Master of Science in Engineering

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Engineering is earned upon the successful completion of degree requirements. A total of 31-33 graduate credits, as outlined below, are required. For admission requirements, registration instructions, course descriptions, tuition rate, and a long-term course rotation schedule, visit our web site at https://www.uwplatt.edu/distance-education.

All courses are three credits unless otherwise noted. Courses that are cross-listed in more than one section cannot be counted twice.  Graduate credits in which a grade lower than a "C-" has been earned will not be counted toward a degree in Engineering; however, these lower grades will be reflected in the student's grade point average.

Course Title Credits
Section A: Core Courses12
Select one course from each of the following areas:
Mathematics:
Linear Algebra
Applied Statistics
Computer Applications:
Simulation Modeling of Engineering Systems
Optimization with Engineering Applications
Technical Communications:
Engineering Communications
Engineering Management:
Engineering Management
Section B: Technical Emphasis 19-12
Select one of the Technical Emphasis areas below.
Section C: Degree Track7-12
Select one of the Degree Tracks below. All students are required to complete a Degree Track, which should enhance both the Engineering Core and Technical Emphasis areas. There are three options available, allowing for students to choose which best suits their personal and professional goals. Select one of the following:
1. Thesis Research Degree Track (7 credits) 2,5
The Thesis Research Degree Track is designed to advance knowledge in the student’s area of emphasis. Under the guidance of a Thesis Advisor and an approved thesis committee, students will conduct in-depth and/or novel research.
To complete the Thesis Research Degree Track the students must take a Thesis Preparation Course and complete six credits of Thesis Research under a Faculty Advisor:
Thesis & Capstone Preparation
and six (6) credits of:
Thesis Research
2. Capstone Design Project Degree Track (7 Credits) 3,5
The Capstone Design Project Degree Track makes the theoretical knowledge gained in the program operational in realistic settings. A capstone should aim to demonstrate the ability to apply what was learned in the graduate courses to an engineering problem utilizing original analysis (qualitative, quantitative, or both), design, and solution implementation of a specific situation to advance expert understanding of the topic.
To complete the Capstone Design Project Degree Track students must take the Capstone Preparation Course as well as six credits of Capstone Design Project:
Thesis & Capstone Preparation
and six (6) credits of:
Capstone Design Project
3. Elective Course Degree Track (9-12 credits) 4
The Elective Course Degree Track is designed for those students that want to focus on developing engineering knowledge beyond the Engineering Core and Technical Emphasis areas to enhance their professional and personal skills. Students opting for the Elective Course Degree Track will complete the degree by taking a series of elective courses. Courses listed in Sections A and B which were not previously used to satisfy other requirements may be taken as electives. In addition, the courses listed below may be taken as electives. Additional electives may be available through transfer and/or other arrangements. Contact an academic advisor or the program coordinator for more information.
Additional courses, not listed in sections A or B above, that are eligible for the Elective Course Degree Track:
Special Topics in Engineering
Independent Study in Engineering
Project Management Techniques I
Project Management Techniques II
International Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management
Total Credits31-33
1

Students completing an emphasis in Applications in Engineering Management, Engineering Design, or Structural/Geotechnical Engineering must select a total of twelve technical emphasis credits. Students completing an emphasis in Control Systems must complete a total of nine technical emphasis credits.

2

Must take six credits of Thesis Research to meet degree requirements.  All six credits cannot be taken in the same semester.  Only six credits of Thesis Research will count toward degree requirements.

3

Must take six credits of Capstone Design Project to meet degree requirements.  All six credits cannot be taken in the same semester.  Only six credits earned will count toward degree requirements.

4

Students completing an emphasis in Applications in Engineering Management, Engineering Design, or Structural/Geotechnical Engineering must select a total of nine elective course credits. Students completing an emphasis in Control Systems must complete a total of twelve elective course credits.

5

If pursuing the Control Systems emphasis with the Thesis or Capstone degree track, then 3 credits of elective are required to meet degree requirements.

Technical Emphasis Areas

Students must choose one of the four technical emphasis areas: Engineering Design, Applications in Engineering Management, Control Systems, or Structural/Geotechnical Engineering. The specific requirements for each emphasis are listed below.

Engineering Design

Course Title Credits
Select 12 credits of the following (at least two courses at 7000-level):12
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Computational Methods in Engineering
Advanced Manufacturing Processes
Simulation Modeling of Engineering Systems
Optimization with Engineering Applications
Design of Experiments
Design for Manufacturability
Design for Usability
Advanced Finite Element Method
Product Design and Development
Sustainability in Engineering Design
Total Credits12

Applications in Engineering Management

Course Title Credits
Select 12 credits of the following:12
Advanced Production and Operations Analysis
Quality Engineering and Management
Advanced Cost and Value Analysis
Systems Engineering Management
Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments
Continuous Improvement With Lean Principles
Total Credits12

Control Systems

Course Title Credits
Select 9 credits of the following:9
Control Systems Engineering I
Control Systems Engineering II
Digital Control Systems
Total Credits9

Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

Course Title Credits
Linear Algebra 1
Select at least 12 credits of the following: 2,312
Reinforced Concrete Structures (Str)
Structural Steel Design with LRFD (Str)
Dynamics of Structures (Str)
Advanced Shallow Foundation Design with LRFD Applications (Geo)
Advanced Deep Foundation Design with LRFD Applications (Geo)
Geosynthetics Engineering (Geo)
Earth Retaining Structures: Design, Analysis and LRFD (Geo)
Advanced Finite Element Method
Total Credits12
1

Allowed to be taken as part of the degree core course requirements

2

Must include at least two Structural Engineering (Str) courses and one Geotechnical Engineering (Geo) course.

