Master’s and Doctoral Programs
These programs are great for graduate students with engineering backgrounds that desire education with a heavy interdisciplinary component such as involving the physical or life sciences, and for graduate students whose previous training was not in a traditional engineering program.
- Master of Science in Engineering (thesis and non-thesis options are available)
- Ph.D. in Engineering Science
Program Requirements
Normally, students entering the program will have an undergraduate degree from a recognized program in engineering. Students with a non-engineering undergraduate degree, such as mathematics or the physical and life sciences, may need to complete a central core of undergraduate engineering study focused on their area of interest. The interdisciplinary nature of these degrees provides considerable flexibility in designing programs of study tailored to the specialized needs of each student. Examples of areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, atmospheric research, bioengineering, materials science and engineering. Select an Advisor Before applying to an interdisciplinary degree, applicants should first obtain a graduate advisor who has agreed to provide them with an assistantship. To find an advisor:
- Review list of faculty
- Contact faculty with research interests similar to your own
State your name
Interdisciplinary program you are applying for
Semester you are applying for
Education background
Research interests
Industry experience
Any other beneficial information
You may be asked to provide some or all of the application material required by the potential advisor’s department. If they decide to take you on as a student, they will work closely with the College in the processing of your application.
Admission Requirements
The Graduate School minimum admission requirements are listed on their website. Specific departments may have requirements beyond these. In order to determine what the department requirements are, it is the applicant’s responsibility to contact the department that the potential advisor is housed in. Students must satisfy the minimum requirements of the Graduate School and the department that the potential advisor is housed in.
Applying
The University has one online application. All application material should be submitted online or mailed to the Graduate School address. Once it is received, it is entered into the University system where the various departments can download what they need. Complete instructions for applying can be found here The priority application deadline for all programs and departments in the University is January 10 for fall admission and July 1 for spring admission. Some departments or programs may have earlier application deadlines so please contact them early in the application process. Applicants meeting these deadlines will have first priority for full consideration into the programs, as well as for available assistantships and funding.
Participating Departments
Although these interdisciplinary programs are administered through the College’s Office of the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs, the student will be advised and possibly funded through one of the departments in the College. Recent departments that have participated in the programs include:
- Biological Systems Engineering
- School of Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
- School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
- School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Program History
Prior to 1983, a single engineering doctoral program named Engineering Science was the only program available to all engineering disciplines in the College. In 1983, approval was sought and received to have individual department-named doctoral programs, such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The Engineering Science program was retained for doctoral students with engineering backgrounds that desire education with a heavy interdisciplinary component such as involving the physical or life sciences, and for doctoral students whose previous training was not in a traditional engineering program. The MS Engineering was added later.
Contact Information
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Associate Dean of Research & Graduate Programs
Washington State University
PO Box 642714, Dana 145
Pullman, WA 99164-2714
509-335-8730
https://vcea.wsu.edu/
Graduate School
Washington State University
PO Box 641030
French Ad 324, Stadium Way
Pullman, WA 99164-1030
509-335-6424
Email: gradsch@wsu.edu
https://gradschool.wsu.edu/