Civil Engineering
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Engineering Master of Science Programs is to prepare students to function in a demanding technical environment where their advanced engineering education will allow them to solve substantial problems in their field of expertise. Through our commitment to engineering application and research and encouraging students to participate in such activities we will provide opportunities for expanded content knowledge and development of critical thinking skills inside and outside of classroom settings. Students graduating with an M.S. in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering will receive the education that allows them to pursue a doctoral degree.
Student Learning Outcomes
Program Goal:
- Students will develop or have in progress at least one publication from their thesis (conference, journal, or both)
- Students will identify a direction post-graduation (employment or graduate school)
Knowledge of Literature of Discipline (req)
- Student will be able to demonstrate written defense of their thesis work including: responding fully to the requirements of the thesis; introducing the topic, discussing the literature, and hypothesis; analyzing and interpreting data; and demonstrating appropriate writing quality, figure/table/appendices selection, and citations.
Independent Research/ Professional Practice (req)
- Students will be able to orally communicate the results of their thesis work including providing a sufficient introduction; communication of scientific merit of the research; clearly stating questions and/or hypotheses; articulating of the research design; clear and appropriate presentation of graphics; and clearly explaining the results.
Assessment Approaches
The learning outcomes listed above involve depth of knowledge within a specific area of the students chosen engineering discipline, critical thinking ability, and communications skills. These outcomes are achieved by the successful completion of a cohesive program. Students choose to either complete a thesis (thesis option) or take additional courses approved by the program (non-thesis option). The master's thesis is an original work that adds to the understanding of an engineering problem. It requires the deep knowledge and critical thinking skills developed in the program of study to advance engineering knowledge or solve an engineering problem. The successful completion of a thesis requires well-developed writing and oral communications skills. This capstone experience in conjunction with successfully completed course work measures the outcomes enumerated above for the students choosing the thesis option. Students choosing the non-thesis option will complete additional course work in place of the thesis to further deepen their understanding of the engineering discipline. Successfully completed course work measures the outcomes enumerated above.