(MES)
The MS in Engineering Science program - offered with both thesis and non-thesis options - provides an opportunity for study in areas not represented by departments within the college. Students can enter the program with a baccalaureate degree in any field of engineering or in a pure or applied science. The departmental-level academic course plan for each student (due at the end of the first semester) will be developed in consultation with and approved by the student’s graduate advisory committee. Graduate School regulations require the major professor (committee chair) to be a graduate faculty member from a department within the College of Engineering. The committee must also include at least two additional members of the graduate faculty.
The minimum requirements for the thesis option are 24 semester credit hours coursework, six additional hours of thesis research credit, and successful defense of a research thesis. The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework including a three-credit hour project course. The project course incorporates a written report and oral presentation to the graduate advisory committee. Additional coursework may be necessary for students lacking the proper course prerequisites or as required by the graduate advisory committee and specified on an approved plan of study.
At least one-half of the coursework must be College of Engineering courses and at least one-half of the total coursework must be at the 7000 level, excluding thesis hours. The program requires emphasis in at least two areas of study not available within a single department and at least 18 hours of required coursework and one academic year in residence must be completed after admission to the program.
A plan of study, approved by the student’s advisory committee, must be submitted to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering by the end of the first semester of enrollment at LSU.
Students applying to transfer into Engineering Science or to enroll as dual degree after one semester at LSU MUST complete the Engineering Science plan of study as part of the application process.