MS in Engineering Technology

To solidify your competency, choose one of two specializations for your master's degree in engineering technology:

• Applied Network Systems: Develop expertise in designing, implementing and securing complex network infrastructures. Design reliable, high-performance systems and evaluate security using vulnerability assessment tools.
• Smart Manufacturing: Focus on production efficiency and product quality. Learn how to utilize artificial intelligence in manufacturing and promote practices that align with Industry 4.0 advancements.

Plan A (Thesis)

Choose a research-intensive path to complete your Master of Science in Engineering Technology degree program. Enroll in six units of TECH 299 and fulfill these requirements:

• Secure the commitment of three faculty members to serve on your thesis committee. Two must be members of the department, college or university faculty (part-time or permanent), and one permanent faculty member must agree to serve as the committee chair.
• Submit a thesis proposal for your master’s degree in engineering technology. The thesis must utilize original research, and the committee must approve the proposal no later than one semester prior to the semester preceding your enrollment in the final thesis course.
• Research and write the thesis. Your manuscript must meet university requirements as stipulated in this catalog and in the SJSU Master’s Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation Guidelines. It will undergo a thorough revision process under the guidance of your thesis committee chair, with assistance from the thesis committee.
• Pass a final oral defense of the thesis. For your master’s program, you must prepare a one-hour presentation with applicable slides outlining the work performed. The presentation must include an introduction, background and a review of any relevant previously published literature; methodology; analysis/experiment/simulation; results and discussion; and conclusions.

Plan B (Project)

As an engineering technology student, you can also opt for a project as the culminating experience of your graduate studies. Enroll in TECH 295A (3 units) and TECH 295B (3 units) and fulfill the requirements:

• Secure the commitment of three faculty members to serve on your project committee. Two must be members of the department, college or university faculty (part-time or permanent), and one permanent faculty member must agree to serve as the committee chair.
• Submit a project proposal for your master’s degree in engineering technology. The committee must approve the proposal no later than one semester prior to the semester preceding your enrollment in the final project course.
• Conduct your project using original research. Your project will undergo a thorough revision process under the guidance of the project committee chair and with the assistance of committee members.
• Pass a final oral defense of the project. To earn your MSET degree, you must prepare a one-hour presentation with applicable slides outlining the work performed. The presentation must include an introduction, background and a review of any relevant previously published literature; methodology; analysis/experiment/simulation; results and discussion; and conclusions.

Graduates who complete an MS in Engineering Technology will:

• Apply analytical, computational and engineering fundamentals to solve problems and improve the efficiency of production systems and operational facilities.
• Demonstrate leadership and managerial skills to communicate complex processes and solutions using technical and analytical tools.
• Conduct independent research, analyze data and apply the results to improve engineering and technology systems through effective project management methods.
• Evaluate technology systems and processes related to sustainable products, smart manufacturing and computer networks in order to engineer solutions for operational improvement.
• Demonstrate professionalism with a commitment to ethical principles.
• Pursue excellence in engineering technology professions and senior positions.

For admission to classified standing in the engineering technology master’s program, the department requires:

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited academic institution in a technical or scientific discipline. Applicants from non-accredited or non-technical disciplines who demonstrate exceptional promise may receive conditional admission to the graduate program.
• Transcripts from an academic institution that verify a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in the last 60 upper-division university units.
• Evidence of written and oral communication competencies that meet the demands of graduate-level study and research. Personal statements are used to verify these competencies and should discuss the applicant’s professional development plans and explain how the master’s degree program will improve the applicant’s vocational objectives.
• One of the listed English proficiency test scores for international applicants required to take the test:
  • TOEFL: At least 4.0 or 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Academic PTE: 53
  • Duolingo English Test: 120

Applicants from non-technical disciplines may receive conditional admission to the graduate program. Admission depends on the completion of additional undergraduate course work as prescribed by the graduate program coordinator.

Students with conditionally classified standing may seek admission to classified standing after completing nine units of graduate-level course work with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The individual admission letter will explain the terms and conditions for attaining classified standing.