UG/G Accepted Students
Congratulations on taking a big step toward earning your graduate degree! The information below will help you navigate the UG/G semesters and provide points of contact for graduate advising.
Next Steps
- Identify a faculty research advisor and discuss expectations for research during the academic year and summer.
- Complete the course designation form and submit it before the semester in which you plan to start double-counting courses.
- Request a force-add for any graduate courses for which you cannot self-register. ME undergrads should review the force-add information on the Undergraduate Advising webpage.
- Review the Graduate Catalog and the current program handbooks for the policies and guidelines of the ME Department graduate programs. Handbooks are available under each respective program’s page and on the ME Graduate Student Sharepoint site.
Advising
Students in the UG/G program should work with their undergraduate advisor and graduate program coordinator (GPC) to identify courses to be double-counted. Review the Graduate Student Success Team to find your respective GPC.
FAQs
UGGs that pursue a non-research based or professional master's degree (MS non-thesis or MEng) can realistically complete the degree in one year after completing the bachelor's degree. You'll need to take 19 hours of coursework spread over a fall, spring and/or summer semester.
UGGs that want to pursue a research-based degree should start on their master's research as soon as possible. While it is rare, some students have completed a MS with thesis with only one additional year. It requires a great deal of time and effort (and a little bit of luck).
The advising relationship is important, especially in graduate school. Start with this research tags tool. Narrow down your interests, read papers, talk to students in research labs, and set up a time to meet with faculty about potential projects. You may want to take a class from your potential faculty advisor!
You don't have to give up on graduate school just because you got the job of your dreams! Reach out to a graduate advisor to discuss your options. You may want to take a leave of absence for up to a year while you get settled in your new role. You can also take classes as a part-time, online student. It's possible that your employer will pay for some or all of your tuition.
We love it when UG/Gs decide to pursue their PhDs with us! Make sure that your faculty advisor is supportive, discuss your funding plan, and complete this change of degree form. Send the unsigned form to your GPC.
Research hours are not eligible for double-counting, but you should definitely start on your master's research as soon as possible. You can take up to 12 credit hours of coursework, and 6 of those hours can be at the 4000-level as long as a corresponding 5000-level course isn't offered. Talk to your undergrad advisor about which courses you can use.
Make an appointment with your undergraduate academic advisor so you can switch to the higher level course to satisfy the degree requirement.
Check that you submitted your final course designation form. If you did, reach out to your GPC so we can troubleshoot.
Graduate students in research-based degrees are often funded through graduate research assistantships (GRAs). Talk to your faculty advisor about options for funding, and make sure to apply for external funding starting at the end of the fall semester of your senior year. ASME, ANS, and other professional societies offer scholarships. DoD, DoE, and NSF offer multi-year fellowships for graduate students. Review the Graduate School’s funding page for additional opportunities.