The Master of Science degree is a research-based degree culminating in a master's thesis. Students completing this degree would be well prepared to work in a national laboratory, or in an industrial research and development (R&D) setting. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, and normally takes 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete.
The on-campus Master of Engineering degree is a more design-oriented degree. A master's thesis is not required. However, all M.E. students must complete a 3-credit design project. Students completing this degree would be well prepared to work as a project manager or project engineer in an industrial setting. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and normally takes 3 to 4 semesters to complete.
The off-campus Master of Engineering degree is designed for engineers with industrial experience and a master's thesis is not required. Students completing this degree would be better prepared to work as a project manager or project engineer in an industrial setting.
The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced research-based degree. The results of the research done are summarized in a doctoral dissertaion. The research completed in this degree is expected to be original and innovative. Students completing this degree are well prepared to work in a research-oriented position, such as those at national laboratories, industries, or universities. The program requires a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree and normally takes 3 to 5 years to complete.
In addition, the Ph.D., M.S., and M.Engr. in nuclear engineering are offered at the University of Idaho Idaho Falls Center for Higher Education.
Candidates must fulfill the requirements of the College of Graduate Studies and of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. For more detailed requirements for each degree please download the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Handbook, and the General Catalog, College of Graduate Studies section of Part 4 for the general requirements applicable to each degree.