Brown’s School of Engineering offers eight Master of Science (Sc.M.) programs with opportunities to further your academic pursuits or to improve employment potential. Options below may be chosen and programs tailored toward your individual needs. Please see related pages on graduate areas of study and research for more specific information.
ScM Requirements
Breadcrumb
ScM Requirements
Master of Science (Thesis Option)
Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in chemical engineering consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses and an acceptable thesis, which is normally sponsored by a member of the engineering faculty.
- A three-course core in Chemical Engineering is taken which includes thermodynamics (ENGN 2730 or CHEM 2010), kinetics (ENGN 2750), and transport (typically ENGN 2760, ENGN 2911P, or ENGN 2810).
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Models in Engineering and Physics) can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- The final three courses are electives or can be used for thesis preparation (ENGN 2980 Special Projects: Reading, Research, Design). Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. At least five of the eight courses must be at the 2000-level; up to three 1000-level courses may be taken where appropriate.
For students in a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program (Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 2-2-2-2, where the student takes two courses in each semester. However, the program strongly recommends a sequence of 3-2-2-1 where the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 2 the third, and 1 the fourth. Deviations from these schedules can result in additional tuition.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Non-Thesis Option)
Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in chemical engineering consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses.
- A three-course core in Chemical Engineering is taken which includes thermodynamics (ENGN 2730 or CHEM 2010), kinetics (ENGN 2750), and transport (typically ENGN 2760, ENGN 2911P, or ENGN 2810).
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Models in Engineering and Physics) can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- The final three courses are electives at least one at the 2000-level. Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. At least five of the eight courses must be at the 2000-level; up to three 1000-level courses may be taken where appropriate.
For students in the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program (Non-Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 3-3-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 3 the second, and 2 the third. Any deviation from this schedule can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Professional Option)
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
For students in the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program (Professional Option), the approved course sequence is 3-2-1-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 1 the third (typically ENGN 2960), and 2 the fourth. Any deviation from this schedule without consultation with the program advisor can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses and an acceptable thesis, which is normally sponsored by a member of the engineering faculty.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Two additional 2000-level Engineering courses (other than ENGN 2980)
- Three additional Engineering or approved courses (not more than two 1000-level courses).
- One thesis preparation course (ENGN 2980 Special Projects: Reading, Research, Design).
For students in a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program (Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 2-2-2-2, where the student takes two courses in each semester. However, the program strongly recommends a sequence of 3-2-2-1 where the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 2 the third, and 1 the fourth. Deviations from these schedules can result in additional tuition.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Non-Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Two additional 2000-level Engineering courses (other than ENGN2980)
- Four additional Engineering or approved courses (not more than three 1000-level courses).
For students in the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program (Non-Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 3-3-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 3 the second, and 2 the third. Any deviation from this schedule can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Professional Option)
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
For students in the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program (Professional Option), the approved course sequence is 3-2-1-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 1 the third (typically ENGN 2960), and 2 the fourth. Any deviation from this schedule without consultation with the program advisor can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Thesis Option)
Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in environmental engineering consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses and an acceptable thesis, which is normally sponsored by a member of the engineering faculty.
- A three-course core in environmental engineering is taken which includes thermodynamics (ENGN 2730, CHEM 2010), groundwater (ENGN 2342), and transport (typically ENGN 2911P), or other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the advisor.
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Models in Engineering and Physics) can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- The final three courses are electives or can be used for thesis preparation (ENGN 2980 Special Projects: Reading, Research, Design). Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. At least five of the eight courses must be at the 2000-level; up to three 1000-level courses may be taken where appropriate.
For students in a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program (Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 2-2-2-2, where the student takes two courses in each semester. However, the program strongly recommends a sequence of 3-2-2-1 where the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 2 the third, and 1 the fourth. Deviations from these schedules can result in additional tuition.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Non-Thesis Option)
Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses.
- A three-course core in environmental engineering is taken which includes thermodynamics (ENGN 2730, CHEM 2010), groundwater (ENGN 2342), and transport (typically ENGN 2911P), or other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the advisor.
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Models in Engineering and Physics) can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- The final three courses are electives. Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program.
