Bachelor's Program Information

Combined Program Information

Master's Program Information

Interdisciplinary Minor and Certificate

Doctoral Program Information

Academic Environment

Departments
Civil, environmental and Geomatics Engineering

Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Ocean and mechanical Engineering


Link to Course Descriptions for the College of Engineering and Computer Science


Accreditation: Baccalaureate degree programs in Civil, Computer, Electrical, Geomatics, Mechanical and Ocean Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET. The baccalaureate program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science offers undergraduate degree programs in Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Geomatics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering. Minors in Computer Science and Geomatics Engineering and a certificate in Geomatics Engineering are also available.

Graduate programs are offered to qualified persons who have sufficient and satisfactory undergraduate preparation. Master's degrees (with or without thesis) and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering. Master's degrees are also offered in Bioengineering and Civil Engineering. Certificates in Bioengineering and Marine Engineering Management are also available.

Combined Bachelor of Science to Master of Science degree programs are offered in all of the College's departments. Among the programs' advantages, students may count a maximum of 9 credits in approved graduate-level courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees.

For highly motivated undergraduate students, the B.S. to Ph.D. program, an option in all of the College's doctoral programs, may be desirable. See admission and degree requirements later in this section. Course offerings, admission and degree requirements are given in the individual program descriptions that follow. Additional information is available from the respective departments or from the College of Engineering and Computer Science website at www.eng.fau.edu.

Bachelor's Degree Program Information

Pre-Professional Program
Entering freshmen and all transfer students will be admitted directly to the College's pre-professional program as pre-engineering students. The following are required for students to be admitted to their major of choice in the College of Engineering and Computer Science:

1. Students must meet University admission requirements.

2. In each core course listed below, students must obtain a minimum grade of “C” and a GPA in the core courses of 2.5 or greater. Calculation of the core GPA will be based on the highest grade received (in at most two attempts for any of the option listed courses) in each of the core courses. Advanced placement scores of 4 or above will be given credit for the appropriate course(s).  A score of 5 is equivalent to an "A," and a score of "4" is equivalent to a B.  

Notes:
(1) MAC 2311 and MAC 2253 are substitutes.

(2) MAC 2312 and MAC 2254 are substitutes.

(3) MAC 1140 and MAC 1145 are substitutes.

Students may repeat a core course only once. Failure to receive a passing grade in the second attempt is grounds for denial of admission to an engineering or computer science program.

The entry-level mathematics requirement for the engineering programs is Calculus 1. Students who are placed in lower-level mathematics courses based on their ALEKS test scores and who need to maintain full-time status may have problems finding courses that are accepted in an engineering or computer science program in future semesters. This may delay their entry into a particular engineering or computer science program.

After successfully completing the core courses, students may apply to a particular engineering program. Admission will be based on the student's performance in the core courses. The Division of Engineering Student Services is available to assist students in selection of a major field of study and can be reached at 561-297-2680 or dess@fau.edu.

Students with engineering degrees from ABET-accredited institutions will be directly admitted to engineering or computer science programs of their choice.

Students may appeal denial of admission to a major through the academic petition process. For an appeal to have merit, students must explain new academic or personal information as well as extenuating circumstances. The evidence should show a student's case is stronger than the GPA evidence suggests. The faculty coordinator for the pre-professional program will review the petition according to the established College guidelines and make a recommendation to the academic petition committee.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science fully complies with the State of Florida Common Prerequisites for Computer Science and for Engineering. Students transferring from Florida community or state colleges who meet the pre-professional program course requirements will be directly admitted to the particular engineering and computer science program of their choice.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science participates in the Southeast Florida Engineering Education Consortium, a collaborative effort among public colleges and universities in this region. Detailed advising sheets outlining the courses needed at the community or state college and at FAU are available for students transferring from Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Indian River colleges. These sheets also provide a useful guide for students transferring from other institutions. Students should contact their community or state college advisor or the FAU Department in which they intend to enroll.

For more information, contact program advisor Tayler Kung at 561-297-3408 or tkung@fau.edu.



Advising/Student Responsibility
A dedicated group of advisors is responsible for all advising and registration of preprofessional students. As students are accepted into particular engineering programs, each Department has experienced advisors who meet with students every term to help ensure they are taking courses in the proper sequence and at a rate consistent with their personal objectives, academic ability and other commitments. Final responsibility for meeting degree requirements and for fulfillment of course prerequisites rests with the student.

Engineering Cooperative Education
The College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Cooperative Education program enables qualified students to gain paid, professional work experience in business and industry prior to graduation. Co-op students either alternate periods of full-time work and study or work half time while pursuing their degrees.

The College also sponsors one-semester internships available to students enrolled for a degree within the College. Internships provide an opportunity for students to gain career-related work experience while pursuing their degrees. Internships may be either full time (35-40 hours/week) or part time (20-25 hours/week) and are repeatable.

To learn more about the Cooperative Education and internships programs, students in the College of Engineering and Computer Science should contact the Division of Engineering Distance Education and Career Services at 561-297-2694, website: www.dedecs.fau.edu. All students must be registered with the Career Services Office in order to participate in co-op or internship programs.

Engineering Student Services
The Division of Engineering Student Services promotes student success and professional development, encourages excellence and works to make the University experience more meaningful. It provides a single place for students to go for assistance or for referral to others for help. Questions related to admissions, financial aid, advising, student organizations and activities and other student-related matters may be directed to the Division of Engineering Student Services at 561-297-2680 or dess@fau.edu.

Financial Aid/Student Employment
Opportunities for financial aid are available to Engineering and Computer Science students. Work opportunities sometimes are available as student assistants in offices and laboratories and on externally sponsored research projects. For more information, contact the Division of Engineering Student Services at 561-297-2680 or dess@fau.edu.

Foreign Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the foreign language requirement for admission to the University. Only Computer Science students need to satisfy the University Foreign Language Requirement for graduation.

Innovation Leadership Honors Program
Increasingly, engineers are expected to be able to collaborate effectively with a wide variety of other problem solvers including lawyers, economists, historians, artists and politicians. The ability to seek out, appreciate and incorporate elements of economics, sociology, psychology and business to identify possible solutions to pressing problems will be a major part of the future of engineering.

The College of Engineering and Computer Science launched its Innovation Leadership Honors Program (ILHP) specifically to address these new requirements. ILHP offers a comprehensive, coordinated program incorporating leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship within the engineering and computer science curriculum, placing FAU at the forefront of engineering education. The ILHP also provides students with invaluable practical experience and access to industry leaders.

Innovation Leadership scholars complete both the degree requirements of their selected major and the special requirements of the ILHP. The requirements total 9 credits.

For more information, contact the program coordinators at innovate@fau.edu or 561-297-2492, or visit the website.

Eligibility Requirements
Engineering and Computer Science students with strong academic records and interest in improving their leadership and innovation skills are encouraged to apply for the ILHP program. Students must meet the following program entry requirements:

1. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 (both from FAU and any other previous institutions of higher education attended).

2. After being admitted to the ILHP, students must maintain a  GPA of 3.25. If a student’s overall GPA falls below 3.25, a one-semester grace period may be given for improvement.

3. Submission of the online application.

Additional eligibility requirements for departments include:

Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
1. Minimum grade of "B+" in Statics for Civil Engineering students.
2. Minimum grade of "B+" in Plane Surveying for Geomatics Engineering students.

Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
1. Minimum grade of "C" in all courses taken.
2. Minimum grade of "B" in both Statics and Engineering Thermodynamics.

Notes:
While it is expected that most students applying for this program will either have United States citizenship or evidence of permanent residence, international students will not be precluded from consideration and acceptance.

Acceptance of a student into this honors program will be based on the evaluation of the evidence of leadership skills, innovative capabilities and academic performance as evidenced in their application.

Degree Requirements
1. Two ILHP workshops (EGN 3937 and EGN 4937, 1 credit each): Each ILHP student is required to register for these workshops during the first year of the ILHP program, one per semester. The workshops emphasize the elements of leadership and leadership development with the involvement of team projects and hands-on activities.

2. Innovation Leadership Internship (EGN 4942, 1 credit): Each ILHP student is required to complete the internship during the ILHP program, where the student will have a leadership role on a team-based project. The Division of Engineering Student Services at the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the FAU Career Development Center assist in placing students in engineering internships. A written report and oral presentation of the student's work and experience is required.

3. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: (EGN 4641, 3 credits): Each ILHP student is required to complete this course during the first year in the program. The contents of the course include the principle of creativity, critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship, intellectual property, business and financial plans and marketing. Students develop and present to potential sponsors a proposal for a venture-funded team project.

4. One of the following two courses, depending upon designated major:

Honors Directed Independent Study (EGN 4906, 3 credits):
a. Allows an Ocean and Mechanical Engineering ILHP student to carry out collaborative research projects in the Innovations and Leadership Laboratory. The projects enable students to investigate multi-disciplinary, open-ended problems with systematic design and development plans. This course can be counted as a technical elective for the Mechanical Engineering program but not for the Ocean Engineering program.

b. Allows a Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering ILHP student to carry out an honors practical project supervised by a Department faculty member and a Department Advisory Board member. Successful completion of the project includes, but is not limited to, a final presentation and a conference paper or poster submission. This course can be counted as a 3-credit Civil Engineering technical elective.

c. Allows a Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science ILHP student to perform research or create a project guided by a Department faculty member. At the end of the semester, the student is expected to turn in a paper or an extended technical report. This course can be counted as a 3-credit technical elective.

Honors Undergraduate Thesis (EGN 4972, 3 credits):
a. A Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science ILHP student who chooses this course must find a thesis advisor who will be his/her main guide in a basic or applied research project. The student and the advisor jointly form a three-member thesis committee (consisting of at least one more CEECS Department faculty member). It is the student’s responsibility to take the leadership role in organizing his/her thesis defense. The submitted thesis must be bound and be in a format similar to FAU master’s theses. This course can be counted as a 3-credit technical elective.

5. All ILHP students must participate in a College ILHP day every semester to share information and insights into academic and professional activities.

6. All ILHP students (except Computer Science majors) must be actively involved in and provide leadership to any of the student clubs/societies of their choice.
 
7. All ILHP students must either present or participate in FAU Undergraduate Research Symposiums.



Combined Degree Program Information

B.S. to M.S. Programs
To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science offers joint B.S. to M.S. degree programs in its three Departments, Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering, Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Ocean and Mechanical Engineering. These programs allow students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree within five years. Nine credits of approved graduate-level courses may be counted toward both the B.S. and the M.S. degrees. Students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 at the end of their junior year are eligible to apply to the graduate program. The GRE is not required for this program. All other degree requirements apply. See individual departments for the specific program descriptions appearing just before the master's degree programs. The College also offers a combined program leading to an M.S. in Bioengineering that is available to all B.S. candidates in any major in the College.

B.S. to Ph.D. Programs
The normal path from B.S. degree to Ph.D. degree in the College of Engineering and Computer Science is through the M.S. degree and its associated requirements. The B.S. to Ph.D. Program gives highly qualified students in the College the option of bypassing the M.S. degree and moving to their doctoral research activities more rapidly. B.S. to Ph.D. students will not be required to write an M.S. thesis. Students selecting the B.S. to Ph.D. option who fail to pass the Ph.D. Qualifying/Candidacy examination will be allowed to switch to an M.S. program, complete the degree requirements and receive the M.S. degree. Admission to the B.S. to Ph.D. Program may be granted to students entering or already in a graduate engineering program, including students selected for the joint B.S. to M.S. program. Admission and degree requirements are listed below.

Admission Requirements
Students in the B.S. Program:
1. Satisfaction of the Department's minimum GPA requirement, normally in the 3.2 – 3.3 range, in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework;

2. A minimum GRE score of 1100;

3. A minimum of two letters of recommendation. Where possible these letters should address the student's qualifications for research.

Students in the M.S. Program at FAU:
1. Satisfaction of the Department's minimum GPA requirement, normally in the 3.2 – 3.3 range, in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework;

2. A minimum GRE score of 1100;

3. A minimum GPA of 3.5 in the graduate program at FAU;

4. Students must apply for the direct path Ph.D. program within the first year of graduate studies. Students who do not satisfy the GRE or GPA requirements stated above must obtain approval from the Department and College graduate committees overseeing the graduate program and from the Graduate College before being admitted to the direct path program.

Degree Requirements
1. Successful completion of the Department's doctoral qualifying/candidacy exam. This exam will normally be taken after the student has completed 24 credits of graduate coursework in the Department.


2. A minimum of 84 credits beyond the B.S. degree, distributed according to the following conditions:

a. A minimum of 24 credits of coursework must be in the doctorate-granting department;

b. Except under unusual circumstances, no more than 9 credits are allowed for directed independent study;

c. A maximum of 9 credits may be at the 4000 level in accordance with the existing departmental policies. All other credits must be at the graduate level;

d. A minimum of 3 credits must be taken in mathematics or in a technical field closely related to the student's research, as determined by the departmental criteria;

e. A minimum of 39 dissertation credits.


3. Successful completion and defense of the dissertation.

Master's Degree Program Information

Distance Education (DEDECS)
Engineering credit courses in support of degree programs and professional development are available through the Division of Engineering Distance Education and Career Services (DEDECS) in the following disciplines: Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering. Students can enroll in one or more courses encompassing the six different disciplines each semester. DEDECS provides access to university courses at industry sites and government agencies. The goal of DEDECS is to deliver engineering and computer science programs to students any place and any time. For information, contact the DEDECS Director, 561-297-3578, or visit the DEDECS website.

