Master’s Degree Plan I
Generally, Plan I is used by some people who are funded by government projects whose sponsors require them to write a thesis as a component/stipulation of their support. It is not a common plan. The primary differences between Plan I and Plan II are, Plan I requires 20 units and a thesis, while Plan II requires 24 units and an oral presentation and report.
For more information, please see the Graduate Handbook 5.2. A printable version of the curriculum can be found here.
Master’s Degree Plan II
The majority of students earning a master’s degree in our department earn a Master of Science in Plan II. It can be done in conjunction with the Ph.D. (through application to the M.S./Ph.D. degree).
Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study that emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for analysis of problems. Students must have a bachelor’s degree in one of the accredited engineering curricula or satisfy the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in engineering as determined by the department concerned for admission to this program. The department also has a concurrent degree program with the Goldman School of Public Policy: Public Policy (MPP) – Mechanical Engineering (MS).
For more information, please see the Graduate Handbook 5.1. A printable version of the curriculum can be found here.
Please note that the Department of Mechanical Engineering does not offer a standard Master of Science terminal degree option for the application cycle. Students who are interested in a terminal master’s program may wish to consider our Master of Engineering Program.