M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Program Overview

The M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering is a 30-credit degree program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. Unlike highly specialized programs, this degree emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their curriculum to a unique combination of engineering fields. While there isn't a fixed set of core courses, students work closely with a faculty advisor from a chosen "home" department to develop an approved plan of study. This plan ensures both depth in selected areas and the breadth necessary for an interdisciplinary approach. The program is available on-campus, with the possibility of some courses being offered online. Stevens' interdisciplinary approach is geared towards producing graduates who are adept at tackling complex, multifaceted problems that require knowledge from diverse engineering domains.

STEM-designated: Yes, the Stevens Institute of Technology M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program is unequivocally STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students. The STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, allowing for a total of up to three years of valuable post-graduation work experience. This designation clearly reflects the program's rigorous quantitative, scientific, and technological focus, which is highly valued across a wide array of industries that demand integrated engineering solutions.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering is highly customizable. Students, with the consent of participating departments and the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, develop an individualized plan of study. This plan typically involves selecting courses from multiple engineering departments or even integrating courses from science or management disciplines, depending on the student's interdisciplinary focus. Examples of potential interdisciplinary areas that have been explored at Stevens include Microelectronics and Photonics Science and Technology (combining Electrical and Computer Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Physics) or Integrated Product Development (combining aspects of Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and design). The program encourages the integration of qualitative and quantitative aspects, utilizing state-of-the-art tools and methodologies relevant to the chosen interdisciplinary path.

Research Focus: The M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program at Stevens is inherently tied to the university's strong research culture, which emphasizes tackling complex problems at the nexus of science and engineering. Stevens' research is broadly focused into five pillars: Artificial Intelligence and Computing, Biomedical and Healthcare Science and Technologies, Cyber-Physical Systems, Energy and Sustainability, and Quantum Engineering and Science. Students in the interdisciplinary program often engage in research that cuts across these pillars or combines methodologies from different engineering disciplines. While a formal thesis is not always a requirement for the M.Eng., the program's design encourages a research-oriented mindset, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to complex R&D challenges. Students work with faculty advisors who are active in diverse research areas, providing opportunities to contribute to innovative projects.

Industry Engagement: Stevens Institute of Technology places a very high priority on industry engagement across all its engineering programs, and the interdisciplinary nature of this M.Eng. enhances this. Its strategic location in the New York metropolitan area provides unparalleled access to a vast network of industries that increasingly require professionals capable of bridging technical gaps between different engineering domains. Industries such as defense, aerospace, finance, healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing frequently seek engineers who can understand and integrate diverse systems. Stevens' faculty often have extensive industry experience, bringing real-world challenges and case studies into the classroom. The university's robust Career Center actively facilitates networking opportunities, internships, and co-op experiences, connecting students with employers seeking adaptable and multidisciplinary engineering talent. The program's flexibility allows students to align their studies with specific industry needs or emerging technological trends.

Global Perspective: Stevens Institute of Technology fosters a strong global perspective within its M.Eng. in Interdisciplinary Engineering program. This is naturally cultivated through its diverse international student body, which enriches classroom discussions with varied insights into global engineering practices, international project collaborations, and cross-cultural approaches to complex technical challenges. The very nature of interdisciplinary problems often involves global contexts, such as sustainable energy solutions, international supply chains, or global cybersecurity frameworks. The program prepares graduates to collaborate effectively in diverse teams, understand global standards and regulations, and contribute to international engineering endeavors. This global outlook, combined with Stevens' rigorous technical education and emphasis on integrated problem-solving, ensures graduates are well-equipped for impactful careers in an increasingly interconnected global engineering landscape.