The MS program is intended to extend and broaden the undergraduate background and/or equip practicing engineers with fundamental knowledge in their particular fields. The degree may be terminal, or obtained on the way to the Ph.D. The degree is offered under both the Thesis Plan I and the Comprehensive Examination Plan II. A strong effort is made to schedule MS-level course offerings so those students may obtain their MS degree in one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
Master’s Plan I- Thesis Defense
MS Planner
MS Preparation for Thesis Defense
This plan of study involves both coursework and research, culminating in the preparation of a thesis. A total of 36 units of credit are required: 28 units (7 courses) must be in course work, and 8 units must be in research. The student's program is arranged, with approval of the faculty advisor, according to the following policies:
1. Course work must include 16 units (4 courses) of MAE 200-level courses.
2. Units obtained in MAE 205 or 299 may not be applied toward the course work requirement.
3. A maximum of 8 units of MAE 296 and 298 may be applied toward the course work requirement.
4. A maximum of 12 units of upper-division 100-level courses may be applied toward the course work requirement. However, if you choose 12 units of 100-level courses, you most likely will not have the required knowledge to complete a successful thesis.
5. Eight units of MAE 299 must be taken to fulfill the research requirement.
Students must maintain at least a B average in the courses taken to fulfill the degree requirements.
These 36 units should be arranged into three areas of specializations, organized as follows:
Specialization 1: 3 classes (4 units each course)
Specialization 2: 2 classes (4 units each course)
Specialization 3: 2 classes (4 units each course)
At least two of these three areas of specialization must be chosen from the list below of MAE research areas. The third specialization can be one of the listed MAE areas or a Math/Science area. The final two courses are free for the student to decide. Students must maintain at least a B average in the courses taken to fulfill the degree requirements.
Current MAE Research Areas:
Applied and Solid Mechanics
Material Sciences
Fluid Mechanics
Thermal Sciences
Engineering Physics
Dynamics Systems & Controls
Environmental Engineering
Biomechanics
Design
Students should reference the MAE Graduate Course Structure to see which courses fall into which of the research areas.
There are no specific course requirements for the MAE Master’s program; however, it is important to follow the guidelines listed above, have your curriculum approved by your faculty advisor, and follow the polices below:
Following advancement to candidacy, the student electing Plan I must submit a thesis. The thesis committee, selected by the student and their faculty advisor, consists of at least three faculty members (including their advisor), of which two must be from MAE.
Information covering thesis preparation is contained in the publication: Preparation and Submission for Masters Thesis. The completed thesis is submitted to the thesis committee for review. The review typically includes an oral defense of the thesis. A student can take the oral defense twice. If the student does not pass the oral exam the second time, there will not be a third exam and the student will be asked to leave the program.
The student must make two separate appointments with the Office of Graduate Studies. The first appointment will be scheduled prior to defending and will cover, in person, formatting of the MS Thesis and forms required to graduate. The second appointment is when the candidate submits the thesis and all final paperwork to the Office of Graduate Studies and upon approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies, files the thesis with the university archivist, who accepts it on behalf of the Graduate Council. Acceptance of the thesis by the archivist with a subsequent second approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies represents the final step in the completion of all requirements by the candidate for a Master of Science degree on the UC San Diego campus.
Master’s Plan II- Comprehensive Exam
MS Preparation for Comprehensive Exam
This plan of study involves course work only and culminates in a comprehensive examination. A total of 36 units of credit (9 courses) are required. These 36 units should be arranged into three areas of specializations, organized as follows:
Specialization 1: 3 classes (4 units each course)
Specialization 2: 2 classes (4 units each course)
Specialization 3: 2 classes (4 units each course)
PLUS:
Students Choice: 2 classes (4 units each course)
At least two of these three areas of specialization must be chosen from the list below of MAE research areas. The third specialization can be one of the listed MAE areas or a Math/Science area. The final two courses are free for the student to decide. Students must maintain at least a B average in the courses taken to fulfill the degree requirements.
Current MAE Research Areas:
Applied and Solid Mechanics
Material Sciences
Fluid Mechanics
Thermal Sciences
Engineering Physics
Dynamics Systems & Controls
Environmental Engineering
Biomechanics
Design
Students should reference the MAE Graduate Course Structure to see which courses fall into which of the research areas.
There are no specific course requirements for the MAE Master’s program; however, it is important to follow the guidelines listed above, have your curriculum approved by your faculty advisor, and follow the polices below:
1. At least 16 units (4 courses) must be MAE 200-level courses
2. Units obtained in MAE 205 or 299 may not be applied toward the degree requirements.
3. A maximum of 8 units of MAE 296 and 298 may be applied toward the degree requirements.
4. A maximum of 12 units of upper-division 100-level courses may be applied toward the degree requirements. However, if you choose this option, you most likely will not have the required knowledge to complete a successful examination.
5. Only 4 units from the ENG series may be applied to the degree.
The Comprehensive Examination is an oral examination conducted by an examination committee consisting of the advisor and ONE other faculty member (to be chosen by student and faculty advisor). The examination is typically 90 to 120 minutes long. Students will choose two *MAE* areas of specialization on which to be tested. These areas are to be chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor. A student can take the comprehensive exam twice. If the student fails the exam after the second attempt, the student will not be granted the MS degree.