Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.)

Getting Started

Applicants must submit an application online per the individual program’s instructions below. Please contact Graduate Admissions at 239-745-GRAD or graduate@fgcu.edu for additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.

See program website at URL listed above.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program has a selective admissions policy. Admission requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Submit an FGCU Graduate Admissions Application and satisfy all applicable university admissions requirements.
• Earned baccalaureate degree in Engineering or Construction Management, or baccalaureate degree in a closely related discipline, from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Submit official copies of all academic transcripts.
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) must be 3.0 or higher for the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. 
• Complete the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C (2.0) or better prior to matriculation (“C-” grades are not acceptable). Survey courses are not acceptable:
  • At least one year of mathematics and/or finance beyond algebra and trigonometry: 6 semester hours
  • One semester of physics and one semester of a natural science including labs; or at least one year of physics including labs: 7 semester hours
  • One semester of probability and/or statistics: 3 semester hours
  • One semester of computer competency: 2 semester hours
  • One semester of project and/or project management: 3 semester hours
• Provide a resume, two (2) recommendation letters (at least one from an academic reference) and a statement of objectives clearly stating intended MSE concentration.
• Provide official copies of GRE test scores. The exam must have been taken within the last five (5) years. Exceptions to the GRE test scores requirement may be considered on a case-by-case basis:
  • FE/PE can be used in lieu of the GRE for non-thesis option. You must obtain a verification link from NCEES and forward it to the department for processing.
  • GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with minimum 3.2 GPA in upper-division coursework (last 60 credit hours) within the last seven (7) years from an accredited undergraduate degree program in Engineering or Construction Management.
  • GRE requirement may be waived for applicants with a relevant graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.
  • GRE test scores that have expired (older than five years) may be considered on a case-by-case basis with the submission of documented relevant work experience.
• Applicants should be aware that admission into any graduate program is granted on a competitive basis. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be denied admission based on such factors as program capacity or academic discretion. Likewise, applicants may be considered for admission as an exception if stated admissions criteria are not met.

Additional application requirements for international students: 

• International applicants from countries where English is not the official language are required to submit official English proficiency test scores: TOEFL exam with a minimum score of 550 paper-based, 213 computer-based, or 79 internet-based; or IELTS exam with a minimum score of 6.5.
• All transcripts and proof of degree must be in English; international applicants must submit original language transcripts and a certified English translation. Documents signed by notary or other public officials with no affiliation to the educational institution issuing the documents will not be accepted.
• For all graduate applicants the Graduate Admissions Office offers transcript evaluations at no cost that provide U.S degree equivalence of foreign education for FGCU evaluation and admission purposes. The University reserves the right to request transcripts evaluated by one of the credential agencies. See the Graduate Admissions International Applicant Guide for more information.

Admission Deadlines

Admissions to the MSE program are processed for the Fall and Spring semesters only.  Visit the Admissions Office website for information on admission deadlines of the University.

Program Requirements for the 2023-2024 Catalog Year

Program Progression and Additional Graduation Requirements

• Complete a minimum of 30 credits.
• Satisfactorily complete the appropriate Plan of Study. A Plan of Study is a set of courses and a thesis or elective courses chosen and completed in a sequence that meets the needs and interests of the individual student and the degree requirements and other stipulations of the University and the College of Engineering. Prior to or immediately upon admission to the program, students should discuss their options with the graduate advisor. The Plan of Study must be approved no later than the end of the student's first semester in the program, regardless of credits earned. 
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for all courses in the approved Plan of Study.
• Maintain minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale throughout the program (see the Probation/Dismissal section of the Graduate Student Guidebook).
• Earn a grade of B minus (B-) or better in each course. A grade of B is considered better than B-.
• Satisfy all degree requirements within seven years from the time of admission to the program.
• Comply with University graduate policies and regulations.
• Satisfy the University's graduate degree requirements.
• Each student completing a thesis must have a graduate committee composed of a minimum of three individuals with at least two from approved engineering faculty.
• Earn more than 50% of the credits toward the degree through FGCU.
• Students must register for a minimum of one credit during the semester in which they apply for graduation.

Program Requirements

1. Required Courses in the Major (9 credits)
   Minimum grade of B- in each course
   
   EGN 6430 Advanced Engineering Analysis (3)
   EGN 6457 Research Methods (3)
   EGS 6626 Engineering Project Management (3)
   
   
2. Thesis or Non-Thesis (9 credits)
   Complete one of the following options. All courses must be selected in consultation with the program advisor.
   Minimum grade of B- in each course
   
   Thesis Option
   EGN 6971 Thesis I (3)
   EGN 6973 Thesis 2 (3)
   Complete 3 credits from restricted electives list*
   
   Non-Thesis Option
   Complete 9 credits from restricted electives list*
   
   Restricted Electives*
   BCN 6705 Construction Management (3)
   BCN 6748 Construction Law (3)
   CWR 6532 Urban Water Modeling (3)
   CWR 6537 Contaminant Transport (3)
   CWR 6637 Storm Water Mgmt and Modeling (3)
   EEL 6218 Energy Conversion Applications (3)
   EEL 6272 Smart Power Grids (3)
   EEL 6285 Sustainable Energy Sources (3)
   EGN 5932C Special Topics Engineering (3)
   EGN 6345 Introduction to Energy Systems (3)
   EGN 6730 Renewable Sustainable Systems (3)
   EGN 6941 Project (3)
   ENV 6027 Bioremediation (3)
   ENV 6516 Sustainable Water Quality Engr (3)
   
   
3. Concentration (12 credits)
   Select one of the following concentrations in consultation with the program advisor.  Minimum grade of B- in each course.
   
