M.S. in Engineering

Program Overview

The STEM-designated and ABET-accredited M.S. in Engineering at Rowan University offers a flexible and comprehensive graduate program designed for engineering professionals seeking to deepen their technical expertise and advance their careers. This interdisciplinary program allows students to specialize in various engineering disciplines, including Chemical, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical Engineering. The curriculum combines advanced theoretical coursework with hands-on, applied learning experiences, often incorporating laboratory work and design projects. Students have the option to pursue a thesis track, engaging in in-depth research with faculty, or a coursework-focused track, providing flexibility to align with individual career goals. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and ethical considerations, preparing graduates for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

STEM Designated: The M.S. in Engineering at Rowan University holds a STEM designation, signifying its strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This designation emphasizes a curriculum grounded in rigorous quantitative analysis, innovative problem-solving, and the application of scientific and mathematical principles to complex engineering challenges, making graduates highly competitive in technology-driven sectors.

ABET Accredited: Rowan University's undergraduate engineering programs (Chemical, Civil, Electrical & Computer, and Mechanical Engineering) are ABET-accredited. While the M.S. in Engineering is an umbrella program that draws from these accredited departments, ABET accreditation is typically applied to specific undergraduate engineering programs, ensuring they meet rigorous quality standards for professional practice. The individual departmental specializations within the M.S. likely benefit from the same high standards and faculty expertise that lead to undergraduate ABET accreditation.

Curriculum: The M.S. in Engineering program requires 30 semester hours, providing both thesis and non-thesis options. The curriculum typically includes foundational courses in advanced engineering mathematics and computational methods, along with an approved business or management course. Students then select specialization courses from their chosen engineering discipline (e.g., Chemical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Computer, Mechanical), allowing for deep dives into specific areas like advanced transport phenomena, structural analysis, digital signal processing, or advanced mechanics. The thesis track involves 6-9 credits of master's research, culminating in a thesis, while the non-thesis track usually includes additional coursework or a culminating project.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Engineering program at Rowan University strongly emphasizes research, particularly for students pursuing the thesis track. Students have opportunities to engage in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research alongside faculty in areas such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable infrastructure, computational intelligence, bioengineering, and energy systems. The college boasts dedicated research centers like the Virtual Reality (VR) Center, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Institute (AMMI), and the Center for Research & Education in Advanced Transportation Engineering Systems (CREATES), providing state-of-the-art facilities and fostering innovative research.

Industry Engagement: Rowan University's College of Engineering actively fosters strong ties with industry. The M.S. in Engineering program benefits from this engagement through initiatives like an Industry Mentoring Program, an active External Advisory Board comprising industry experts, and collaborative research projects. The curriculum is often shaped by industry needs, and students gain practical experience through project-based learning and potential internships, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world engineering challenges and career opportunities.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Engineering program inherently incorporates a global perspective by addressing universal engineering challenges such as sustainable development, global energy demands, and cross-cultural technological innovation. While specific courses may not be explicitly "global," the principles taught are universally applicable, and students may engage with international case studies, standards, and research collaborations. The diverse backgrounds of both faculty and the growing international student body further enrich the program's global outlook, preparing graduates to work in an interconnected global engineering landscape.