Graduate Summer Internship Program
The College of Engineering and Computer Science supports a Graduate Summer Internship (GSI) Program through its Office of Engineering Career Development (ECD). Available to all master's degree students enrolled in the College, this program provides an opportunity to gain career-related, paid work experience during the summer semester. GSI application and placement are handled through the ECD. Interested students should contact the ECD early in the spring semester to establish eligibility and to submit an application packet. For information, call 561-297-2694 or visit www.ecd.fau.edu.

Requirements for Students with Bachelor’s Degrees in Non-Engineering Disciplines
Students with bachelor's degrees in non-engineering disciplines may satisfy the undergraduate engineering requirements and earn an M.S. degree in Bioengineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering or Civil Engineering. Part-time or full-time study is possible. To receive the M.S. degree in engineering, these students must correct deficiencies in their programs of study by taking, in addition to regular graduate engineering courses, certain undergraduate engineering courses appropriate to the master's degree objective. Four or five such courses are typically required of students with B.S. degrees in science and 10-12 courses for non-science/engineering students. Students may opt for thesis or non-thesis options. The program of study will be individually tailored to each student's academic background, graduate engineering degree objective and relevant experience. It is expected that full-time students with appropriate preparation and background in math, science and engineering will complete the undergraduate courses phase of the program in one year.

Students must satisfy the following eligibility requirements:

1. A cumulative GPA of 3.00.

2. Completion of at least two semesters of college calculus with grades of "B" or better.

3. Satisfaction of departmental minimum GRE score requirements.

4. A letter of recommendation from their potential thesis advisor.

Specific course requirements for each program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science are listed as follows:

Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
The Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science requires that each student and an academic advisor work out a customized plan of study based on the student's background and desired graduate area of study. The following remedial coursework represents a maximum plan. It can be shorter if the students have already taken some of the courses or equivalent courses. Students are expected to score a "C" or better in each of the courses and to maintain an average of 3.0 or better for all the remedial courses.

Requirements for science majors:
1. EEE 3300, Electronics 1
2. EEL 2161, C for Engineers
3. EEL 3111, Circuits 1
4. EEL 3118L, Laboratory 1
5. EEL 4656, Analysis of Linear Systems
6. EEL 3470, Electromagnetic Fields and Waves; or EEL 4510, Introduction to Digital Signal Processing; or EEL 4512, Communication Systems; or EEL 4652, Control Systems 1.

Requirements for non-science majors:
1. The six requirements listed above.
2. MAC 2281, Calculus for Engineers 1
3. MAC 2282, Calculus for Engineers 2
4. PHY 2043, Physics for Engineers 1
5. PHY 2044, Physics for Engineers 2

Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
The Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering requires the following remedial coursework.

1. EGN 3311, Statics
2. EGN 3331, Strength of Materials
3. Two civil and/or environmental engineering courses in the relevant area as determined by the graduate supervisory committee.
4. Any other course dictated by the graduate supervisory committee.

Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering requires the following remedial coursework. If students have not taken these classes during their undergraduate studies, their case needs to be reviewed by the Department graduate committee, which may require them to take prerequisite classes for the graduate program and pass them with a grade of "B" or better.

1. EGN 3311, Statics
2. EGN 3321, Dynamics
3. EGN 3331, Strength of Materials
4. EML 3701, Fluid Mechanics
5. MAC 2281, Calculus for Engineers 1
6. MAC 2282, Calculus for Engineers 2
7. MAC 2313, Calculus with Analytic Geometry 3
8. MAP 3305, Engineering Mathematics1; or MAP 2302, Differential Equations 1

Business Minor

A minor in Business is available to students pursuing a non-thesis master's degree who wish to combine technical coursework in engineering or computer science with a sequence of courses designed to provide a broad background in modern business concepts. Thesis students may participate with approval of their major department.

The Business minor is available to students admitted to master's studies in any program in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. It is not available to students with non-degree-seeking status. Requirements for the minor include completion of five graduate-level business courses (3 credits each) from the list below (course descriptions may be found in the College of Business Course Descriptions section of this catalog):

1. ACG 6027, Financial Accounting Concepts;

2. FIN 6406, Financial Management;

3. ISM 6026, Management of Information Systems and Technology, or QMB 6603, Data Analysis for Managers;

4. MAN 6937, Global Environment of Management, or MAN 6245, Organizational Behavior;

5. MAR 6055, Marketing Functions and Processes.

Some course substitution may be possible for students with prior academic background in one or more of these areas. Additional requirements for master's degrees with a minor in Business are given in the individual program descriptions that follow.

The minor in Business is awarded upon graduation as an integral part of a master's degree program in Engineering or Computer Science; it is not awarded independent of these degrees. Courses taken as part of the Business minor apply toward the prerequisites for many M.B.A. programs but generally cannot be used to satisfy M.B.A. degree requirements.

Marine Engineering Management Certificate

The graduate certificate in Marine Engineering Management is open to students from FAU and elsewhere. It is also open to industry professionals who hold a bachelor's degree in Engineering or related fields and are working in the mechanical, electrical, ocean, marine and transportation areas. The program is taught by FAU faculty from all departments in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and administered by the College's Dean's office.

Minimum admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field such as science and demonstrated competence on a university transcript (GRE scores are not required). Program courses are offered either at the Boca campus or the SeaTech facility in Dania Beach and are scheduled to facilitate completion of the certificate requirements in one year.

Certificate Requirements
Students should complete five courses totaling at least 15 credits with a grade of "B" or better that are focused on the application of engineering principles to naval architecture, marine transportation, port security and system engineering.

Doctoral Degree Program Information

Doctoral programs through the College of Engineering and Computer Science are available in the following disciplines: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Ocean Engineering. Details on each program follow under the department in which each program is housed.

Academic Environment

The College of Engineering and Computer Science provides outstanding educational opportunities for students and personnel. With over 75 faculty, almost all with Ph.D. degrees, it is large enough to have a good selection of course offerings and student activities, yet small enough to provide the personal attention of smaller schools.

Each department has unique features and facilities indicated in the individual program descriptions. Each is affiliated with one or more national professional societies, providing students opportunities to engage in industry tours, hear professional speakers, interact and network with engineering and computer science professionals, develop leadership skills and participate in various social activities arranged by these student groups. Each has active programs of research with opportunities for student participation.

Florida Atlantic University is located in a high-tech region of the United States. Close affiliations with business and industry provide students many benefits, including job opportunities before and after graduation.

College Vision and Mission
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is committed to providing accessible and responsive programs of education and research recognized nationally for their high quality. The College aims to be the institution of choice for regional students, business and industry. As a community of scholars, the College leads by example with vision, inspiration, integrity and a shared sense of purpose. It promotes a stimulating and productive environment of work, study and scholarly inquiry for students, faculty and staff.

Through its programs in engineering and computer science, the College:

1. Educates those who will pioneer the advancement of knowledge and who will be the leaders of tomorrow;

2. Conducts basic and applied research in engineering, computer science and related interdisciplinary areas;

3. Provides service to the engineering and computer science professions, to the State of Florida, to the nation and to the community at large.

College Goals
The College's goals are results-oriented. As a community of scholars, it will:

1. Encourage young people to consider careers in engineering and computer science by introducing them to these fields while in middle and high school;

2. Prepare graduates in ways that provide them a basis for lifelong personal and professional development and that enable them to exercise leadership and make lasting contributions in their disciplines;

3. Continue on new roads of research and discovery in its existing areas of expertise, in emerging disciplines and in related interdisciplinary areas;

4. Provide the educational resources that working professionals need to keep pace with developments in their field;

5. Magnify its positive impact in serving regional, state, national and global needs by building mutually beneficial linkages with business, industry, state colleges, K-12 programs and schools and other constituencies.

Educational Objectives
The baccalaureate experience in the Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering and Computer Science provides students with:

1. Preparation for Practice. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level positions in their discipline and for graduate/professional studies.

2. Tools for Creativity. Graduates will experience the creative and design processes and their application to typical engineering situations.

3. Societal Awareness. Graduates will receive the breadth of education necessary to integrate practice in their disciplines with the needs and interests of a diverse modern society.

4. Leadership Skills. Graduates will be prepared for leadership in their disciplines.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes
The baccalaureate educational objectives will be achieved by ensuring that graduates have:

1. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. Graduates will be familiar with the professional and ethical underpinnings of their discipline and with their professional obligation for continuing education and professional development.

2. A working knowledge of fundamentals, engineering tools and experimental methodologies. Graduates will have knowledge of math, science and engineering fundamentals. They will be able to combine these basics with their knowledge of experimental methodologies and modern engineering tools to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems.

3. An understanding of the social, economic and political contexts in which engineers must function. Graduates will be able to combine their knowledge of the social sciences and humanities with their own personal and professional experiences to demonstrate an understanding of the impact of engineering solutions in an increasingly diverse and technological society.

4. An ability to plan and execute an engineering design to meet an identified need. Graduates will be able to use their knowledge of fundamentals, engineering techniques and tools and project planning and management to design a system, component or process that satisfies constraints and meets an identified need.

5. An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams. Graduates will be able to function effectively on teams using their knowledge of team dynamics, team communication, social norms and conflict management.

6. An ability to communicate effectively. Graduates will be able to communicate their ideas and results to diverse audiences using their knowledge of written, oral and graphic communication.



Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Faculty:
Scarlatos, P. D., Chair; Yong, Y., Associate Chair; Leone, D. J., Director of Geomatics Engineering; Arockiasamy, M.; Berber, M.; Bloetscher, F.; Bober, W.; De Groff, D.; Gibson, L.; Kaisar, E.; Meeroff, D. E.; Reddy, D. V.; Rodriguez-Seda, J. D.; Rosson, B.; Sobhan K.; Stevanovic, A.; Teegavarapu, R.

Affiliated Faculty:
Gammack-Clark, J.; Roberts, C.; Root, T.; Xie, Z.

The Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.V.), Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering (B.S.G.E.). To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the Department also offers a combined B.S.C.V. to M.S. degree program that permits a student to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Civil Engineering within five years.

Link to Geomatics Engineering Program

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design the constructed environment that supports our society. From highways and buildings to bridges and water systems, the profession of civil engineering is responsible for much of the world in which
we live.

The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (B.S.C.V.) reflects the breadth of the profession. Students complete coursework in basic science and mathematics, engineering sciences, civil engineering systems and materials, and the major disciplines in civil engineering. Because of the tremendous impact civil engineers have on society, the curriculum also requires students to pursue studies in the social sciences and the humanities.

The program of study leading to the Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Civil Engineering is designed to meet the advanced civil engineering educational needs of recent graduates of undergraduate engineering programs, practicing engineers and those non-engineering professionals wishing to redirect their career paths.

Civil Engineering Vision and Mission
The Civil Engineering program delivers the highest quality educational and research opportunities throughout the FAU service area and beyond and makes a significant contribution to the needs of a growing South Florida community.

Civil Engineering serves the technological needs of society, especially with regard to the constructed environment in South Florida. It produces a diverse population of engineers, each possessing a superior technical foundation and a vigorous liberal education. It creates new opportunities for the communities and industries of South Florida and beyond.

The faculty focuses on learning and research—the core competencies. Civil Engineering students are active learners motivated to serve society. Administrators and staff are stewards of the Department's self-governance, its role within the University and its support processes.

Through individual dedication, the faculty, administrators and staff contribute to the Department's group success. They value ethical behavior, critical thinking, innovation, individual responsibility, thoughtful risk taking, teamwork and leadership. They also value a balanced, holistic approach to life, in which the well-being of each member of the community has primacy. In this way, their actions educate at least as well as their words.

Educational Objectives and Outcomes
The Civil Engineering program strongly supports the educational objectives and learning outcomes of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (see the Educational Objectives and Expected Student Learning Outcomes subsections previously listed in this section).

For undergraduate Civil Engineering students, the Department has established the following additional educational outcomes. Graduates will have:

1. A proficiency in the following major areas of civil engineering: structural engineering, transportation engineering, geotechnical engineering and water resources/environmental engineering;

2. An appreciation for the role of civil engineering in infrastructure planning, protection and sustainability;

3. Success in finding professional employment and/or pursuing further academic studies.

For graduate Civil Engineering students, the following additional educational outcomes are established. Graduates will have:

1. Knowledge in civil engineering and related subjects significantly beyond the baccalaureate level;

2. The ability to independently conduct research or a significant practice-oriented project in civil engineering;

3. The ability to communicate their ideas and results in written, oral and graphical forms.

These educational outcomes result from successful completion of a well-planned, rigorous set of courses and a major capstone experience (either a thesis or practice-oriented project).

Students wishing to continue their education but not pursue a formal academic degree are welcome to take graduate courses with the appropriate technical preparation.

Bachelor's Program

Link to Combined Program

Link to Master's Program

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Civil Engineering program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Coursework for Transfer Students
In order to minimize the time necessary to complete the Civil Engineering degree, transfer students entering the University with an A.A. degree should structure their programs to include the following:

Notes:
(1) The number of credits may vary by institution.

(2) Software applications courses are not computer programming courses.

(3) An introductory course in engineering is preferred. However, substitutions may be allowed, provided they are part of a cohesive pre-engineering A.A. degree program.

(4) Some institutions offer engineering fundamentals courses that may fulfill degree requirements. See degree requirements below.

Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Meet all general degree requirements of the University;

2. Complete the curriculum for the B.S. in Civil Engineering degree (see below);

3. Take the Fundamentals of Engineering examination (the first of two exams necessary for professional licensure; contact the Department for details).

Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree requires128 credits. For credit toward the degree, a grade of "C" or better must be received in each course listed, except for humanities and social science courses not applied toward Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirements. In addition, all prerequisites for each mathematics, science or engineering course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before enrollment is permitted. The degree components are listed below.

Notes:
(1) Contributes to University Core Curriculum requirements.

(2) Contributes to Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirement.

(3) Social Sciences/Humanities courses, totaling 6 or more credits, must be selected to satisfy Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirements.

(4) Two or more of the selections must have a global perspective (contact the Department for a list of acceptable courses).

(5) Contributes to Gordon Rule mathematics requirement.

(6) PHY 2048 and PHY 2049 (4 credits each) are acceptable substitutes, but only 6 credits will apply toward the degree.

(7) See Department for the list of approved computer programming electives.

(8) See Department for the list of approved engineering science electives.

(9) All professional core courses contain a communications component (writing or speaking).

(10) Includes a 1-credit laboratory.

(11) 3 credits may be taken from a Civil Engineering graduate course.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Minors and Certificate Programs Appropriate for Civil Engineering
Civil engineering is a uniquely wide-ranging profession. Various departments offer minors and certificate programs that augment a student's civil engineering education. The faculty encourages students to pursue a minor or certificate. Areas especially appropriate for civil engineering include:

Business Administration (College of Business)
Economics (Department of Economics)
French, German, Japanese, Italian or Spanish
(Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Comparative Literature)

International Economics (Department of Economics)
Geographic Information Systems (Department of Geosciences) certificate program (highly recommended)

Geography (Department of Geosciences)
Geology (Department of Geosciences)
Mathematics (Department of Mathematical Sciences)
Public Management (School of Public Administration)
Statistics (Department of Mathematical Sciences)

Obtaining a minor or certificate will require the completion of credits beyond the 128 required for the B.S. in Civil Engineering. Contact the department offering the minor or certificate for more details.

Cooperative Education
Civil Engineering students are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience through participation in Cooperative Education. However, Cooperative Education does not substitute for the civil engineering technical elective. For information, contact the Department co-op advisor or the Office of Engineering Career Development at 561-297-2694.

Combined degree Program

B.S.C.V. to M.S. Degree Program
With an approximate duration of five years, the combined Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering to Master of Science program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work. Students may count 9 credits of approved undergraduate coursework toward both their B.S.C.V. and M.S. degrees. One of the three courses must be at the graduate level.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

To be eligible for the joint B.S.C.V./M.S. program, students must:

1. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher (FAU and transfer courses);

2. Have a total institution GPA of 3.25 or higher (FAU courses); and

3. Formally apply to the joint program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to beginning the M.S. portion of the program.

Master's Program

Master of Science with Major in Civil Engineering
The mission of the Master of Science with Major in Civil Engineering program is to meet the advanced civil engineering educational needs of recent graduates of undergraduate programs, practicing engineers and those non-engineering professionals wishing to redirect their career paths. Graduates of the program possess these attributes or educational outcomes:

1. Knowledge in civil engineering and related subjects significantly beyond the baccalaureate level;

2. Ability to independently conduct research and/or solve a significant practice-oriented project in civil engineering;

3. Ability to communicate ideas and results professionally in written, oral and graphical forms.

These educational outcomes result from successful completion of a well-planned, rigorous set of courses and a major capstone experience (either a thesis or practice-oriented project).

Students wishing to continue their education but not pursue a formal academic degree are welcome to take graduate courses with the appropriate technical preparation.

Admission Requirements
All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements. Students are normally admitted to the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program if they:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering field. Students with international degrees must have their credentials evaluated by an approved evaluator. Contact the Graduate College for more information. Prospective students without an engineering degree will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis;

2. Have achieved a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work;

3. Have achieved scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores cannot be more than five years old and must be completed before admission to the program;

4. Have demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English. Students from non-English-speaking countries are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of 550 or 213 (computer-based);

5. Have provided three letters of recommendation attesting to the student's potential for graduate studies in civil engineering;

6. Agree to abide by the graduate admission requirements of the University as published in the University Catalog;

7. As distance learning (DEDECS) students, have indicated to the Department their intention to pursue a master's degree by the end of the third DEDECS class taken at FAU.

Degree Requirements
The degree of Master of Science with major in Civil Engineering is awarded to the candidate who has:

1. Complied with University graduate policies and regulations;

2. Satisfied the University's graduate degree requirements;

3. Satisfactorily completed the appropriate Plan of Study for the degree option selected.

Plan of Study
A Plan of Study is a set of courses and a thesis or project activity chosen and completed in a sequence that meets the needs and interests of the individual student and the degree requirements and other stipulations of the University, College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Department. Prior to or immediately upon admission to the program, students should discuss their options with the graduate advisor for the Department. There is no requirement for master's students to be full-time, nor is there an on-campus service requirement. The Plan of Study must be approved by the graduate advisor and the student's supervisory committee no later than the end of the student's first semester in the program, regardless of the number of credits earned. After this time, modifications must be approved by the supervisory committee.

Degree Options
Two options are available to students pursuing the M.S. in Civil Engineering degree: the thesis option and the project option. Both options are described below. In each case, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required on all coursework attempted.

Master of Science with Major in Civil Engineering (with Thesis)
This degree requires a minimum of 30 credits: 24 credits of coursework following one of the program concentrations and a 6-credit thesis that is successfully completed and defended at an oral examination. Up to 6 credits may come from 4000-level undergraduate courses. All students receiving financial support from the Department are required to complete the thesis option.

Master of Science with Major in Civil Engineering (with Project)
This degree requires a minimum of 33 credits: 30 credits of coursework following one of the program concentrations and a 3-credit, practice-oriented project. Up to 6 credits may come from 4000-level undergraduate courses.

This catalog contains statements of regulations that apply to all graduate students. Of particular interest are the sections on Admissions, Degree Programs and Degree Requirements. Statements referring to foreign language requirements do not apply to Civil Engineering Master of Science majors.

Program Concentrations
Areas of concentration are listed below. All M.S. in Civil Engineering students, without exception, complete one concentration. Each degree option described above has provision for coursework beyond the selected concentration. Thus, considerable breadth in the student's program is possible. All course selections must be part of an approved program of study.

Business Minor

Students electing to receive a Business minor complete 15 credits selected from the College of Business approved course list found at the beginning of this College of Engineering and Computer Science section under the heading Business Minor. Up to 6 credits of electives may be used to satisfy this requirement. The remaining 9 credits are in addition to the total credits normally required for the M.S. degree in Civil Engineering. Thus, with the Business minor, at least 39 credits of coursework are required for the thesis option and 42 credits for the project option.

Admission to Candidacy
The Plan of Study must be approved and formally submitted to the Graduate College no later than the end of the student's first semester in the program, regardless of the number of credits earned. The Plan of Study includes all coursework and thesis work that the student expects to complete for the M.S. degree.

For students electing one of the project options, the same process should be followed. However, the orientation of the project should be toward solving an established problem (including a brief research component and comparison of options) that will demonstrate the advanced application of engineering principles. The project should be identified by the end of the student's second semester in the program regardless of the number of credits completed.

Program Supervision
The Department has a graduate advisor who will help all graduate students with course selections as they progress toward their degree and ensure students meet all requirements. The graduate advisor will assist students with identifying interest areas, thesis or project topic ideas, which will lead to the student's selection of the student's committee chair.

All students (thesis or project option) must select a supervisory committee.The supervisory committee has at least three members. It will review and approve the student's program of study. The chair of the committee and at least one of the other members must be chosen from the Civil Engineering faculty. The third member may be chosen from the Civil Engineering faculty or from outside the Department in accordance with the University guidelines established in the Graduate Governance document. The third member may be a professional from the practicing engineering community. All members of the committee should have doctoral degrees.

The student should obtain the consent of all members to serve on the supervisory committee. The supervisory committee also acts as the research committee and guides the development and completion of the thesis. Thus, the supervisory committee members should be selected so that areas relevant to the thesis research are fully represented. The Department graduate advisor provides overall supervision of all graduate programs.

The Thesis
The master's thesis is a comprehensive original work that contributes to the understanding of an engineering problem. Students can expect to focus much of their academic effort for at least two semesters on completion of a thesis. Students planning to continue graduate studies to the doctoral level are strongly encouraged to select the thesis option. The supervisory committee approves the thesis topic as part of the Plan of Study.

The thesis is presented at an oral defense, the time and date of which must be approved by the supervisory committee. A minimum of two weeks prior to the anticipated defense, the written thesis must be delivered to the supervisory committee in the format described in a pamphlet titled Requirements and Guidelines for Graduate Theses and Dissertations that is available from the FAU Graduate College. The time and location of the defense will be announced to the entire College of Engineering and Computer Science community through email and physical postings one week prior to the scheduled defense.

The supervisory committee determines the format of the defense and, in private consultation at the completion of the oral defense, whether or not the defense was successful and the thesis is acceptable in scope and quality.

Students are expected to provide updates on their progress each semester, both written and oral. A progress report is required to record a satisfactory progress grade for thesis credits. It is expected that, at a minimum, one peer-reviewed paper will be submitted as part of the thesis option. At a minimum, one presentation or poster at a conference is also expected.

The Practice-Oriented Project
The practice-oriented project applies concepts and methodologies to the solution of a practical engineering problem. The project may be job related but must not reproduce significantly a job-related product. The project shall have a theoretical or research component and compare more than one option to demonstrate why the project is or is not worth pursuing. The supervisory committee must approve the project topic.

A project defense is to be presented before the supervisory committee at a time and place approved by the committee. A minimum of two weeks prior to the anticipated meeting, the written project report must be delivered to the supervisory committee chair and a faculty reader appointed by the graduate advisor. The time and location of the seminar will be announced to the entire College of Engineering and Computer Science community through email and physical postings one week prior to the scheduled seminar. The graduate advisor determines the format of the seminar. The graduate advisor and the appointed faculty reader determine, in private consultation at the completion of the presentation, whether or not the project and the report are acceptable in scope and quality.

Course Load and Satisfactory Progress
A full-time load is defined as a minimum of 9 credits in the fall semester, 9 credits in the spring semester and 6 credits in the summer semester. All international students must be registered as full-time students. No student may take more than 15 credits in a given semester.

An evaluation of progress toward completion of the degree will be conducted at least once per semester. For project-option students, this is a responsibility of the graduate advisor. For thesis-option students, the supervisory committee conducts the review.

A graduate student whose academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory will be denied further registration in the program. Unsatisfactory academic performance is defined as failure to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all FAU graduate program courses at the end of the second term of enrollment, regardless of the number of credits attempted. No graduate credit may be earned for courses completed with "C-," "D+," "D," "D-," "F" or "U" even if grades in other courses bring the average up to a 3.0.

Thesis-option students are reviewed for satisfactory progress on their theses. If at any time the progress toward the student's thesis is found to be unsatisfactory, the supervisory committee reports the concern to the graduate advisor, informs the student in writing as to the nature of the deficiencies and records the committee's concern in the student's file. The student will be given ample opportunity to improve performance and defend the student's position at a meeting with the graduate advisor and academic advisor approximately 60 days after the initial report of concern. If no improvement has been demonstrated, the student's future program, including the continuation of any financial assistance from the Department, will be reevaluated and the student may be denied further registration in the program.

Project-option students are also reviewed for satisfactory progress on their projects. If at any time the progress toward the student's project is found to be unsatisfactory, the graduate advisor reports the concern to the graduate advisor, informs the student in writing as to the nature of the deficiencies, and records the academic advisor's concern in the student's file. The student will be given ample opportunity to improve performance and defend the student's position at a meeting with the graduate advisor and academic advisor approximately 60 days after the initial report of concern. If no improvement has been demonstrated, the student's future program, including the continuation of any financial assistance from the Department, will be reevaluated and the student may be denied further registration in the program.

Transfer Credits
A maximum of 9 credits of graduate-level work earned at FAU as an undergraduate or while in non-degree status at FAU and a maximum of 6 credits transferred from another regionally or nationally accredited institution may be used to satisfy M.S. in Civil Engineering degree requirements subject to the following restrictions:

1. The student must present a transcript identifying the course in which the student earned a grade of "B" or better, along with a catalog/course description.

2. The course must not have been counted toward any other graduate or undergraduate degree awarded or to be awarded to the student.

3. The course is relevant to the student's approved Plan of Study.

4. No credit earned seven or more years before the degree is awarded may be counted toward the M.S. in Civil Engineering degree program. Credits transferred into or applied to the program are considered as earned in the first semester of enrollment.

Division of Engineering Distance Education and Career Services (DEDECS)
DEDECS is designed to deliver courses via the Internet using video streaming and podcast formats. Degree-seeking students completing courses through DEDECS must follow all degree requirements and regulations. The only exception is that 15 credits of courses taken at other partnering institutions in Florida may be transferred into the M.S. in Civil Engineering program. Program concentration courses may be satisfied with courses from other partnering institutions provided they are substantially equivalent to the Department courses. Equivalency is determined by the graduate advisor. Distance-delivered courses from non-partnering institutions are subject to the normal 6-credit transfer limit and are included in the 15-credit DEDECS transfer limit.

