Information Session for Prospective Dual Degree Students

1. Information Sessionfor ProspectiveDual Degree Students This information session is intended for all applicants to the dual degree program in mechanical engineering, allowing highly qualified individuals to pursue a Bachelors and a Masters degree concurrently. MEng Mech E or MS Mech E or MS STPP

2. Dual Degree Admissions Process • Dec 2009 - The ME DEPT will invite applications for the dual degree programs • 15 Jan 2010 – Prospective Dual Degree Info Session • 19 Feb 2010 – Applications are due to the ME Office • 19 Feb 2010 – Faculty letters of reference are due to the ME Office • 26 Feb 2010 – List of applicants provided to the co-op office: Review begins. • Spring Quarter – Prospective Dual Degree Students should enroll in the co-op training course • Spring Quarter – Prospective Dual Degree Students should attend the spring career fair • Summer Quarter – Prospective Dual Degree Students are eligible for Summer co-ops, and summer-fall double block co-ops. • June 2010 – Application review concludes, and considers all grades at RIT through the end of spring quarter • Possible Outcomes: • Students may be offered admission to the BS/MEng or BS/MSSTPP program effective with the beginning of Fall Quarter (BS/MS comes AFTER admission to BS/MEng) • Students may be declined admission to the dual degree program • Students may be asked to complete additional courses, and/or increase their GPA prior to admission to the dual degree progam.

3. Dual Degree Opportunities You may be interested in these exciting things: • BS / Master of Engineering in Mech E • BS/ Master of Science in Mech E • BS in Mech E and MS in Science, Technology and Public Policy Unique to RIT! • The ME DEPT will invite applications for the dual degree programs during the first three weeks of each Winter Quarter. Applications are due 19 February 2010 • Admission decisions will be announced at the conclusion of the spring quarter.

4. BS / Master of Engineering Program • Career Oriented focus • Primarily directed towards students NOT considering continued graduate study at the doctoral level • This is a non-thesis degree. • Capstone Project => Fall: Design Project Mgmt, Wtr/Spr: Team Leadership Responsibilities on a Multi-Disc Senior Design Team. • Three required courses: Math 1, System Modeling, Computer Implementation of FEM • Four Concentration courses from one of numerous concentration areas, INSIDE or OUTSIDE of Mechanical Engineering. Possibilities include thermo-fluids, controls, design, manufacturing, business, and customized program of study. • BS Degree: 195 quarter credit hours, 5 co-ops • MEng Degree: 48 quarter credit hours • BS/MEng Degree: 231 quarter credit hours, 4 co-ops • Double counting of 12 credits, 1 co-op reduction • Both degrees MUST be awarded concurrently in accordance with State of New York Department of Education regulations.

5. BS / Master of Science Program • Research Oriented focus • Primarily directed towards students considering continued graduate study at the doctoral level • Thesis is required. • Research Methods Class: 0304-701, to help you identify a thesis topic, prepare a statement of work, and get started on your literature review • Two required courses: Math 1, Math 2 • Three required focus courses agreed to by dept, advisor, student • BS Degree: 195 quarter credit hours, 5 co-ops • MS Degree: 45 quarter credit hours (36 course, 9 thesis) • BS/MS Degree: 228 quarter credit hours, 4 co-ops • Double counting of 12 credits, 1 co-op reduction • Both degrees MUST be awarded concurrently in accordance with State of New York Department of Education regulations. • Must take the GRE (Usually during Fall of year 4) for admission to the MS degree

6. BS - Mechanical Engineering & MS – Science Technology & Public Policy • Public Policy Thesis • Public Policy Graduate Degree • Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Degree • Primarily directed towards students considering work in the public sector, (planning departments, legislative positions, executive positions, law school, etc) • Thesis is required -- Chaired by COLA faculty member • Assumes that students are working on a public policy COLA undergrad concentration • Very Unique, Innovative Program • Three required focus courses agreed to by dept, advisor, student • BS Degree: 195 quarter credit hours, 5 co-ops - Will be considered an undergrad in Mechanical Engineering until 195 credits • MS Degree: Will be considered a grad in STPP after 195 credits • Double counting of 12 credits, 1 co-op reduction • Both degrees MUST be awarded concurrently in accordance with State of New York Department of Education regulations

