How long does the program take?
Most students complete the program in two semesters. If entering from an undergraduate field other than MS&E, completing the program may take an additional summer at the beginning or end, or an additional semester.
When does the program start?
The majority of students in the program start in the fall semester. Starting in the spring semester is also a common option. See the next question for more information.
Can I begin the program in the spring semester?
It is common for Cornell MS&E undergraduates to start the program in the spring semester under the early admit process. Other students can also start the program then but there may be some limitations; for example, group projects may have started in the fall and some course sequences that run fall-spring may not be available. Please contact David Grubb, the Director of the MS&E M.Eng. program, (dtg1@cornell.edu) for more specific information.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering to pursue the M.Eng. degree?
No. Students with degrees in other technical disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply. Prospective students must have sufficient technical ability and background as reflected in transcripts and GRE scores. Students with undergraduate degrees in disciplines that overlap with MS&E such as Chemistry, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering, can normally expect to complete the program in two semesters. If a student’s undergraduate degree is further from MS&E, Biology for instance, additional background courses are likely needed and the program may take longer to complete.
What courses are prerequisites for the program?
Applicants should have completed math and science courses appropriate to an undergraduate degree in their discipline. There are no other specific course prerequisites. However, MS&E M.Eng. graduates should have a basic knowledge of all branches of the field. Students without a specific MS&E (or similar) background may be admitted but may also require additional courses to complete the degree.
What is the difference between a Master of Science (M.S.) degree and a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree?
The M.S. is a research degree requiring a thesis. The M.Eng. is a professional degree, aimed at preparing students for engineering or engineering management careers in business, government, or industry. Students are not normally admitted into a M.S. program in MS&E; it is part of the M.S. Ph.D. program.
How can I get a description of the courses included in the program?
Because of the flexible nature of the M.Eng. program, there is no set course list. M.Eng. students work with the Director of the M.Eng. program to tailor the coursework and design project to their individual interests and academic backgrounds. A complete listing of the MS&E course catalog can be obtained by visiting the Courses of Study website.
Until the 2006-2007 academic year, there was a requirement for one course with advanced mathematics, computation or modeling. This requirement has been replaced with a requirement for one course in Engineering Management for all students. Not all the sample course sequences shown here meet this new requirement. However, until the 2006-2007 academic year, the M.Eng. project was always 12 credits. The course in management can be added to any example given with a reduction in the size of the project.
Should I contact Cornell faculty that I am interested in working with?
The best point of contact is David Grubb (dtg1@cornell.edu) – Director of the MS&E M.Eng. program. Occasionally, prospective students also contact professors directly about specific research opportunities.