DEDECS students are required to meet the requirements of all other graduate students in the Department. All DEDECs students are required to select a committee chair, committee and a thesis or project that demonstrates understanding and ability to research and apply engineering principles in a manner similar to non-DEDECS students. This includes periodic on-campus presentations and conveyance of work products to demonstrate that the student is making progress.

Undergraduate Background Courses for Students Without Baccalaureate Degrees in Civil Engineering
The Civil Engineering faculty welcomes students from other disciplines to the M.S. program. In order to ensure that all students are prepared for graduate work in civil engineering, the Department requires the completion of certain undergraduate background courses. This set is determined by the graduate advisor or the supervisory committee depending on the option selected and will vary according to the student's needs and background. The following list provides guidance. Equivalent courses may be completed at other institutions with the permission of the graduate advisor and/or supervisory committee. The set of required undergraduate courses must be completed before any graduate courses are attempted.

Mathematics (15 credits)
1. A full calculus sequence, including MAC 2311 (4), MAC 2312 (4) and MAC 2313 (4).

2. Ordinary differential equations, MAP 2302 (3).

Basic Sciences (11 credits)
1. One semester of general chemistry and laboratory, CHM 2045 (3) and CHM 2045L (1).

2. Two semesters of calculus-based physics, PHY 2043 (3), PHY 2044 (3) and one physics laboratory, PHY 2048L (1).

Engineering (21 credits)
1. A mechanics sequence (9 credits) consisting of Statics, EGN 3311 (3); Dynamics, EGN 3321 (3); and Strength of Materials, EGN 3331 (3).

2. A civil engineering sequence (12 credits) consisting of a coherent set of courses in water resources engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering and/or structural engineering suited to the student's program of study.

3. At least two engineering laboratory courses are included in the undergraduate civil engineering courses.

Computer Programming (3 credits)
1. A course in computer programming using any modern programming language.

Professional Licensing
Engineering is a regulated profession, and many civil engineers become licensed Professional Engineers (P.E.) through a process of examination and certification of engineering experience. Since undergraduate experience and training varies considerably among graduate students, students should contact the Florida Board of Professional Engineers for specific information about eligibility to sit for the licensing examinations. Completion of the M.S. degree does not automatically qualify students to sit for licensing examinations, especially if their undergraduate degrees are not from accredited engineering programs. The Board's address is:

Florida Board of Professional Engineers
2507 Callaway Road, Suite 200
Tallahassee, Florida 32303-5268
850-521-0500 (Telephone)
850-521-0521 (Fax)
www.fbpe.org/

Financial Aid
Full-time students may be considered for a graduate assistantship, which provides part-time employment in the Department. Full or partial tuition waivers may also be awarded to graduate assistants. The number of assistantships is limited, and they are awarded on the basis of the technical area of interest, the student's experience and academic record and letters of recommendation. Interested students should contact the graduate advisor.

Graduate research assistants work on research projects conducted in the Department, are required to pursue one of the thesis options, and their project work usually serves as the basis for their theses. Graduate teaching assistants are assigned to assist faculty members with conducting one or more courses and may pursue either the thesis option or project option.

Cooperative education and internship programs are available, providing part-time employment in engineering firms. Contact the Office of Engineering Career Development, 561-297-2694, for more information.

Other financial aid opportunities may be available through the University. Contact the FAU Student Financial Aid Office for more information.



Geomatics Engineering

The Geomatics Engineering program strongly relates to environmental disciplines, such as geology and geography (geosciences), and it is also closely aligned with civil engineering and with urban and regional planning. It is not uncommon for an individual to be licensed as both a professional engineer and a professional surveyor.

The program of study leading to the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering (B.S.G.E.) reflects the expanse of the profession. Students complete coursework in basic science and mathematics, engineering sciences and the main disciplines in geomatics engineering. Because of the major impact geomatics engineers have on society, the curriculum also requires students to pursue studies in the social sciences and the humanities. This area of study also offers a minor in Geomatics Engineering and a certificate in Geomatics Engineering.

Geomatics Engineering Vision and Mission
The Geomatics Engineering program delivers a quality educational experience in surveying, mapping and emerging geomatics technologies throughout the FAU service area and beyond and makes a significant contribution to the needs of a growing South Florida community. Program faculty focuses on student-centered learning methodologies that transform students into are active learners, motivated to serve society.

This program values ethical behavior, critical thinking, innovation, individual responsibility, thoughtful risk taking, teamwork and leadership.

Geomatics Engineering Educational Objectives
Program Educational Objectives are broad statements that describe the expected accomplishments and professional status of Geomatics Engineering graduates a few years beyond the baccalaureate degree.

The Geomatics Engineering Program at Florida Atlantic University is dedicated to graduating geomatics engineers who, within a few years after graduation will:

1. Practice geomatics engineering within the general areas of boundary and land surveying, geographic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, remote sensing, mapping, geodesy, and global navigation satellite positioning systems in the organizations that employ them.

2. Advance their knowledge of geomatics engineering, both formally and informally, by engaging in lifelong learning experiences including attainment of professional licensure, and/or graduate studies.

3. Serve as effective professionals, based on strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility, and a willingness to take the initiative and seek progressive responsibilities.

4. Participate as leaders in activities that support service to, and/or economic development of, the region, the state and the nation.

Link to Geomatics Engineering Minor

Link to Certificate in Geomatics Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering

Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Geomatics Engineering program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Coursework for Transfer Students
In order to minimize the time necessary to complete the Geomatics Engineering degree, transfer students entering the University with an A.A. degree should structure their programs to include the following:

Notes:
(1) The number of credits may vary by institution.
(2) An introductory course in engineering is preferred. However, substitutions may be allowed, provided they are part of a cohesive pre-engineering A.A. degree program.

Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Meet all general degree requirements of the University;

2. Complete the curriculum for the B.S.G.E. in Geomatics Engineering degree (see below);

3. Take the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals Examination (the first of four exams necessary for professional surveyors and mappers license). Contact Geomatics Engineering for details.

Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering degree requires 120 credits. For credit toward the degree, a grade of "C" or better must be received in each course listed, except for humanities and social science courses not applied toward Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirements. In addition, all prerequisites for each mathematics, science or engineering course must be completed with a grade of "C" or better before enrollment is permitted. The degree components are listed below.

Notes:
(1) Contributes to University Core Curriculum requirements.

(2) Contributes to Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirement.

(3) Social Sciences/Humanities courses, totaling 6 or more credits, must be selected to satisfy Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirements.

(4) Two or more of the selections must have a global perspective (contact the Department for a list of acceptable courses).

(5) Contributes to Gordon Rule mathematics requirement.

(6) PHY 2048 and PHY 2049 (4 credits each) are acceptable substitutes, but only 6 credits will apply toward the degree.

(7) All professional core courses contain a communications component (writing or speaking).

(8) Includes a 1-credit laboratory.

(9) GIS 4023 is an acceptable substitute.

(10) See advisor for the list of approved professional electives.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Geomatics Engineering

Obtaining a minor or certificate will require completing credits beyond the 120 required for the B.S.G.E. in Geomatics Engineering. Contact the department offering the minor or certificate for more details.

Cooperative Education
Geomatics Engineering majors are strongly encouraged to gain practical experience through participation in Cooperative Education. For information, contact the Office of Engineering Career Development at 561-297-2694.

Geomatics Engineering Minor

Students minoring in Geomatics Engineering will complete a minimum of 19 credits with a grade of "C" or better in each course. Of the 19 credits, a minimum of 15 must be earned at FAU. Selected courses must be checked for the proper requirements. The minor is available to all full-time FAU students pursuing a declared major.

Notes:
(1) SUR 2104C, Fundamentals of Surveying, may be substituted.

(2) Requires knowledge of geometry and trigonometry.

(3) Requires SUR 2101/SUR 2101L, Plane Surveying/Plane Surveying Lab, as prerequisites.

(4) Requires SUR 3643, Surveying Data Analysis, as a prerequisite.

(5) Requires SUR 3530, Introduction to Geodesy, as a prerequisite.

(6) Requires SUR 3463/SUR 3463L, Land Subdivision and Platting/Land Subdivision and Platting Lab,
as prerequisites.

Geomatics Engineering Certificate
The Geomatics Engineering program offers undergraduates a certificate in Geomatics Engineering. Students are entitled to the certificate by completing a minimum of 13 credits of coursework with a grade of "C" or better. Selected courses must be checked for the proper prerequisites. The certificate is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

Notes:
(1) SUR 2104C, Fundamentals of Surveying, may be substituted.

(2) Requires knowledge of geometry and trigonometry.

(3) Requires SUR 2101/SUR 2101L, Plane Surveying/Plane Surveying Lab, as prerequisites.

(4) Requires SUR 3643, Surveying Data Analysis, as a prerequisite.

(5) Requires SUR 3463/SUR 3463L, Land Subdivision and Platting/Land Subdivision and Platting Lab,
as prerequisites.



Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Faculty:
Furht, B., Chair; Marques, O., Associate Chair; Roth, Z., Associate Chair; Solomon, M. K., Assistant Chair; Aalo, V.; Agarwal, A.; Alhalabi, B. A.; Bagby, J.; Bullard, L. A.; Cardei, I. E.; Cardei, M.; Carvalho, G. L.; Cooper, R. B.; Erdol, N.; Fernandez, E. B.; Fernandez, T.; Gazourian, M. G., Emeritus.; Glenn, W., Emeritus; Hsu, S. C; Huang, S.; Ilyas, M.; Kalva, H.; Khoshgoftaar, T. M.; Larrondo-Petrie, M.; Levow, R. B.; Mahgoub, I.; Marcovitz, A., Emeritus; Messenger, R. A., Emeritus; Neelakanta, P.; Pandya, A. S.; Peterson, V.; Raviv, D.; Rhodes, W.; Shankar, R.; Sorgente, T.; Ungvichian, V.; Wang, X.; Woodworth, J.; Zhuang, H.; Zilouchian, A.

The Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (CEECS) offers programs in Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Information Engineering Technology.

Specifically, the Department offers undergraduate programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with major in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (B.S.C.E.), Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) and Bachelor of Information Engineering Technology (B.I.E.T.). A minor in Computer Science is also available.

In the graduate area, the Department offers a Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Computer Engineering with thesis, Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Computer Engineering without thesis, Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Computer Science with thesis, Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Computer Science without thesis, Master of Science with major in Bioengineering and Master of Science with major in Electrical Engineering (M.S.). A certificate in Bioengineering is also available.

Prospective doctoral students may choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Computer Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Computer Science and Doctor of Philosophy with major in Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.).

To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the Department also offers a combined B.S.C.E. to M.S. degree program in Computer Engineering, a B.S. to M.S. degree program in Computer Science, a B.S.E.E. to M.S. degree program and a combined program leading to an M.S. in Bioengineering that is offered to B.S. candidates in any College of Engineering and Computer Science major. These programs permit students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree within five years.

For students interested in combining the broad systems orientation provided in the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (B.S.E.E.) with focus in Computer Engineering, the Department offers the five-year B.S.E.E./M.S.Cp.E. (Master's in Computer Engineering). Program details are listed in the Electrical Engineering section under Combined Programs.

Below, the Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs are described first, followed by the Electrical Engineering programs and the Bioengineering programs.

Link to Electrical Engineering Programs
Link to Bioengineering Programs

Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Link to Combined Programs
Link to Master's Programs
Link to Doctoral Programs

Bachelor's Programs

Educational Objectives and Outcomes for the Bachelor's Programs
Computer Science
Graduates of the baccalaureate program in Computer Science are prepared for careers with software companies, developing applications or systems software, or with companies developing software in a scientific or engineering environment.

The degree focuses on the software aspects of computing by building on a set of core courses in areas such as algorithms, machine organization, programming language concepts, theory, computer systems and software engineering.

Based on the Educational Objectives of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Department has established the following student learning outcomes for the baccalaureate program in Computer Science. Graduates will have:

1. Proficiency in the areas of software design and development, data structures, and operating systems;

2. An ability to plan and execute a problem design to meet an identified need;

3. Proficiency in mathematical and scientific principles relevant to computer science;

4. An ability to communicate effectively;

5. An understanding of the overall human context in which computing activities takes place.

The Bachelor of Science degree program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Computer Engineering
Graduates of the baccalaureate program in Computer Engineering are prepared for careers in the computer industry as well as with companies that integrate computers into more complex products.

The degree focuses on the system and hardware aspects and the interaction of hardware with software by building on courses in microprocessors, computer design and design automation on the one hand, and on data structures and algorithms, operating systems and software engineering on the other.

Based on the Educational Objectives of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Department has established the following student learning outcomes for the baccalaureate program in Computer Engineering. Graduates will have:

1. Proficiency in the areas of electronics, computer architecture and computer design;

2. Proficiency in the areas of software design and development, data structures and operating systems;

3. An ability to plan and execute an engineering design to meet an identified need;

4. Proficiency in mathematical and scientific principles relevant to computer engineering;

5. An ability to communicate effectively and to function on multidisciplinary teams;

6. An understanding of the overall human context in which engineering and computing activities take place.

While undergraduate students make some use of University computing facilities, the Department has its own facilities that are available for undergraduates and are used for assignments in many courses. A PC-based lab provides students with hands-on experience in logic design, peripheral interfacing and software design for microprocessors. Undergraduates use the Department's network of UNIX and PC workstations for coursework in areas such as programming, software development using advanced tools, artificial intelligence, simulation and graphics.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Information Engineering Technology
(This program is on hiatus and currently not accepting students.)
Graduates of the Information Engineering Technology baccalaureate program (B.I.E.T.) are prepared for careers in business, industry and government, in which engineering principles are applied to the management of various sorts of information. Such positions include computer and information system managers, medical information specialists, computer systems administrators, systems analysts, network managers and multimedia developers.

