Students interested in additional coursework and independent study beyond the MS can pursue the degree of Engineer.
This degree is similar to the Master of Engineering degree offered at several other U.S. engineering schools. The Engineer degree requires 45 units of additional coursework to address the student’s interests in a program designed by the student and advisor, and a 12- to 15-unit thesis. This degree can be completed in three quarters of full-time study beyond the MS degree.
Students typically enroll in the Engineer degree for one of two reasons:
Acquire state-of-the-art knowledge in a fast-changing field.
- Our Engineer degree graduates have explored topics as diverse as designing, building and operating high-efficiency data centers; deploying large-scale photovoltaic solar arrays; developing innovative ways to finance global infrastructure projects; measuring the costs vs. benefits of deploying virtual design and construction methods and tools; and clarifying the legal liabilities of owners for construction accidents.
- The Engineer degree positions graduates to work as leading-edge practitioners or consultants in their newly won area of technical or managerial expertise.
Explore their interest in a research topic or research career, and demonstrate their research abilities for potential follow-on PhD research to a prospective advisor.
- Students who already have an MS degree from another university and are interested in enrolling as PhD candidates in CEM are generally required to apply for admission as candidates for the Engineer degree first.
- Stanford MS graduates sometimes enroll in the Engineer degree program to explore their interest in, and their motivation and ability to pursue, a career as a researcher/educator.
See the Engineer degree requirements page for more information.
Degree requirements
A student with an MS degree can satisfy the requirements of the degree of Engineer by completing, in residence, 45 or more units of work (3 quarters minimum) including an acceptable thesis (12 to 15 units) and maintaining a "B" GPA average (3.0) or higher. The program of study must be approved by the departmental faculty.
This degree is recommended for those desiring additional graduate education, especially those planning a career in professional practice. The thesis normally should be started in the first quarter of graduate study after the MS degree.