7. 0304-701Research Methods • Offered as a graduate elective • Topics: • Thesis topic presentations by ME faculty • Interview and selection of thesis topic, decide MS vs. M Eng • Paper reviews in topic area • Literature search, patent search, and thesis consult with librarian • Prepare & Submit formal literature review • Prepare & Submit Statement of work • Prepare & Submit formal thesis proposal • Recommended for Fall 4th year dual degree students considering the BS/MS in Mech E with a thesis • Determine level of interest from fourth year students • Must take the GRE for admission to the MS degree

8. Dual Degree Completion Constraints • NYS Department of Education requires that both degrees be conferred simultaneously for dual degree program, or double counting is not allowed. If BS is awarded separately from Master’s then student MUST make up 12 graduate credits. • US Department of Education requires reporting of retention data for BS degrees in August of year 6. If student receives BS degree 9/1 or later, they are counted as an attrition from the program forever. This adversely affects program accreditation. • RIT programs as registered with NYS and US require all Masters degrees to be completed within seven years of first graduate course, or courses older than 7 years need to be replaced prior to degree award. • All Mech. Eng. dual degree students, when admitted, were informed of the requirement to complete BOTH degrees by May of Year 6. If BOTH degrees are not completed by May 15 of Year 6, student will be separated from the dual degree program automatically. • Under extenuating circumstances, a dual degree extension may be granted through August 15th of Year 6. No extensions will be granted by RIT beyond Aug. 15th. • All students in dual degree program must be certifiable for BS degree by May of year 5. • You may double count UP TO 12 CREDITS towards both your BS and a Master’s Degree.

9. Sixth Year Students • RIT has implemented a tracking mechanism to monitor progress of dual degree students. • After 195 credits hours, students will transition from year level 5 status to year level 6 status. • You will then be eligible for graduate student benefits such as fellowships, graduate loan programs, full time equivalency, etc. • Years 1—5 (less than 195 credits), dual degree students are classified as undergrads • Year 6 (more than 195 credits), dual degree students are classified as grads

10. Opportunities in the ME Dept. • I am interested in maintaining a database of dual degree students wishing to work in the department. • We often seek students as PC labbies, graders, lab assistants, shop assistants, etc. • Opportunities as teaching assistants are typically available for fourth and fifth year students

11. ALL Typical BS/MEng Course Plan Master of Engineering in Mech E

12. ALL Typical BS/MS Course Plan Master of Science in Mech E

13. ALL Typical BS/MS STPP Course Plan Science Technology & Public Policy

14. Graduate Student Handbook • ME Department Graduate Handbook is your guide. • Please read this handbook carefully. • Use this handbook when you meet with your advisor to plan your academic program.

15. Graduate Seminar Series • Attend the weekly graduate seminars is required of all full time and FTE graduate students. • Thursdays at 1:00 pm. Room 09-2139 • 0304-889-01 (0 credits) • Dr. Walter is the Instructor • Dual Degree Students should add this class to your schedule every quarter (no cost), so that you can get announcements and email about the seminars via email

16. An Important Tip for MS Students… Do not delay your selection of a thesis topic, preparation of thesis proposal, and starting your literature review and research. Most students who get in financial trouble during their Master’s degree did not heed this advice. After you get started on your thesis topic, KEEP WORKING, do not let the deadlines of classwork homework interfere with your self-imposed deadlines for making progress on your thesis.

17. A Special Note; and a Challenge to EXCEL… • As part of the RIT ME Department’s process of continual improvement, the bar is raising on expectations of our graduate students. • Admissions standards have risen annually for three years both at the undergraduate and graduate level. • We intend to raise our Master’s program to the same level of National Prestige that our undergraduate program enjoys. • Maintain the highest standards of Academic and Professional Integrity – Other students look up to you, and will follow your leadership. • I expect our MS Students to submit at least one technical conference publication with their advisor prior to graduation. • I expect our MEng Students to become student leaders in the department. Seek out opportunities to demonstrate leadership.

18. Questions?