Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Catalog 2008-09 
    
Graduate Catalog 2008-09 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Science in Engineering (Civil)


Haluk Aktan, Advisor
G253 Parkview Campus
 
The principal objective of persons working in the field of civil engineering is the design and construction of systems to enhance the quality of like and to improve the environment in which we live. Western Michigan University’s Master of Science in Engineering (Civil) is aimed at graduates of engineering programs who want to play an active role in the development and rejuvenation of the national infrastructure. The primary areas of focus in the department at the graduate level are construction engineering and management, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. Through the available program options, students can earn the degree on a full-time or part-time basis and can have a design or research orientation.
 
Admission Requirements
Students entering the proposed master’s degree program are expected to have a background equivalent to that of students graduating from the department’s undergraduate civil and construction engineering programs, or to obtain such background through specified prerequisite coursework. Further, students are expected to have earned a grade-point ratio of at least 3.00/4.00 on the last four semesters of academic study (at least 60 semester credit hours). Applicants with a GPR less than 3.00/4.00 can be considered under special circumstances, such as significant related work experience.
 
Graduation Requirements
To graduate from the master’s degree program, all students must complete a course in advanced mathematics and must satisfy the requirements of one of three program options. Normally the course in advanced mathematics would be selected from one of the following:
                MATH 5070 – Numeric Analysis I Credits: 3 hours
                MATH 5100 – Applied Matrix Algebra Credits: 3 hours
                MATH 5720 – Vector Calculus and Complex Variables Credits: 4 hours
                MATH 5740 – Advanced Differential Equations Credits: 3 hours
                MATH 6050 – Optimization Credits: 3 hours
 
With the consent of the advisor, a different course in mathematics may be used under special circumstances.
 
Regardless of the degree option selected, at least 50 percent of the total credit hours applied to the degree, excluding thesis and design project, must be CCE courses and at least 2/3 of the credit hours applied to the degree must be taught by a department in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Further, no more than three credit hours of independent study courses can be applied to the degree. The program options and additional degree requirements are:
 
Option 1Research (30 hours)
Students must successfully complete at least 24 credit hours of graduate coursework including at least three courses in a primary area of study within civil engineering and two areas in a secondary area of study within civil engineering, successfully complete at least six credit hours of graduate thesis research, prepare a research thesis, and successfully complete a final oral examination that is primarily focused on the research thesis but cal also address coursework. The final examination will be administered by the student’s graduate academic committee. This program is intended primarily for students who wish to conduct research and expand civil engineering knowledge. Please note that this is the only degree option for which graduate assistantships are available.
 
Option 2 – Professional Practice (30 hours)
Student must successfully complete at least twenty-seven credit hours of graduate coursework including at least three courses in each of two areas of civil engineering and at least three credit hours of graduate capstone design that culminates in the preparation of a project report. Depending upon the student’s previous background, a course in management may be required as the focus of this degree option in professional practice. Further, each student must successfully complete the Fundamentals of Engineering examination and a final oral examination that is focused on the graduate design project. The final examination will be administered by the student’s graduate academic committee. This degree option is intended primarily for students who intend to practice civil engineering at the professional level.
 
Option 3 – Technical and Management Development (36 hours)
Students must successfully complete at least thirty-six credit hours of graduate coursework including at least three courses in each of two area of civil engineering and three courses developing business management and engineering management skills. At least two CCE courses used for the degree program must be graduate design courses. Further, students must successfully complete a final comprehensive written and/or oral examination that addresses the student’s undergraduate and graduate education. The final examination will be coordinated by the student’s graduate academic advisor. This degree option is intended primarily for students in practice who want to enhance their technical skills and to develop management skills.