International Students
Plan of Study for International students
International students are able to utilize a term for internship, better aligning the graduate program with the University’s mission. The on-campus programs operate on a calendar similar to a conventional quarter system: Fall, Winter, and Spring terms are “regular” academic terms during which students normally enroll full-time (coursework, internship or thesis), and the Summer term is generally an off-term.
Many variations of this plan are possible, both with or without a thesis. In particular, students may begin the program in Fall, Winter or Spring terms. However, international students on an F-1 visa are required to complete two academic terms to be eligible for either a non-study or an internship term. This structure works perfectly for students that start in Fall or Winter. If an international student on an F-1 visa starts in Spring term, they will not be able to take an internship until after their first summer term. In this case, they may forego the non-study or internship term or apply to have their non-study term changed to a regular academic term.
The non-study and the internship term offers the opportunity for the student to work in an internship at a related industry, work on-campus, travel, or optionally register in further coursework. For some degree program, such as the MS in Applied Data Science and Data Analytics, there is the possibility of two internship terms that can be applied towards the degree requirements for graduation.
Please refer to specific program information as you develop your plan of study. Note that the CE and EE concentrations, in the MS Engineering program, require a masters thesis which is non-credit bearing. However, in the other MS Engineering concentrations the masters thesis is optional and carries eight (8) credit hours.
Note that eight (8) credit hours, in most cases, constitutes full time for financial support, and visa requirements. Students may elect to carry a higher course load. While some students prefer to take one class at a time, this may create issues with financial support or visa status.
Students enrolling in the on-campus MBA, MS in Engineering Management, MS in Applied Data Science and Data Analytics or MS in Operations Management, may have prerequisite courses that will lengthen the plan of study.
Example Plan of Study without Thesis:
| Classification | Code | Earned Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 8 credits coursework | |
| Spring | Internship or 8 credits coursework | |
| Summer | Non-Study or Internship term | |
| Second Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 8 credits coursework | |
| Spring | 0-4 credits coursework |
Example Plan of Study with Thesis (MSEN-Mobility Systems or MSEN-Mechanical Engineering students):
| Classification | Code | Earned Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 8 credits coursework | |
| Spring | Internship or 8 credits coursework | |
| Summer | Non-Study or Internship term | |
| Second Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 4 credits coursework + Thesis 1 | |
| Spring | Thesis 2 |
Example Plan of Study with required Thesis (MSEN-Computer or Electrical Engineering students):
| First Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 8 credits coursework | |
| Spring | Internship or 8 credits coursework | |
| Summer | Non-Study or Internship term | |
| Second Year | Fall | 8 credits Directed Research |
| Winter | 8 credits Directed Research | |
| Spring | 0-4 credits coursework and Thesis Defense |
Example Plan of Study without Thesis, taking summer classes:
| Classification | Code | Earned Hours |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |
| Winter | 8 credits coursework | |
| Spring | 8 credits coursework | |
| Summer | 8 credits coursework | |
| Second Year | Fall | 8 credits coursework |