For students in the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program (Non-Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 3-3-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 3 the second, and 2 the third. Any deviation from this schedule can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Professional Option)
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
For students in the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering program (Professional Option), the approved course sequence is 3-2-1-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 1 the third (typically ENGN 2960), and 2 the fourth. Any deviation from this schedule without consultation with the program advisor can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses and an acceptable thesis, which is normally sponsored by a member of the engineering faculty.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Two advanced engineering courses recommended to be:
- Two advanced engineering or science electives. Some recommended courses include:
- ENGN 2430 Deformation Behavior of Materials or ENGN 1440 Mechanical Properties of Materials or ENGN 2490A Crystal Structures and Crystallography
- ENGN 2210 Continuum Mechanics or ENGN 2240 Linear Elasticity
- ENGN 2400 Electron Microscopy in Materials Science
- ENGN 2930 Atomistic Modeling of Materials
- ENGN 2460 Electronic and Magnetic Materials Design
- ENGN 2920H Materials and Interfaces for Energy Storage Devices
- Two thesis preparation courses (ENGN 2980 Special Projects: Reading, Research, Design).
For students in a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering program (Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 2-2-2-2, where the student takes two courses in each semester. However, the program strongly recommends a sequence of 3-2-2-1 where the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 2 the third, and 1 the fourth. Deviations from these schedules can result in additional tuition.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Non-Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/orENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Five advanced engineering courses recommended to be:
- ENGN 2410 Thermodynamics of Materials or ENGN 1410 Physical Chemistry of Solids
- ENGN 2420 Kinetic Processes and Mechanisms in Materials Science or ENGN 1420 Kinetics Processes in Materials Science and Engineering
- ENGN 2490A Crystal Structures and Crystallography
- ENGN 2430 Deformation Behavior of Materials or ENGN 1440 Mechanical Properties of Materials
- ENGN 2460: Electronic and Magnetic Materials Design or ENGN 2400 Electron Microscopy in Materials Science or ENGN 2930 Atomistic Modeling of Materials or ENGN 2920H: Materials and Interfaces for Energy Storage Devices
- One advanced engineering or science electives.
For students in the Materials Science and Engineering program (Non-Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 3-3-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 3 the second, and 2 the third. Any deviation from this schedule can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Professional Option)
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
For students in the Materials Science and Engineering program (Professional Option), the approved course sequence is 3-2-1-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 1 the third (typically ENGN 2960), and 2 the fourth. Any deviation from this schedule without consultation with the program advisor can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses and an acceptable thesis, which is normally sponsored by a member of the engineering faculty.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/or ENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Two additional 2000-level Engineering courses (other than ENGN 2980)
- Three additional Engineering or approved science courses (not more than two 1000-level courses).
- One thesis preparation course (ENGN 2980 Special Projects: Reading, Research, Design).
For students in a Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics program (Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 2-2-2-2, where the student takes two courses in each semester. However, the program strongly recommends a sequence of 3-2-2-1 where the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 2 the third, and 1 the fourth. Deviations from these schedules can result in additional tuition.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Non-Thesis Option)
- Candidates must complete a coherent plan of study based in engineering or engineering science consisting of eight graduate or advanced level courses.
- The program must include ENGN 2010 and ENGN 2020 (Mathematical Methods in Engineering and Physics) or their equivalent (must be 2000-level)
- ENGN 2010 and/orENGN 2020 can be replaced by an alternate/applied mathematics course or 2000-level engineering/science course. This substitution can only be made with the approval of the appropriate Graduate Representative and the Director of Graduate Studies. The final program must contain at least one advanced (2000-level) mathematics/applied mathematics course.
- Two additional 2000-level Engineering courses (other than ENGN2980)
- Four additional Engineering or approved science courses (not more than three 1000-level courses).
For students in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics program (Non-Thesis Option), the approved course sequence is 3-3-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 3 the second, and 2 the third. Any deviation from this schedule can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.
Master of Science (Professional Option)
Non-thesis and thesis* students can also complete the professional track. In addition to the above requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of three to six months is a required component of the professional track. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and the Center for Master’s Student Excellence.
*Thesis students need permission from their thesis advisor to pursue this track.
For students in the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics program (Professional Option), the approved course sequence is 3-2-1-2, meaning the student takes 3 courses the first semester, 2 the second, 1 the third (typically ENGN 2960), and 2 the fourth. Any deviation from this schedule without consultation with the program advisor can result in additional tuition and/or penalties.
Students should choose courses in consultation with the student's advisor to develop a coherent program. The proposed program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs in the School of Engineering. Courses in entrepreneurship and technology management are typically not acceptable as engineering or science courses or electives.