Link to Bachelor of Science with Major in Computer Engineering
Link to Bachelor of Information Engineering Technology
Link to Computer Science Minor

Bachelor of Science with Major in Computer Science

Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Computer Science program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php) and below.

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Students transferring from a Florida community or state college should have completed 60 lower-division credits, including the following (see Degree Requirements section for minimum grade):

* The number of credits varies among lower-division institutions.

+ One or two science courses to bring the total credits in calculus, physics and other sciences to at least 21 credits. These additional science courses must come from biology, chemistry or geology, and be equivalent to courses taken by science majors at FAU. Florida community or state college students: note that CHM 1040 does not satisfy this requirement.

Degree Requirements
The minimum number of credits required for the Bachelor of Science degree with major in Computer Science is 120 credits. This degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Satisfy all admission and degree requirements for the Department;

2. Meet all University general requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree. This includes the completion of the Foreign Language Graduation Requirement, which usually requires students to take a college-level foreign language;

3. Complete the computer science core courses described below with at least a 2.5 GPA and earn a grade of "C" or better in COP 3014 and COP 3530;

4. Complete the above physics, calculus and mathematics elective courses with a grade of "C" or better in each of the courses;

5. Earn a grade of "C" or better in Introduction to Programming in C, Foundations of Computer Science and Data Structures;

6. Complete the requirements for Computer Science electives and other electives as described below.

Pass/Fail Grades: Note that while the University may offer some courses with the pass/fail option, Computer Science students may not use this option except for the courses listed below under Other Electives.



Core Courses
All students must take the following core courses, which total 40 credits:

* A grade of "C" or better is required.

Computer Science Electives
To satisfy the computer science (CS) elective requirement, all students must take 9 credits chosen from Computer Science and Computer Engineering upper-division courses that are not in the above CS core (CET and CTI courses are excluded, but students can take EGN 4040 and ISM 4133 for CS elective credit). In order to provide advanced content, as well as programming experience in a language other than C/C++, one of these elective courses must be: COP 4020, COP 4593, COP 4703 or CAP 4630. Students seeking a specialty may consider concentrating on one of the following groups of courses; additional courses from these groups may be taken as other electives (note that 5000-level CS courses can be taken as CS electives).

The following courses may be taken as computer science electives. The group classification will be designated when offered:

Special permission is required to count more than 3 credits of directed independent study. Up to 3 computer science elective credits can be earned by taking Cooperative Education - Computer Science (COT 3949), with each one-semester period of COT 3949 contributing 1 credit.

Other Electives
One of the following mathematics courses must be taken and must be passed with a grade of "C" or better:

* Cannot be used as a Computer Science elective if used to satisfy the mathematics requirement.

Three of the remaining credits must be used to take SPC 2601, Public Speaking. Elective courses cannot include COP 2220, COP 2224, COP 2510 or STA 4032. Also, students must make sure that they have the necessary minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

* FAU Core: One of the humanities or social science courses listed elsewhere in the catalog that satisfies the FAU Core Curriculum requirements for all four-year students. These include courses that satisfy the writing component for the Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) requirement; these must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

** Must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

# Science: Students must take one or two additional science courses that are designed for science majors to bring physics and science to at least 12 credits total. Consult an advisor to check a specific course. These must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

@ Computer Science Elective: see list previously shown in this section.

Second Bachelor's Degree
Individuals seeking a second bachelor's degree must satisfy all admission and degree requirements of a first bachelor's degree, except for free electives, general education and foreign language. The minimum number of FAU credits needed to earn a second bachelor's degree in Computer Science is 30 credits at the 3000 level or higher, but for most students the number of credits required to meet the degree requirements will be considerably larger.

Computer Science Minor
The minor in Computer Science is available to all FAU undergraduates who are not majoring in Computer Science or Computer Engineering. This minor can be earned by successfully completing the following requirements with a minimum 2.5 grade point average:

* At least 75 percent of credits earned must be from FAU.

Acknowledgment of a minor in Computer Science is official upon successful completion of an FAU degree program.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Computer Engineering program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php) and below.

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Transfer students should have completed 60 credits at an approved lower-division college or university and the following required courses (see Degree Requirements for required minimum grades).

* Students are expected to take Fundamentals of Engineering during their freshman year. Students who enter the program with at least 30 credits and have not taken Fundamentals of Engineering or an equivalent course can instead elect to take Software-Hardware Codesign (CEN 4214).

The number of credits in each course may vary by institution.

Pre-engineering A.A. programs at most community or state colleges allow students to complete most of the lower-division requirements.

General Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Meet all admission and degree requirements of the Department and University;

2. Complete the Computer Engineering core courses described below with at least a 2.5 GPA;

3. Obtain a grade of "C" or better in all engineering, science, mathematics and Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing courses;

4. Complete the following specific degree requirements, which total 124 credits.

Notes:
(1) Four-year program students must meet specific requirements in these areas as described earlier in this catalog.

(2) See Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing requirements in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.

(3) Two additional courses that satisfy FAU General Education requirements in humanities or social science.

* Students are expected to take Fundamentals of Engineering during their freshman year. Students who enter the program with at least 30 credits and have not taken Fundamentals of Engineering or an equivalent course can instead elect to take Software-Hardware Codesign (CEN 4214).

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

* FAU Core: One of the humanities or social science courses listed elsewhere in the catalog that satisfies the FAU Core Curriculum requirements for all four-year students. These include courses that satisfy the writing component for Writing Across the Curriculum (Gordon Rule); these must be passed with a "C" or better. See an advisor to discuss satisfying these with the minimum number of credits.

** Must be passed with a "C" or better.

# Technical electives: These must be approved by an advisor. Three, one-semester periods of Cooperative Education - Computer Engineering (COT 3949) can be counted as one computer engineering technical elective.

Second Bachelor's Degree
Individuals seeking a second bachelor's degree must satisfy all admission and degree requirements of a first bachelor's degree. The minimum number of FAU credits (beyond those used for the first degree) needed to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering is 30 credits at the 3000 level or higher.

Bachelor of Information Engineering Technology
(This program is on hiatus and currently not accepting students.)

Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Information Engineering Technology (B.I.E.T.) program is designed to articulate with Associate of Science (A.S.) degree programs offered by community or state colleges in areas such as Computer Programming and Analysis, Network Services Technology, Computer Information Technology, Computer Engineering Technology and Computer Science (Networks or Programming). Specific local articulation agreements are being developed with Indian River State College, Broward College and Miami Dade College. Students transferring from a Florida community or state college should normally have completed an articulated A.S. program. Students who have completed at least 60 lower-division credits toward an A.S. degree program will be admitted but must complete the A.S. program in order to receive the B.I.E.T. degree. Students with at least 60 credits toward an A.A. degree may be admitted to the program but are subject to additional requirements specified below.

The B.I.E.T. provides enhanced technical and non-technical skills and a consistent path from the A.S. to a bachelor's degree. The program emphasizes practical skills in programming, database, networking, web-based applications and computer security, as well as technical communications and project management. It has less mathematics and natural science than programs in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Degree Requirements
The minimum number of credits required for the B.I.E.T. degree is 124. Additional A.S. credits may bring the total to 136. This degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Meet all University general requirements for transfer students, including the general education requirements and foreign language admission requirement;

2. Satisfy all degree requirements for the Department;

3. Hold an A.S. degree in an appropriate area of computing technology or hold an A.A. degree or equivalent. Students who have been in an A.S. program must complete the A.S. degree.

Transfer Credits
Credit will be given for all courses designated by the community or state college as meeting the requirements for transfer to a four-year university degree program. Block credit will be given for up to 36 credits of transferable computing technology courses including a course in C or C++ programming. In addition, students are expected to have completed the following general education, mathematics and science courses or an equivalent number of credits in comparable courses.

Note: It is desirable for the social science and humanities courses to carry some Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing credit. Other required courses below may be included in the transfer program.

Additional General Education Courses
Students must take the following courses to complete the general education requirement.

Note: ENC 2210 is a Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College course at FAU. It must be taken at the community or state college. The writing, social science and humanities courses must be Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) writing courses.

Mathematics and Science Courses
The following mathematics and science courses are required in addition to those listed above under the Transfer Credits paragraph.

* College Physics is 3 credits at many community or state colleges but 4 credits at FAU and Palm Beach State College.

** Physics Lab is General Physics Lab, PHY 2048L and 2049L at FAU and Palm Beach State College.

Professional Courses
In order to enhance their professional skills, students must complete the following courses.

Core Courses
All students must take the following core courses, which total 29 credits, in addition to the 30-credit block from the A.S. degree:

* For students who do not have an A.S. degree, these 30 credits must come from a single A.S. or certificate program approved by an FAU advisor.

Information Engineering Technology Electives
To satisfy the elective requirement, all students must take 12 credits selected from the following courses.

* Three semesters of Cooperative Education in Information Engineering Technology at 1 credit each semester count as one 3-credit elective in this program.

** Only one Directed Independent Study course may be included in the program.

Sample Four-Year-Plus-One-Semester Program of Study for Bachelor of Information Engineering Technology

First Two Years
A.S. Program at community or state college
(63 total credits count as 51 A.S. credits for B.I.E.T.)

* FAU Core: One of the humanities or social science courses listed elsewhere in the catalog that satisfies the FAU Core Curriculum requirements for all baccalaureate students.

** Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) course requires grade of "C" or better.

*** A minimum of 124 credits is required for the program. Additional A. S. credits may bring total to 136.

Cooperative Education
Students in the Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Information Engineering Technology programs are encouraged to consider gaining practical experience through participation in Cooperative Education. Three, one-semester periods of Cooperative Education (COT 3949) may be substituted for one program elective. For information, contact the Department co-op advisor or the College co-op advisor in the Division of Engineering Distance Education and Career Services (DEDECS) Office, 561-297-2694.

Directed Independent Study
Students in the Computer Science, Computer Engineering and Information Engineering Technology programs must earn a minimum of 9 credits in core courses for their major before being eligible to register for directed independent study. Students are allowed to take no more than the equivalent of one course (3 credits) to satisfy degree requirements. If a student needs more than 3 credits of independent study, written approval must be obtained from the Chair of the Department prior to enrolling in the additional credits.

Combined Programs

B.S.C.E. or B.S. to M.S. Degree Programs

The Department offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering to Master of Science program. In the computer science area, it offers a combined Bachelor of Science to Master of Science degree program. Students in either combined program may count 9 credits of approved graduate coursework toward both their bachelor's and master's degrees. With an approximate duration of five years, these combined programs provide attractive ways for students to continue their graduate work.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the joint programs, computer science and computer engineering students should:

1. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year;

2. Attain a score of 1000 or better (verbal and quantitative) on the GRE taken at the beginning of their senior year; and

3. Formally apply to one of the joint programs, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of their program.

Once admitted to the program of their choice, students begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that would apply to both the bachelor's and master's degree programs. A maximum of 9 credits can be applied to both programs. Students in the joint programs must maintain enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program they have chosen, including core courses and prerequisites. Those students who complete the M.S. degree program within one year after completing their B.S.C.E. or B.S. degree program will be presented with a certificate of recognition.

B.S.E.E./M.S.Cp.E. Degree Program

The Department offers a five-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering/Master's in Computer Engineering (M.S.Cp.E.) degree program. Program details are listed in the Electrical Engineering section under Combined Programs.

Master's Programs

Link to Master of Science with Major in Computer Science
Link to Internet Engineering Graduate Specialty
Link to Software Engineering Graduate Specialty
Link to Master of Science with Major in Computer Science with Focus in Internet and Web Technologies
Link to Master of Science with Major in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a Business Minor
Link to Master of Science with Major in Information Technology and Management

Master of Science with Major in Computer Engineering

The non-thesis option for this degree requires a minimum of 33 credits. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 6 credits of thesis. All students must take at least one course from each of the three groups listed in Option A.

With approval of the advisor, substitution can sometimes be made among similar courses. See the Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website for updates.

Admission Requirements
Applications for admission to the master's program are approved by the University upon the recommendation of the Department. All applicants must submit with their applications the official transcripts from previous institutions attended and have official GRE scores forwarded to the University. Applications for admission are evaluated on an individual basis. As a minimum, applicants are expected to meet the following requirements. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

1. A baccalaureate degree in Engineering or a related field. (Students who do not have a computer engineering background will be expected to take additional courses; see link above);

2. At least a 3.0 (of a 4.0 maximum) GPA in the last 60 credits attempted prior to graduation;

3. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores more than five years old are not acceptable;

4. A score of 213 or higher in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants are expected to have taken the following prerequisite courses (or equivalents) before pursuing a master's degree. In some cases, prerequisite courses may be taken after admission to the graduate program. Equivalent FAU courses follow.

Admission to Candidacy
Students must apply for candidacy as soon as they are eligible and at least one semester prior to the semester of graduation. Prior to applying for candidacy, students should prepare, in consultation with an advisor, a plan, i.e., a list of courses for completing their degree requirements. All courses must be approved by the student's advisor. A student is eligible to apply for candidacy when a minimum of 9 credits as a graduate student have been completed.

Normally no more than 15 credits of work completed before admission to candidacy will be accepted toward a degree program. Students working toward degrees with thesis options may not register for thesis until their admission to candidacy.