   Sustainable Water Engineering Concentration
   CWR 6532 Urban Water Modeling (3)
   CWR 6537 Contaminant Transport (3)
   CWR 6637 Storm Water Mgmt & Modeling (3)
   ENV 6516 Sustainable Water Quality Engr (3)
   
   Renewable Energy Engineering Concentration
   EGN 6345 Introduction to Energy Systems (3)
   EEL 6218 Energy Conversion Applications (3)
   EEL 6272 Smart Power Grids (3)
   EEL 6285 Sustainable Energy Sources (3)
   
   Construction Concentration
   BCN 6618 Comprehensive Estimating (3)
   BCN 6722 Advanced Planning and Control (3)
   BCN 6755 Advanced Construction Finance (3)
   BCN 6874 Equipment and Methods (3)
   
   *Courses used to fulfill requirements in the Restricted Electives cannot also be used to fulfill requirements in the Concentration.

Total Credits Required: 30 HRS

Additional Graduation Requirements

• Complied with University graduate policies and regulations.
• Satisfied the University's graduate degree requirements.
• Satisfactorily completed the appropriate Plan of Study.
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all coursework in the program.
• Satisfy all degree requirements within seven (7) years from the time of admission to the program.
• Apply for graduation by the deadline indicated in the University Calendar.
• Provide two (2) signed, bound copies of the student's thesis or capstone project paper, one to the FGCU library and the other to the Engineering Graduate Program Director.
• Each student must have a graduate committee composed of a minimum of three (3) individuals with at least one from approved engineering faculty.

Plan of Study
A Plan of Study is a set of courses and a thesis or project activity chosen and completed in a sequence that meets the needs and interests of the individual student and the degree requirements and other stipulations of the University and the College of Engineering.  Prior to or immediately upon admission to the program, students should discuss their options with the graduate advisor.  There is no requirement for master's students to be full-time, nor is there an on-campus service requirement.  The Plan of Study must be approved by the graduate advisor and the student's supervisory committee no later than the end of the student's first semester in the program, regardless of credits earned. After this time, modifications must be approved by the supervisory committee.

Official Course Descriptions

Search for official course descriptions by using the Course Description Search utility.

Go to the Course Descriptions Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select a course prefix from one of the SUBJECT dropdowns (required)
3. Enter search words in the TEXT field (optional, but will narrow the search results)
4. Press Search

Getting started with the Course Schedule Search

Search for program courses by using the Course Schedule Search utility.

Go to the Course Schedule Search Web page, then follow these steps:

1. Select an Academic Year from the TERM dropdown (required)
2. Select one or more of the search options to narrow your results (for example, CAMPUS, COLLEGE, DEPARTMENT, LEVEL, PREFIX*, COURSE ATTRIBUTE**). For virtual or web courses, select VIRTUAL in the CAMPUS field.
3. Press Search.

*A course prefix is a three-letter designator for a major division of an academic discipline (for example, ACG for Accounting , BSC for Biological Science, ENC for English Composition). See the Degree Requirements page for a list of courses (with prefix and number) that can be used to fulfill degree requirements.

**A course attribute identifies specific characteristics of courses that can be used in a Degree Evaluation to satisfy a degree requirement. (Course attribute examples are Humanities courses - GEHM and Social Science courses - GESO.)

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes for the MSE program will align with and elevate those of the undergraduate engineering program that were developed to meet ABET accreditation standards, as well as prepare students to be successful in the pursuit of, or maintaining, professional engineering licensure. The MSE program will also prepare students to continue graduate studies at the doctoral level.

Content/Discipline Knowledge and Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Apply higher-level math, science, and engineering skills to research and/or design engineering systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
2. Understand the professional and ethical responsibilities associated with engineering practice and engineering research.
3. Use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice and engineering research.

Content/discipline knowledge and skills are assessed at the program level using appropriate coursework including examinations, assignments, and presentations.

Communication Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Organize and relate ideas coherently in written, oral, and graphic form.
2. Develop and present consistent arguments to diverse audiences.

Communication skills are assessed at the University, College, and Program levels through oral and written presentations, project reports, and other assignments throughout the curriculum.

Critical Thinking Skills

MSE graduates will be able to:

1. Identify problems and the relevant information needed to solve them.
2. Analyze and synthesize information, and draw reasoned inferences.
3. Formulate and evaluate appropriate problem-solving strategies.

Critical thinking skills are assessed at the University, College, and Program levels through oral and written presentations, project reports, exams, and other assignments throughout the curriculum.

Information on tuition, fees and estimated total cost of attendance is available on the Office of the Bursar website.

Scholarships and Tuition Waivers

Scholarships and tuition waivers are available to degree-seeking graduate students and can be used for books, tuition, or other expenses. See the tuition support page on the Office of Graduate Studies website for more information.

Financial Aid

Visit FGCU's Financial Aid website for information about grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment.

Graduate Assistantships

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students (those enrolled in 9 or more credit hours per semester). Graduate assistantships are competitive and based on a candidate's academic record and relevant experience rather than financial need. Assistants work 20 hours per week for the university teaching and/or conducting directed research. To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, you must: 

• be a U.S. citizen or legal resident,
• meet the admission requirements for the M.S. in Engineering,
• be a new applicant to the M.S. in Engineering,
• not be employed outside of the University during the assistantship award period. 

Application Process: In the Statement of Objectives you submit as part of your online application to the program, please indicate that you would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship. Include a brief explanation of your academic and research interests. You must submit a completed application by March 15 to be considered for an assistantship.  Applicants usually are notified of the award status by April 15.

Other Types of Financial Aid

Other types of financial aid not listed above may become available. For more information, contact Dr. Danvers Johnston, Director of Engineering Graduate Programs at djohnston@fgcu.edu or at 239-590-4311.

Get details on paying for graduate studies