you may just need to blow the dust off your books and start reviewing them as you take your graduate courses. Talk with your advisor about your specific situation.

How many people will be on my advisory committee?

That may vary depending on your academic unit and your area of study. Typically, it will consist of at least three faculty members. You may also be able to include your work supervisor, faculty from other departments and/or from other campuses.

What is an “academic unit?”

An academic unit has curricular control for a degree program. A department is an example of an academic unit. Other academic units exist to administer cross–disciplinary majors or degrees between departments and/or colleges on a campus.

Can the practice–oriented project be related to my work assignments?

Probably. You need to plan the project with your project committee (probably the same as your advisory committee) and assure that the project addresses academic issues as well as the requirements of your employer.

What if I don't want a traditional major?

The Master of Engineering program was specifically designed to be flexible to accommodate non–traditional areas of study. You should apply to a home institution and indicate your educational goals. The Campus Director will then help you assemble an advisory committee that has faculty with expertise in your area(s) of interest. You can then develop a unique program of study to meet your educational goals.

What if I need one or two courses to enhance my skills at work, but don't want to pursue the degree?

You can choose specific courses you are interested in taking and then apply to the campus (or campuses) offering those courses as a non-degree seeking graduate student. You can then register for those courses. Keep in mind that some academic units restrict the enrollment of non–degree seeking students to assure that degree–seeking students are able to get their required courses. If you change your mind later and want to pursue the degree, you will need to apply to the M.Eng. program and develop a program of study with your advisory committee. The courses you took prior to getting an approved program of study may or may not apply toward your graduate degree requirements.

Do these web courses meet the continuing education requirements some states have for the Professional Engineer license?

The web courses are regular academic courses offered by the Arizona universities. You should contact your state's Board of Technical Registration, or equivalent, to assure that a specific course meets their continuing education requirements.