Degree Requirements
The degree without thesis option requires a minimum of 33 credits of coursework in relevant technical areas. The following rules apply to the selection of courses:

1. A minimum of 3 credits must be selected from each of the three groups listed in Option A.

2. A minimum of 18 credits of 6000-level courses must be completed.

3. No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be taken.

4. No course can be counted toward the degree that is more than seven years old at the time the degree is awarded.

5. A maximum of one 4000-level course may be allowed toward the degree with the prior approval of the student's advisor. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "B." The courses taken to make up for the deficiencies will not be counted toward the degree.

6. Must have a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0 maximum) or better.

7. All courses in the degree programs must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

The degree with thesis option, in addition to the above rules, requires a minimum of 24 credits of coursework and a minimum of 6 credits of thesis work.

Transfer Credits
Any transfer credits toward the requirements for a master's degree in Computer Engineering must be approved by the Department, the College and the University. The transfer credits must correspond to equivalent requirements and performance levels expected for the degree. Normally, no more than 6 credits of coursework (that have not been applied to a degree) can be transferred from another institution.

Option A

Master of Science with Major in Computer Science

The non-thesis option for this degree requires a minimum of 33 credits. The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 6 credits of thesis. All master's degree students must take at least one course from each of the three groups listed in Option B.

With approval of the advisor, substitution can sometimes be made among similar courses. See the Department of Computer & Electrical and Computer Science website for updates.

Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the master's program are approved by the University upon the recommendation of the Department. All applicants must submit with their applications the official transcripts from previous institutions attended and have official GRE scores forwarded to the University. Applications for admission are evaluated on an individual basis. As a minimum, applicants are expected to meet the following requirements. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

1. A baccalaureate degree in Computer Science or a related field (Students without a computer science background will be expected to take additional courses);

2. At least a 3.0 (of a 4.0 minimum) GPA in the last 60 credits attempted prior to graduation;

3. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores more than five years old are not acceptable;

4. A score of 213 or higher in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Applicants are expected to have taken the following prerequisite courses (or equivalents) before pursuing a master's degree. In some cases, prerequisite courses may be taken after admission to the graduate program. Equivalent FAU courses follow.

Admission to Candidacy
Students must apply for candidacy as soon as they are eligible and at least one semester prior to the semester of graduation. Prior to applying for candidacy, students should prepare, in consultation with a graduate advisor, a plan, i.e., the list of courses for completing their degree requirements. All courses must be approved by the student's advisor. A student is eligible to apply for candidacy when a minimum of 9 credits as a graduate student have been completed.

Normally no more than 15 credits of work completed before admission to candidacy will be accepted toward a degree program. Students working toward degrees with thesis options may not register for thesis until their admission to candidacy.

Degree Requirements
The degree without thesis option requires a minimum of 33 credits of coursework in relevant technical areas. The following rules apply to the selection of courses.

1. A minimum of 3 credits must be selected from each of the three groups listed in Option B.

2. A minimum of 18 credits of 6000-level courses must be completed.

3. No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be taken.

4. No course can be counted toward the degree that is more than seven years old at the time the degree is awarded.

5. A maximum of one 4000-level course may be allowed toward the degree with prior approval of the student's advisor. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "B." Courses taken to make up for the deficiencies will not be counted toward the degree.

6. Must have a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0 max.) or better.

7. All courses in the degree program must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

The degree with thesis option, in addition to the above rules, requires a minimum of 24 credits of coursework and a minimum of 6 credits of thesis work.

Transfer Credits
Any transfer credits toward the requirements for a master's degree in Computer Science must be approved by the Department, the College and the University. The transfer credits must correspond to equivalent requirements and performance levels expected for the degree. Normally no more than 6 credits of coursework (that have not been applied to a degree) can be transferred from another institution.

Option B

Internet Engineering Graduate Specialty
An Option in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Prerequisites
Same as for master's degree in Computer Science or master's degree in Computer Engineering.

Degree Requirements for Non-Thesis Option
Requires a minimum of 33 credits as follows:

1. Same requirements as specified in degree requirements for non-thesis option for master's degree with major in Computer Engineering or master's degree with major in Computer Science;

2. At least four elective courses (12 credits) selected from a group of Internet-based courses that include (a) Internet software, (b) Internet networking and (c) Internet technologies, as specified by academic advisor.

Degree Requirements for Thesis Option
Requires a minimum of 30 credits as follows:

1. Same requirements as specified in degree requirements for non-thesis option for master's degree with major in Computer Engineering or master's degree with major in Computer Science;

2. At least three elective courses (9 credits) selected from a group of Internet-based courses that include (a) Internet software, (b) Internet networking and (c) Internet technologies, as specified by academic advisor;

3. A minimum of 6 credits of thesis work.

Software Engineering Graduate Specialty
An Option in Computer Science

Prerequisites
Same as non-thesis programs plus:

Principles of Software Engineering (CEN 4010)
Introduction to Object-Oriented Design and Programming (COP 4331)

Students who have not had COP 4331 may take COP 5339 to satisfy this requirement.

Group 1 Fundamentals
Courses in this group emphasize general fundamentals of software engineering. Included in this group are courses in object-oriented methods, software testing and requirements engineering.

Group 2 Development
Courses in this group address specific issues and techniques more closely related to actual software development. Included in this group are courses in user-interface design, CASE, formal methods and advanced object-oriented topics.

Group 3 Quantitative and Experimental
Courses in this group deal with quantitative and experimental approaches. Included in this group are courses in the areas of reliability, metrics and modeling.

For specific course numbers that belong to the above three groups, consult an advisor in the Department.

Thesis option students must take at least six of the above software engineering courses, two from each group.

Non-thesis-option students must take at least eight of the above software engineering courses, at least two from each group. Appropriate special topics courses may also be used to meet these requirements with approval of the student's advisor.

Other Electives
Thesis option students: Two other 5000-level or 6000-level Computer Science and Computer Engineering courses and 6 credits of COT 6970 (Thesis).
Non-thesis-option students: Three other 5000-level or 6000-level Computer Science and Computer Engineering courses.

All students must complete at least one-half of their credits at the 6000 level. Also, one 4000-level course may be allowed toward the degree with approval of the student's advisor.

Master of Science with Major in Computer Science with Focus in Internet and Web Technologies

This program is designed specifically for working professionals. Students attend formal classes for two Saturdays per month for 11 months. The remaining instruction is delivered through the latest distance-learning technologies, including FAU's Blackboard system.

The program requires the 11 FAU courses below, totaling 33 credits categorized as software, networking and applications. Special review modules can be arranged for students who lack the required prerequisites. Admission requirements and prerequisites are the same as for the master's degree with major in Computer Science.

For fees and other details, contact the Department at 561-297-3855 or visit the Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science website.

Master of Science with Major in Computer Science or Computer Engineering with a Business Minor

Those students electing to receive a minor in Business must complete 36 credits, of which 21 are to be from the Computer Science and Engineering courses described in this section of the catalog and 15 are to be from the courses approved by the College of Business for the Business minor. Such students will have to satisfy the prerequisite and core requirements of the appropriate degree program of the Department. In addition, students should also satisfy the University requirements for graduate programs. For more information, students should consult their faculty advisor.

Master of Science with Major in Information Technology and Management

The Master of Science with Major in Information Technology and Management (MSITM) is jointly offered by the Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (CEECS) in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Department of Information Technology and Operations Management (ITOM) in the College of Business. Designed for highly motivated individuals with computing and/or managerial backgrounds, the program aims to prepare students for a management career in the area of information technology in organizations. To allow for maximum flexibility in career aspirations, students can select from two options: Advanced Information Technology, emphasizing the technical aspect of organizational IT systems; and Information Technology Management, focusing on the management issues of IT in organizations.

Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the MSITM program applicants must have:

1. An undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Information Engineering Technology or an IT-related field of study. Applicants with another undergraduate degree and documented work experience of two or more years in an IT function will be evaluated as well;

2. An undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher;

3. Scores of at least 145 (verbal), 150 (quantitative) and 4 (analytical writing) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a GMAT score of 500 or higher;

4. A satisfactory score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International Language Testing System (IELTS) for international students;

5. Met other requirements of the FAU Graduate College.

Curriculum Requirements
Students are required to complete 33 graduate level credits, or 11 three-credit courses, with a 3.0 GPA or better to graduate. Students in Advanced Information Technology will be awarded the degree by the College of Engineering and Computer Science, while those in Information Technology Management will have their degrees awarded by the College of Business. For more information about the Master of Science in Information Technology and Management degree program, call the Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at 561-297-3482, or email ceecs@fau.edu.

Advanced Information Technology
Students are required to take the following four courses:

Information Technology Management
Students are required to take the following eight courses offered by the College of Business:

Doctoral Programs

Doctor of Philosophy with Major in Computer Engineering or in Computer Science

The Department offers a program of advanced graduate study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Computer Engineering and in Computer Science. The graduate of this program will be able to meet the highest standards of preparation for leadership in the computer science or engineering profession, including research, teaching and leadership in high-technology industry and governmental agencies. A Ph.D. Applicant's Guide is available from the Department.

Admission Requirements
Application for admission to doctoral study will be evaluated on an individual basis by the Department's graduate programs committee. Usually, the following four criteria must be met:

1. The applicant should have scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0 maximum) in previous graduate work.

2. The applicant must have a master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science or a related discipline awarded by a recognized institution. Thesis option is preferred. This requirement may be waived under exceptional circumstances (see B.S. to Ph.D. programs earlier in the College of Engineering and Computer Science section of the catalog).

3. The applicant must provide three reference letters (at least two from academia) that address the student's research potential, motivation, relative academic achievement and personality. Forms are supplied with applications for admission.

4. Applicants whose native language is not English must produce evidence of proficiency in written and spoken English. A score of 213 or more on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is considered satisfactory.

Qualifying Examination
A doctoral student must successfully complete the Qualifying Examination before being admitted to candidacy. Students are required to attempt the examination at the first available opportunity after a student has completed 9 credits of graduate coursework beyond the master's degree. The examination covers the following areas:

For Computer Engineering Students:
Session A
Computer Architecture
Microprocessors
Logic Design

Session B
Mathematics
Data Structures
Operating Systems

For Computer Science Students:
Session A
Computer Architecture
Theory
Algorithms

Session B
Mathematics
Data Structures
Operating Systems

A complete list of FAU courses that cover these examination areas and details about the qualifying procedures is available from the Department.

Admission to Candidacy
Students should apply for candidacy as soon as they become eligible. A doctoral student is eligible to apply for candidacy when:

1. The student has passed the Qualifying Exam.

2. A minimum of 3.0 GPA in all courses attempted as a doctoral student has been maintained.

Students may not register for dissertation credits until their admission to candidacy.

Degree Requirements
A minimum of 84 graduate credits (including a minimum of 33 dissertation credits) is required beyond a bachelor's degree. A master's degree in a related field is considered equivalent to 30 credits. A minimum of 21 credits of coursework is required beyond a master's degree. All courses must be approved by the student's advisor. Students lacking proper background may have to take additional courses to make up for the deficiencies. In addition to meeting the course requirement, a doctoral student must pass the Qualifying Examination, complete the dissertation under the supervision of the student's advisor and dissertation committee and pass the oral dissertation examination. The following rules apply to the courses taken (beyond the master's degree):

1. Of the 21-credit minimum of coursework, a minimum of 15 credits must be in Computer Science and Engineering courses and a minimum of 15 credits of 6000-level courses must be completed.

2. No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be used to satisfy the minimum of 21 credits. In that case, the subject matter may not overlap the student's dissertation.

3. A course that is more than seven years old at the time the degree is awarded cannot be counted toward the degree. This rule does not apply to the courses transferred from the master's degree.

4. A maximum of one 4000-level course may be allowed toward the degree with the approval of the student's advisor. This course must be passed with a minimum grade of "B." The courses taken to make up the deficiencies will not be counted toward the degree.

5. Students must register for a minimum of 33 credits of dissertation.

6. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0 maximum) or better.

7. All courses in the degree programs must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

Transfer Credits
Any transfer credits (from other institutions) toward the requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be approved by the Department, the College and the University. The transfer credits must correspond to equivalent requirements and performance levels expected for the degree. A maximum of 30 credits can be transferred from a master's degree. In addition to the credits for a master's degree, no more than 6 credits of coursework can be transferred from another institution.

Residency Requirements
After passing the Qualifying Examination, a doctoral student must spend two consecutive semesters at FAU, i.e., must register for a minimum of 9 credits for each of those semesters, and at least one of those semesters must occur while the student holds candidacy status.

Time Limitation
A Ph.D. student who enters the program with a master's degree has no more than seven years to complete all requirements for the Ph.D. degree.

Dissertation Committee
Students are encouraged to interact with faculty members of the Department to select a dissertation advisor and research area/topic for their dissertation. After a student has passed both parts of the Qualifying Examination, a dissertation committee shall be formed to supervise the student's research work. The committee will consist of at least four faculty members who are familiar with the research area, at least three of whom are regular faculty members of the Department. At least one member of the committee must be from outside the Department (could also be from another institution or industry), and this member should have an academic or professional level compatible with the rest of the committee. The committee is chaired by the student's dissertation advisor. The chair or co-chair of the committee must be from the Department. Students are expected to work in close cooperation with their dissertation committee and to keep the committee members informed about their progress on a regular basis. The dissertation committee should meet with the student at least once a semester to review the progress of the research work.

