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Master of Science in Engineering

Students with undergraduate degrees in areas other than mechanical or aerospace engineering who do not wish to make up the undergraduate deficiencies required for the MSME may qualify for the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree. The MSE degree has the same curriculum and graduation requirements as the MSME, but does not require the core undergraduate ME courses to enter the program. Instead, MSE requires only standard math, natural science, and engineering fundamental courses for admission.

Students with undergraduate degrees in physics will only be required to complete or show equivalency in the chemistry series (Chemistry 142 and Chemistry 152) but will not be required to complete the remainder of the core, undergraduate courses for the MSE degree. In order to earn the MSME degree, physics students will be required to complete all of the core undergraduate courses for both the MSE and MSME degrees.

Our MSE graduates do not report additional barriers or difficulties finding jobs. In fact, their non-ME undergraduate backgrounds can even help them present as more well-rounded candidates for the professional engineering positions their MS in Engineering qualify them for. Hiring trends indicate that employers are no longer looking just for entry-level engineers and instead are seeking out graduates with project-based experience or specialty areas. Like their peers in the MSME, MSE students should be pro-active in selecting courses and obtaining project or research experiences that will best prepare them for the workforce.

Online option

In addition to the on-campus program, the MSE curriculum is offered in an online format that uses the latest internet and video technologies and is taught by expert UW faculty. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis to accommodate their work schedules. Additionally, distance learning students can enter the program any quarter.

Admission requirements

The following undergraduate courses must be completed before a student makes application to the program. Important information about where courses are offered, course comparisons, etc., can be found in the frequently asked questions from MSE applicants.

Mathematics

  • One year of college calculus (Math 124, 125, 126)
  • One quarter of differential equations (Math 207 or Math 307)
  • One quarter of linear algebra (Math 208 or Math 308)

Natural science

  • Two quarters of college chemistry (Chem 142, 152)
  • Three quarters of college physics (Phys 121, 122, 123)

Engineering fundamental courses

  • One quarter of introductory computer graphics (ME 123)
  • One quarter of introductory programming (CSE 142 or AMATH 301)
  • One quarter of fundamental material science (MSE 170)
  • One quarter of statics (AA 210)
  • One quarter of introductory mechanics of materials (CEE 220)
  • One quarter of dynamics (ME 230)
  • One quarter of circuit theory (EE 215)