3

At least two of the courses chosen must be at the 7000-level

Any new elective courses will apply for all catalog years unless otherwise stated.

Certificate in Engineering Management

A 12-credit Certificate in Engineering Management is available for people who want to expand their knowledge in engineering management related areas, but are not currently pursuing a master’s degree. Credits earned for the certificate can later be applied toward the Master of Science in Engineering.

The Certificate in Engineering Management is comprised of four courses. Each course is worth three credits. These courses allow individuals to gain knowledge in areas that will assist them most in their professional situation.

UW-Platteville offers several graduate certificates.  These certificates are distinct from the Master's degree, but credit earned for them might be applied toward the completion of the degree.  To earn a certificate, students must complete all the required courses through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, under the direction of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty.  Transferred courses or course substitutions are not allowed.

To obtain a graduate certificate, students must:

  • Complete the certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each course from the certificate program
  • Request a certificate through their advisor within one year from completion of the final course of the certificate

To earn the certificate, students must complete the following requirements:

Course Title Credits
INDSTENG 7800Engineering Management3
Select three courses from the following:9
Applied Statistics
Advanced Production and Operations Analysis
Quality Engineering and Management
Advanced Cost and Value Analysis
Systems Engineering Management
Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments
Continuous Improvement With Lean Principles
Project Management Techniques I
Total Credits12

Students must complete all of the required courses for this certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to be eligible to receive the certificate. Transfer courses cannot be applied to the certificate program.

Certificate in Geotechnical Engineering

A certificate in Geotechnical Engineering is available for people who want to expand their knowledge in Geotechnical skills. This certificate allows individuals to gain knowledge in the area that will assist them most in their professional situation. Credits earned for the certificate can later be applied toward the Master of Science in Engineering degree. The certificate is comprised of 12 credits (four courses). Each course is worth three credits.

UW-Platteville offers several graduate certificates.  These certificates are distinct from the Master's degree, but credit earned for them might be applied toward the completion of the degree.  To earn a certificate, students must complete all the required courses through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, under the direction of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty.  Transferred courses or course substitutions are not allowed.

To obtain a graduate certificate, students must:

  • Complete the certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each course from the certificate program
  • Request a certificate through their advisor within one year from completion of the final course of the certificate

 To earn the certificate, students must complete the following requirements:

Course Title Credits
CIVILENG 7260Advanced Shallow Foundation Design with LRFD Applications3
CIVILENG 7270Advanced Deep Foundation Design with LRFD Applications3
CIVILENG 7280Geosynthetics Engineering3
CIVILENG 7290Earth Retaining Structures: Design, Analysis and LRFD3
Total Credits12

Certificate in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

A certificate in Structural/Geotechnical Engineering is available for people who want to expand their knowledge in the area that will assist them in their career. Credits earned for the certificate can later be applied toward the Master of Science in Engineering degree. Each course is worth three credits.

The certificate is earned by completing 12 credits consisting of two required and two additional courses from those listed below.

UW-Platteville offers several graduate certificates.  These certificates are distinct from the Master's degree, but credit earned for them might be applied toward the completion of the degree.  To earn a certificate, students must complete all the required courses through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, under the direction of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty.  Transferred courses or course substitutions are not allowed.

To obtain a graduate certificate, students must:

  • Complete the certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each course from the certificate program
  • Request a certificate through their advisor within one year from completion of the final course of the certificate

To earn the certificate, students must complete the following requirements:

Course Title Credits
CIVILENG 6230Structural Steel Design with LRFD3
CIVILENG 7220Dynamics of Structures3
Select two courses from the following:6
Advanced Shallow Foundation Design with LRFD Applications
Advanced Deep Foundation Design with LRFD Applications
Geosynthetics Engineering
Earth Retaining Structures: Design, Analysis and LRFD
Total Credits12

Certificate in Engineering Design

The Engineering Design Certificate is comprised of 12 credits of design-related courses. Available courses span a wide range of disciplines, including industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, sustainability, and systems analysis.

The certificate is earned by completing 12 credits consisting of two required and two additional courses from those listed below.

UW-Platteville offers several graduate certificates.  These certificates are distinct from the Master's degree, but credit earned for them might be applied toward the completion of the degree.  To earn a certificate, students must complete all the required courses through the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, under the direction of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville faculty.  Transferred courses or course substitutions are not allowed.

To obtain a graduate certificate, students must:

  • Complete the certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00
  • Achieve a minimum grade of “C” in each course from the certificate program
  • Request a certificate through their advisor within one year from completion of the final course of the certificate

To earn the certificate, students must complete the following requirements:

Course Title Credits
MECHENG 7520Design for Manufacturability3
MECHENG 7550Product Design and Development3
Select two courses from the following:6
Control Systems Engineering I
Design of Experiments
Design for Usability
Advanced Finite Element Method
Sustainability in Engineering Design
Systems Engineering Management
Total Credits12