University of Maryland Eastern Shore

What you'll study

The program is offered with two completion routes:

• Thesis option (30 credits): three core courses (9 credits), a minimum of five engineering electives (15 credits) and 6 credits of thesis (ENEM 697). The thesis is supervised by a faculty advisor; the initial proposal must be defended orally before a three-member committee (including the advisor). Prior to final defense the student must submit at least one journal or conference paper based on the thesis. A bound copy of the completed thesis is required after defense.
• Non-thesis option (33 credits): three core courses (9 credits), at least seven engineering electives (21 credits) and a 3-credit research project (ENEM 696) approved by a project advisor. A copy of any resulting scholarly paper should be submitted to the department; students are encouraged to undertake additional scholarly activity related to their project.

Other program academic rules: students complete the program over four semesters (provisional admission course requirements excluded), and must finish all degree requirements within five years of first enrollment unless an exception is granted by the UMES Graduate School. Enrollment in program courses requires formal admission or instructor permission.

Entry requirements

All courses counting toward the degree must be passed with at least the minimum grades specified by the program. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing and to graduate. Specific grade policies include that courses contributing to graduation must meet the program's passing grade requirements, students must earn at least five course grades of A, and no more than two graduate courses with a grade of C will be accepted. A maximum of two graduate-level course units (6 credits) may be transferred in from another institution with approval; transferred courses must not have been used toward another degree. Coursework older than six years at the time of the final examination cannot be used to fulfill degree requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to solve real-world engineering problems in electrical and mechatronics fields, pursue leadership positions in related disciplines, or continue into research-based doctoral programs. The curriculum's emphasis on control, automation, unmanned systems and hands-on laboratory practice targets roles in automation engineering, systems design, robotics and related technical specialties.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Funding opportunities such as teaching or research assistantships, departmental scholarships, or external fellowships are commonly relevant to master's students in engineering. Prospective applicants should contact the UMES graduate program office and faculty advisors for current information on assistantships, scholarships, and opportunities tied to thesis or project work.