School of Engineering

Master of Engineering

Students and working professionals interested in expanded technical, business, and project management knowledge are the target group for the Master of Engineering (M. Eng.) degree program. Graduate students expand their background to a new engineering discipline, collaborate with undergraduate students on design projects, engage in learning from current technical literature and experimentation, and engage in project management and decision-making skills. A design or research internship is required as a part of degree completion.

All students complete coursework in three core areas including (1) engineering specialty, (2) research/design theory and implementation, and (3) project management and decision making. 
A major design or research project is required. Full time students who have met the program prerequisites can complete the M. Eng. degree within four quarters. For students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, specialty courses must be chosen from outside their undergraduate specialty. Students without an engineering, mathematics, or science background will need to complete preparatory mathematics, science, and engineering courses to ensure success in the program. 

Admission. Applicants must meet general admission requirements as outlined earlier in the Graduate Bulletin. A complete application consists of:

1. The application form
2. Two professional references
3. All transcripts for accredited colleges or universities previously attended
4. A written design or research report

Admission Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with an equivalent of 200 quarter hours. Others will be provisionally accepted while completing their credit deficiency.
• A minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA (3.25 recommended)
• An introductory programming course
• A full-year sequence of biology, chemistry, or calculus-based physics
• Ordinary differential equations
• A demonstrated ability to work individually and collaboratively on a major project
• Students without an undergraduate engineering degree may require additional coursework

Program Requirements:

• Minimum 3.00 GPA
• Fulfillment of degree requirements within 5 years of initial enrollment in the master’s program

Program Delivery. The M. Eng. degree requires in-person course interaction. Logistically, program completion requires four quarters. Some courses may require attendance on campus only one day per week or one-week immersive experiences to allow working professionals flexibility of attendance. Enrolled students working full-time should consider a minimum of 6 quarters to complete the degree and arrange schedules for study days or study weeks at the university.

4+1 Sequencing. Students enrolled in B. S. E. or B. S. degree programs at Walla Walla University are encouraged to apply for the M. Eng. program one calendar year prior to their anticipated BSE graduation date. A maximum of 12 credits completed prior to completion of the bachelor’s degree may apply towards the M. Eng. degree. Formal admission to the master’s program occurs only after completion of all bachelor’s degree requirements. However, completion of prerequisites is strongly encouraged in consultation with the academic advisor as part of the B. S. E. degree.

Curriculum. The curriculum for the program includes 36 core credits and 9 elective credits chosen in consultation with the graduate advisor.