Dissertation and Oral Defense
The dissertation must be written in the format specified by the Graduate College. A copy of the dissertation must be submitted to the Graduate College for approval of the dissertation format. Dissertations must be defended orally. A dissertation should be submitted to the members of the dissertation committee for their review at least two weeks before the oral defense. After an oral defense, the members of the dissertation committee vote on acceptance or rejection of the dissertation. The committee may also suggest that the student do some additional work so as to make the dissertation acceptable. The decision of the dissertation committee will be reported in the form of a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grade for dissertation credits.

Electrical Engineering

Link to Combined Programs
Link to Master's Program
Link to Doctoral Program

Bachelor's Program

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree emphasizes the analytical, laboratory and design skills necessary for the solution of the technical challenges faced by modern society. The objectives of the program are to provide a broad-based educational experience that imparts the knowledge, skills and tools needed to prepare graduates for industry, graduate study, life-long learning, professional development, and to provide an education that is distinguished and well-recognized within the profession.

Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Electrical Engineering program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

General Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree will be awarded to students who:

1. Meet all University general degree requirements;

2. Satisfy the following specific degree requirements of the Electrical Engineering program.

Notes:
(1) Students entering FAU with less than 30 credits must satisfy the course requirements specified in the catalog section, Degree Requirements. Students entering FAU with more than 30 credits (transfer students) must see the undergraduate advisor for an evaluation of courses taken at another school. The general education requirements are normally satisfied if a student has an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from a Florida community or state college.

(2) Pre-engineering A.A. programs allow students to satisfy most or all of these required courses.

(3) Fundamentals of Engineering is the preferred course; however, this course may not be available at all institutions. In certain instances, substitutions for this course may be allowed provided that the credits are a part of an approved pre-engineering A.A. degree program.

(4) Grade of "C" or better is required.

(5) Need a "C" or better in all EE core courses.

(6) All EE electives must be approved by the undergraduate advisor.

(7) In general, a technical elective is defined as an upper-division course with significant technical disciplinary content. A maximum of 3 credits in Cooperative Education (EEL 4949) can be used as a technical elective.

Cooperative Education
Students in the Electrical Engineering program are encouraged to consider gaining practical experience through participation in Cooperative Education. For information, contact the Department co-op advisor or the Division of Engineering Distance Education and Career Services Office, 561-297-2694.

Note: No more than 6 credits of directed independent study may be applied toward the undergraduate degree.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Undergraduate Transfer Students
Prior to the academic advising session, course descriptions need to be submitted to the Undergraduate Academic Advisor for evaluation of possible transfer credits. Course descriptions can be provided by submitting an undergraduate catalog from the post-secondary institution attended, submitting course descriptions from an online catalog (requires that the post-secondary institution web address be at the bottom of each page) or by providing course syllabi. The Academic Advisor evaluation needs to be performed even if a student has an evaluation by an approved agency.    

Combined Programs

B.S.E.E. to M.S. Degree Program

This program enables qualified FAU undergraduate EE students to obtain both their B.S.E.E. and M.S. degrees in approximately five years by allowing 9 credits of approved coursework to apply toward both degrees. This essentially takes away one semester of coursework and offers an attractive option for enthusiastic students planning for their graduate education. Students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better after completing 96 credits toward the B.S.E.E. are eligible for admission to the program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Program Process
1. Eligible students apply to the Department for acceptance into the program during the term in which they will complete 96 credits toward their B.S.E.E. degree.

2. Eligible students take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE, verbal and quantitative) during the term in which they will complete 96 credits toward their B.S.E.E. degree.

3. Eligible students normally apply for graduate admission after obtaining a combined score of 1000 or more on the GRE.

4. Eligible students take courses in their senior year that will apply to both their B.S.E.E. and M.S. degrees. A maximum of 9 credits of approved coursework can be applied to both degrees.

5. Students participating in this program may opt for the thesis or non-thesis option in their M.S. degree.

6. Students planning for the thesis option need a letter of recommendation from their potential thesis advisor.

7. Students must be admitted to the joint B.S.E.E./M.S. program at least one semester prior to the start of their M.S. degree program.

8. Students who are successful in completing their M.S. degree within one year will be presented a certificate of recognition.

Degree Requirements
Students participating in this program must satisfy the degree requirements for a B.S.E.E. and M.S. as outlined in this catalog. The unique feature of this program is that 9 credits of approved coursework can be applied toward both degrees.



Five-Year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
(B.S.E.E.)/Master's in Computer Engineering (M.S.Cp.E.)

The B.S.E.E./M.S.Cp.E. program is intended for students wishing to take advantage of the broader systems orientation of the B.S.E.E. degree and then specialize in Computer Engineering. Selection of specific technical elective courses and an upper-division math elective in the B.S.E.E. program qualifies the graduate to enter the M.S.Cp.E. program with no deficiencies, provided that GPA, GRE and other computer engineering admission requirements are met. It should be noted that the student must satisfy the 33-credit requirement for a M.S.Cp.E.  Typically this will take one calendar year beyond the completion of the requirements for a B.S.E.E. 

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college university, or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Degree Requirements
The following specific technical elective and math courses should be taken as part of the requirements for a B.S.E.E. degree.:

Master's Program

Master of Science with Major in Electrical Engineering

The Department offers thesis and non-thesis options at the master's level. Students may specialize in several areas: telecommunications; digital signal processing; systems and robotics, including control systems and machine vision; electromagnetics and RF, including antennas, microwave systems, EMC/EMI and HF RF circuit design; alternative energy systems, including photovoltaic and fuel cell systems; bioengineering; neural networks; and optics and photonics.

Admission Requirements
All applicants must submit GRE scores and official transcripts from all previous postsecondary institutions attended. Applicants for admission will be evaluated on an individual basis and must satisfy the following requirements. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

1. An applicant whose native language is not English must obtain a score of 550 or more (CBT-213) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL);

2. A baccalaureate degree in Engineering, Natural Science or Mathematics;*

3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (of a possible 4.0 maximum) in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work;

4. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted.

* Students whose backgrounds are not in electrical or computer engineering should expect to take additional coursework to satisfy deficiencies.

Admission to Candidacy
Graduate students are eligible to apply for candidacy when they have completed between 9 and 15 credits of coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A student may not register for thesis credits prior to being admitted to candidacy.

Degree Requirements
Students must satisfy all of the University graduate requirements. In addition, the following specific degree requirements apply, depending on the choice of degree program:

Master of Science Degree Thesis Option (30 credits)
1. Requires 6 credits of orally defended thesis.

2. Requires 24 credits of approved coursework with the following constraints:

a. Minimum of 15 credits at the 6000 level;
b. Minimum of 12 credits in EE courses;
c. Maximum of 6 credits at the 4000 level with a maximum of 6 EE credits and 3 credits in math;
d. A 3-credit math course.

Note: No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be applied toward the master's degree.

Master of Science Degree Non-Thesis Option (33 credits)
1. Requires 33 credits of approved coursework with the following constraints:

a. Minimum of 18 credits at the 6000 level;
b. Maximum of 6 credits at the 4000 level with a maximum of 3 credits in EE and a maximum of 3 credits in math;
c. A 3-credit math course;
d. A minimum of 18 credits must be completed in EE.

Note: No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be applied toward the master's degree.

Deficiency Requirements in both M.S. and Ph.D. Programs
The following undergraduate FAU EE core courses or equivalent courses are expected to be found on the student's undergraduate transcripts:

The lack of any of the above courses will be considered a deficiency. Students are expected to take the necessary deficient courses during their course program as an extra load beyond the regular graduate coursework.

Students with engineering technology degrees are expected to first satisfy the FAU EE undergraduate graduation requirements before being admitted to the graduate program.



Doctoral Program

Doctor of Philosophy with Major in Electrical Engineering

Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to doctoral study will be evaluated on an individual basis by the departmental graduate admissions committee. As a rule, the applicant must have:

1. At least a 3.0 (of a possible 4.0 maximum) grade point average in the last 60 credits attempted in the relevant field;

2. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted.

3. A master's degree in Engineering or a related discipline awarded by a recognized institution (thesis options are preferred);

4. Two reference forms that document the applicant's research potential, motivation, relative academic achievement and personality;

Applicants whose native language is not English must be proficient in written and spoken English as evidenced by a score of 550 or more (CBT-213) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

It is possible that access to the program may be limited by available resources in the Department.

Admission to Candidacy
To be considered for the doctoral candidacy:

1. The student must pass the Qualifying Examination (QE) administered semiannually by the Department. The examination is based on undergraduate electrical engineering and mathematics coursework and must be taken by all students after completion of 9 credits of Ph.D. coursework. A student who fails the examination may be allowed a second attempt subject to departmental approval.

2. Following successful completion of the QE, the student must find a qualified faculty member in the Department willing to chair the doctoral (dissertation) committee. The dissertation committee chair will then consult with the student to form the complete committee. Working with this dissertation committee chair, the student must complete the official Admission to Candidacy application form.

Candidacy approval will be based on:
1. The academic record of the student;

2. The opinion of the dissertation committee concerning the overall fitness for candidacy, based on the outcome of an oral examination on graduate coursework administered by the dissertation committee;

3. An approved dissertation topic.

A student may not register for dissertation credit until the application for candidacy has been approved.

Degree Requirements
1. A minimum total of 84 credits, including 33 dissertation credits, is required beyond the bachelor's degree level. These must include at least 21 credits of coursework beyond the master's degree. At least 12 of these credits should be taken in the Electrical Engineering program at FAU.

2. No more than two courses at the 4000 level may be taken as part of the overall 84-credit Ph.D. program, limited to the following:

a. No more than one 4000 math course;
b. No more than one 4000 EE elective from the list of approved courses;
c. No more than one of any 4000-level courses, excluding EE undergraduate core courses.

3. At least 21 credits above the master's program requirement should be at the 5000 and 6000 levels.

4. Specific Focus Area coursework will be required. At least 12 of these credits should be taken in the Electrical Engineering program at FAU.

5. At least 6 credits in mathematics are required as part of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree.

6. A dissertation proposal must be accepted by the dissertation committee, normally at least one year prior to completion of the dissertation.

7. The dissertation must be completed and orally defended.

It is expected that all doctoral candidates have submitted at least one referred research publication for which peer reviews have been received prior to graduation.

Transfer Credits
Any transfer credit toward requirements for the Ph.D. program must be approved by the Department and the University. A maximum of 30 credits (which may include credits taken toward the master's degree with no more than 6 credits for the M.S. thesis) can be transferred into the student's program of study.

Residency Requirements
A student must spend at least two consecutive semesters as a full-time student at Florida Atlantic University registered for a minimum of 9 credits each semester.



Bioengineering

Bioengineering stands at the intersection of the revolution taking place in advanced medical treatments as a result of applying the principles and practice of the engineering and computer science disciplines to the biological, biomedical and medical sciences. Bioengineering is a broad and emerging field that impacts drug delivery, surgery, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Students successfully completing the Master of Science in Bioengineering degree program will be prepared for professional careers in businesses related to medical diagnostics, prosthetic devices and neural and other implants; the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries; and consulting in health-related fields, as well as other positions in industry, commerce, education and government. Students will also be prepared to continue their formal education at the Ph.D. level in a variety of science and engineering disciplines and at the M.D. level in certain cases.

Combined Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Computer Science/Master of Science with Major in Bioengineering

Bachelor of Science candidates in any College of Engineering and Computer Science program with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 at the end of their junior year are eligible to apply to the combined program, which allows students to complete their bachelor’s, as well as a master’s in Bioengineering, within five years. After application and admittance to the graduate program at the beginning of their senior year, nine credits of approved graduate-level courses may be taken and  counted toward both the B.S. and M.S. degrees. Students must retain a cumulative 3.25 GPA by the time of graduation. Thesis and Non-Thesis options are available. See below for master's program admission and degree requirements.

Master of Science with Major in Bioengineering

Admission Requirements
All applicants must submit GRE scores and official transcripts from all previous postsecondary institutions attended. Applicants for admission will be evaluated on an individual basis and must satisfy the following requirements. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

1. An applicant whose native language is not English must obtain a score of 550 or more (CBT-213) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL);

2. A Baccalaureate degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science or Engineering with a mathematics background through differential equations;*

3. A minimum GPA of 3.0 (of a possible 4.0 maximum) in Science, Mathematics and Engineering courses;

4. Scores of 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted.

* Students whose backgrounds are not in the disciplines noted should expect to take additional coursework.

Admission to Candidacy
Graduate students are eligible to apply for candidacy when they have completed between 9 and 15 credits of coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A student may not register for thesis credits prior to being admitted to candidacy.

Degree Requirements
Students must satisfy all of the University graduate requirements. In addition, the following specific degree requirements apply, depending on the choice of degree program:

Master of Science Degree Thesis Option (30 credits)
1. Requires 6 credits of orally defended thesis.

2. Requires 24 credits of approved coursework of which 9 credits are program core courses and the remaining 15 credits are approved elective courses offered by the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Note: No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be applied toward the master's degree.

Master of Science Degree Non-Thesis Option (33 credits)
1. Requires 3 credits of orally defended research project.

2. Requires 30 credits of approved coursework of which 9 credits are program core courses and the remaining 21 credits are approved elective courses offered by the College of Engineering & Computer Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science and the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.

Note: No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be applied toward the master's degree.

