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US Graduate Education Model
Ajit Srivastava Professor and Chair Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Michigan State University East Lansing, Michigan ASABE and European Heads of Biosystems Engineering Meeting 19-21st September 2012 University College, Dublin
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Graduate degree programs
Masters of Science (MS) Objective: To prepare graduates for advanced career opportunities that require disciplinary expertise beyond that is available at the BS degree level. 41 programs in the United States and Canada Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Objective: To prepare graduates for advanced careers that require demonstrated research skills and comprehensive knowledge of the discipline. 36 programs in the United States and Canada
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Admission Requirements
Master of Science (MS) A bachelor’s degree (BS) in an accredited engineering program; or Science-related program with strong emphasis in mathematics including differential calculus A grade-point average of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale Completion of graduate record exam (GRE) Completion of TOEFL for international students from non-English speaking countries Three letters of recommendations
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Admission Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy Should have a master’s degree and must have A BS degree in engineering or a MS degree in engineering Demonstrated evidence of ability and resolution to complete PhD as evidenced by Academic record Recommendation letters Test score Personal statement of purpose Other relevant information
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MS Degree requirements
A total of 30 semester credits beyond Bachelor’s degree Course requirement – 24 credits At least 20 credit hours at graduate level courses Thesis requirement – 6-8 credits Plan A (Thesis option) Conduct research, write and defend a thesis Submit a paper for publication in a peer reviewed journal Plan B (Project) Complete a project, write a report and pass an exam
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Linked BS-MS degree program
Open to high achieving students Must have 3.5/4.0 grade point average to apply Apply during the spring semester of their junior year Can double count 9 credit hours towards both BS and MS degrees Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.5 in the BS degree program
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PhD Degree Requirements
Complete a minimum of 38 additional course credits past the BS degree These course may be prescribed by the department and/or the guidance committee Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of research Pass the doctoral comprehensive exam Submit at least two papers to refereed journals before scheduling dissertation defense Write and defend a dissertation
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Elements of Master’s Degree
Major professor/thesis advisor Thesis/examination committee Plan of study Must maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average Normal duration is two years
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Elements of Doctoral degree
Major professor and guidance committee Major professor serves as the chair of the guidance committee Plan of study Includes coursework approved by the committee Comprehensive examination Written – given by committee members Oral – presentation of research proposal Dissertation research Manuscripts Dissertation defense Normal duration is 4 years
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Financial support Most graduate students are supported by assistantships (teaching or research) or fellowships Funding source: Grants and base budget Graduate stipends are about $22,000-25,000 per year plus Tuition Health insurance
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Institutional Infrastructure
University Office of the Vice-President for Research and Graduate Studies Dean of Graduate School College Associate Dean of Graduate Studies Department Chair Graduate Director/Graduate Committee
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Other considerations National Needs Fellowship program
NSF Summer REU programs Summer research internships International exchange programs Sandwitch programs Joint degrees Dual degrees Dual majors
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