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UMA Graduate Bulletin 2018-2019
 Programs, Faculty, and Courses Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Program Overview Accelerated Masters Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering
Accelerated Masters Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering
4+1 year B.S. + M.S. Program in Mechanical Engineering The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering offers a five year program through which students can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering within a five year time frame. The B.S. and M.S. degrees offered through this program are identical to the individual B.S. and M.S. degrees offered by the MIE Department. The combined five year program provides students with the opportunity to obtain these degrees in less time than would be required when pursuing them independently. In addition, the 4+1 program offers a fast track process for admission to the Graduate School by waiving the otherwise required GRE scores, letters of reference, and statement of purpose. Structure of the 4+1 Program To manage all the required courses for the B.S. and M.S. degree in five years, different provisions in the B.S. degree schedule are necessary. The main provisions are: Two additional graduate level courses may be taken during the first four years (typically the senior year), to be later transferred into the M.S. program. Note that these two courses cannot be counted towards the B.S. degree since university policy does not allow "double counting" of courses. With this provision, eight courses need to be taken during the fifth year in the M.S. program. Two independent study courses may be taken during the summer between the fourth and fifth years, so only eight lecture-based courses need to be taken during the fifth year in the M.S. program. It may be necessary to shift some electives or general education courses to make room for additional graduate courses necessary for the M.S. degree. Participants in the 4+1 program will be advised on an individual basis to ensure that their study plan meets the necessary requirements. It should be noted that, although desirable, it will not be mandatory to complete the M.S. program in only one year, as the students may choose to prolong their study beyond the fifth year. Eligibility Requirements The 4+1 year B.S + M.S. program is open to all undergraduate students at UMass Amherst who are enrolled as majors in Mechanical Engineerinig with a minimum GPA of 3.5 based on at least 30 credits of engineering courses or other courses required for the engineering degree. For the GPA requirement, the cumulative GPA at the end of the third year, including all required 300 level MIE courses, is used. All admissions to the 4+1 year B.S+M.S. program are conditional. Specifically, admission into the M.S. program through the fast track process is contingent upon the student completing their B.S. degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. Application and Admission Process Students who are interested in being admitted to the 4+1 program need to fill out and submit the appropriate application form to the director of the 4+1 program (for contact information, see below). The annual application deadline is May 1 (or the first business day thereafter if May 1 falls on a weekend or holiday) of the candidate's junior year. Decisions on admissions are made by late May (after the spring semester grades are available). Students who are applying to the 4+1 program are encouraged to plan their course schedule for the fall accordingly. Once admitted to the 4+1 program, students have the commitment of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering that they will be recommended for admission to the M.S. program in Mechanical Engineering after completion of their B.S. degree (given the minimum GPA requirement for the B.S. degree is met). Once admitted to the M.S. program, students can transfer up to six credit hours of prior courses taken beyond their B.S. degree into the M.S. program. The remaining courses will be taken while enrolled in the M.S. program. All degree requirements for the B.S. degree and the M.S. degree need to be met. The 4+1 program does not affect the requirements for either one of these degrees. Contact Information
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