Deficiency Requirements in the M.S. in Bioengineering Program
It is expected that students successfully complete a course in Genetics or Molecular Genetics (PCB 4522 or PCB 3063 at FAU or equivalent). The lack of this course will be considered a deficiency. Students are expected to take the necessary course during their course program as an extra load beyond the regular graduate coursework. Furthermore, an advisor's approval is required for students not having the required mathematics background.

Bioengineering Certificate
The College offers a graduate certificate in Bioengineering that is associated with the Florida Center for Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology. The Department administers the program in consultation with an Industry-Medical Advisory Board.

This certificate program is a practice-oriented, part-time graduate program designed to assist engineers, scientists, technical professionals and qualified senior undergraduates in the launch and/or development of their careers and to provide the technical expertise needed in the rapidly changing business, government and industrial environments.

Program Highlights
This is a 15-credit graduate certificate program focused on the application of engineering and computer science principles to biotechnology, bioinformatics and biosystems. It is designed for engineers and scientists working in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, health care, drug discovery, biomedical, medical instrumentation and allied sectors.

Faculty members from a variety of departments in both the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science teach the certificate courses. These courses cover human physiological system modeling, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, biosystems, biosignal processing, genomics, drug discovery and nanotechnology in engineering and biology. Students will have the opportunity to become acquainted with the Florida Atlantic University Core Biotechnology and Proteomics Facilities.

Admission Requirements
The applicant must satisfy the following criteria:

1. A bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, physics or engineering with a mathematics background through differential equations. Courses in computer programming, databases, probability and statistics and molecular biology and/or physiology are desirable. Qualified senior undergraduates may be accepted into the graduate certificate program with appropriate committee recommendation;

2. GPA of 3.0 in science, mathematics and engineering courses;

3. No GRE scores are necessary. Student transcripts should demonstrate competency in science, mathematics and engineering coursework.

Interested individuals should complete an application form available from the Department's website and email or fax it to Dr. Zvi Roth, Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Computer & Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (DCEECS), email: rothz@fau.edu. Fax:  561- 297-2336.



Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Faculty:
Hashemi, J., Chair; Abtahi, H.; An, E.; Ananthakrishnan, P.; Beaujean, P.P.J.; Cai, G. Q.; Carlsson, L. A.; Case, R. O., Emeritus; Davidson, J. B., Emeritus; Dhanak, M.; Elishakoff, I.; Frisk, G. V.; Gaonkar, G. H.; Ghenai, C.; Glegg, S. A. L.; Granata, R.; Hartley, C. S., Emeritus; Hartt, W. H., Emeritus; Jurewicz, J. T., Emeritus; LeBlanc, L. L., Emeritus; Lin, Y. K., Emeritus; Mahfuz, H.; Masory, O.; McAllister, R. F., Emeritus; Moslemian, D.; Presuel-Moreno, F.; Salivar, G. C.; Schock, S.; Stevens, K. K., Emeritus; Su, T. C.; Tennant, J. S., Emeritus; Tsai, C. T.; vonEllenrieder, K. D.

The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering offers programs of study leading to the following degrees: Ocean Engineering: Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering (B.S.O.E.), Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Ocean Engineering (thesis and non-thesis options), Master of Science (M.S.) with major in Ocean Engineering and minor in Business, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Ocean Engineering.

To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the Department also offers a combined B.S.O.E. to M.S. degree program that permits a student to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree within
five years.

Mechanical Engineering: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Mechanical Engineering (thesis and non-thesis options) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Mechanical Engineering.

Link to Mechanical Engineering Programs

Ocean Engineering

Link to Combined B.S.O.E. to M.S. Program
Link to Master's Program
Link to Doctoral Program

Bachelor's Program

Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering

The Ocean Engineering program provides a comprehensive, practical curriculum in science and engineering that prepares the student to perform engineering tasks in the ocean environment. Graduates of this program are prepared for professional positions in industry and government or for graduate studies in engineering. At the lower-division level, the program requires a firm foundation in English composition and grammar, mathematics and chemistry, plus courses in the social sciences and arts and humanities to give the student a balanced educational background for the engineering profession. This coursework is provided in the pre-engineering or pre-ocean engineering (university parallel) programs of community or state colleges and the lower-division pre-engineering programs of most universities.

The Ocean Engineering program includes integrated courses encompassing the basic engineering sciences and mathematics, study of the ocean environment and its relationship to other sciences and engineering, processing of ocean engineering data, the engineering design of components and systems for use in the ocean and the application of these elements to the solution of engineering problems connected with work in or on the ocean and in developing the resources of the oceans.

Emphasis is placed on the solution of engineering problems related to the ocean in such areas as underwater acoustics, marine vehicles, environmental engineering, fluid mechanics, structures and materials. An optional Cooperative Work Study program that provides practical experience in industry or government laboratories is available to students who qualify.

Engineering design is an important part of the program, including a significant design experience. Seniors complete the final year of their program in an oceanside environment at SeaTech, the Department's Institute for Ocean and Systems Engineering on the Dania Beach campus.

The Ocean Engineering program at FAU was designated a "State University System Program of Distinction" by the Board of Regents in October 1974. The designation was one of the five originally made throughout the entire state system. Founded in 1965 as the first such undergraduate program in the nation, the Ocean Engineering program at FAU is still one of the largest in the country.

Mission Statement and Program Goal
The Ocean Engineering program's mission is to provide an outstanding ocean engineering program for learning and research and to prepare individuals to meet national and international engineering challenges in the ocean environment.

The goal of the program is to develop and offer a comprehensive and broad curriculum in science and engineering that prepares a student to, upon graduation, effectively perform engineering tasks in the ocean environment or to successfully pursue higher studies and research in engineering.

Program Objectives
The Department faculty, with input from students, alumni and employers, has established the following objectives for the program:

1. Preparation for Practice: Graduates will be fully prepared to carry out entry-level engineering tasks in the multidisciplinary field of ocean engineering.

2. Contributions to the Field: Graduates will be trained to make lasting contributions in terms of design, development and integration of engineering systems, particularly for applications in the ocean environment.

3. Pursuit of Higher Degrees and Life-Long Learning: Students will be provided with an educational experience that will motivate them to pursue graduate studies and research in ocean-related disciplines of engineering and applied sciences and to engage in life-long learning.

4. Leadership Qualities: The undergraduate curriculum and the academic environment of the Department will inculcate in students qualities necessary to assume leadership in industry, government and other professional organizations related to ocean engineering.

5. Societal Awareness: Graduates will be aware of various complexities and issues of contemporary society, particularly those related to ocean resources and ocean environment, and will seek to make professional contributions in the larger and long-term interest of society.

Undergraduate Program Outcomes
The curriculum is designed for graduates to have:

1. The ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems by applying a knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering;

2. A broad knowledge of fundamental and applied engineering subjects: fluid and solid mechanics, dynamics, hydrostatics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, engineering materials, probability and applied statistics, data analysis, oceanography, water waves, underwater acoustics, control theory, networks and electrical machines, analog and digital electronics and computer programming;

3. An ability to design and conduct experiments and to analyze and interpret data;

4. An ability to design an engineering system or components, integrating multiple technical areas and addressing optimization where and when required, meeting the desired needs and requirements;

5. An ability to effectively communicate topics in engineering and science;

6. A good understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and an ability to function effectively in teams;

7. Motivation and desire to pursue higher studies and to engage in life-long learning;

8. A good understanding of the complexities and issues of the contemporary society.

Academic Advising
It is an Ocean Engineering program requirement that all students, including incoming freshmen, meet with their Ocean Engineering academic advisor every semester prior to registering for classes.

Admission and Degree Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Ocean Engineering program.

Transfer students who have an A.A. degree are expected to have completed the following course requirements (deficiencies may be taken at FAU); see the Degree Requirements section of this catalog for the required minimum grades.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Graduation Requirements
1. Students who enter Florida Atlantic University as freshmen must meet all baccalaureate degree requirements of the University, including the Intellectual Foundations Program requirements. Students who transfer to FAU with 30 or more accepted credits must meet all baccalaureate degree requirements of the University, including the General Education and Gordon Rule requirements.

2. Students must maintain an overall 2.0 grade point average in all courses. A grade of "C" or better must be received in all engineering, mathematics, chemistry and physics courses required for the degree. A grade of "C" or better means a grade of "C" or "C+" and excludes a grade of "C-." Ocean Engineering students may not elect the pass/fail option for any required engineering course.

A subsequent course may not be taken if a required grade of "C" or better is not earned in the prerequisite course. With appropriate justification, a prerequisite waiver may be granted by the Ocean Engineering petitions committee. Prerequisite and corequisite courses must be taken in the proper sequence.

3. Students must satisfy the following curriculum requirements; however, since the curriculum is subject to revision, students should check with the Ocean Engineering program for the latest requirements.

The 4000-level Ocean Engineering courses are taught at the SeaTech campus in Dania Beach. Students
may not deviate from either the courses defined or the sequence of courses defined for the Ocean Engineering curriculum. In exceptional cases, deviations may be approved in advance by petition to the Ocean Engineering petitions committee. Courses taken in violation of this policy cannot be counted toward the Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering degree.

Internship Programs
Internships are available at marine industries and naval research laboratories. Although an internship is not a requirement of the Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering degree program, students are strongly encouraged to make use of this opportunity and complete an internship prior to their senior year.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering

* WAC (Gordon Rule) course
** Engineering Graphics should typically be taken at FAU.
*** Choose two courses from these four courses.



Combined Program

B.S.O.E. to M.S. Degree Program

The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering to Master of Science degree program. Up to 9 credits of 4000- or 5000-level elective (not core) courses in the B.S.O.E. program may be counted for both the B.S.O.E. and M.S. degrees. With an approximate duration of five years, this combined program provides an attractive way for students to continue their graduate work.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the joint B.S.O.E./M.S. program, students should:

1. Have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better at the end of their junior year (for initial application for admission to the program) and maintain the GPA at 3.25 or above at the end of the senior year of BSOE;                          

2. Formally apply to the joint program, completing the admissions process at least one semester prior to the beginning of the M.S. portion of their program;

3. Choose either the thesis or non-thesis option for the M.S. part of the program.

Once admitted to the program, students begin taking graduate courses in their senior year that would apply to both the bachelor's and master's degree programs. A maximum of 9 credits of elective courses can be applied to both programs. Students in the joint program must maintain enrollment to remain in good standing. Students must also meet all the degree requirements of the graduate program, including core courses and prerequisites. Those students who complete the M.S. degree program within one year after the completion of their B.S.O.E. degree program will be presented with a certificate of recognition.

Master's Program

The graduate program is structured around a core of courses central to ocean engineering and encompassing the subjects of acoustics, corrosion, physical oceanography, hydrodynamics, advanced mechanics of materials, marine systems and advanced mathematics. This core provides, at an advanced level, the fundamentals required for engineering work in the ocean environment. Additional courses in the fields of acoustics, hydrodynamics, marine materials, offshore structures, coastal engineering and marine vehicles are offered to enable students to pursue areas of interest. A summer program is offered by the Department for graduate students attending on a year-round basis.

Financial Aid
Most full-time graduate students in the Department receive financial support, usually in the form of graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants normally work on research projects conducted in the Department, and their project work usually serves as a basis for their thesis/dissertation. Teaching Assistantships also may be available.

From time to time, graduate assistants are assigned to help a faculty member conduct a course, but direct teaching assignments are not permitted and regular lecture assignments should not be anticipated. Departures from this rule may be considered only for exceptional students with demonstrated teaching abilities.

Several graduate assistantships are available each year and are awarded on the basis of the technical area of interest, the applicant's experience, overall academic record and letters of recommendation. The current stipends for assistantships are $17,000 for master's students and $22,000 for Ph.D. students, after admittance to candidacy, for 12 months of service on a half-time basis, plus tuition costs.

Application for Admission
Students are encouraged to begin their graduate studies in the fall semester. Applications for admission should be initiated about one year in advance of the desired starting date and should be filed as early as possible, preferably in the early fall. Normally notification of admission is given several weeks after receipt of the completed application. Depending upon the student's background, certain preparatory courses may be required to make up for deficiencies before full admission to the program is granted. These courses may be taken at FAU.

Application material for admission to the degree programs in Ocean Engineering can be obtained by:

1. Accessing www.fau.edu/graduate/

2. Sending a request to:
Florida Atlantic University
Graduate College, SU 80, Room 101
777 Glades Road, P.O. Box 3091
Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991

3. Sending a request to:
Graduate Program Administrative Assistant
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Bldg. 36, Rm. 182
777 Glades Road, P.O. Box 3091
Boca Raton, Florida 33431-0991

Up-to-date information is available here.

Master of Science with Major in Ocean Engineering

Three major paths to the Master of Science with major in Ocean Engineering are available to graduate students. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

Thesis Option
The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credits, including a minimum of 6 thesis credits. At least 15 of the credits must be taken from the Ocean Engineering core course list (see core course requirements section). In addition, 9 credits will be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. At least 15 of the 30 credits must be at the 6000 level. Up to 9 credits may be at the 4000 level with the approval of the graduate committee. Students electing the thesis option will be required to complete the thesis program, which includes successful defense and completion of the thesis.

Non-Thesis Option
This option requires a minimum of 33 credits. At least 15 of the credits must be taken from the Ocean Engineering core course list (see core course requirements section). In addition, 18 credits will be selected in consultation with the student's advisor. No thesis credits may be counted toward this degree. Additionally, 24 of the 33 credits must be at or above the 5000 level. The remainder may be at the 4000 level with approval of the advisor.

Master of Science with a Business Minor Option
A non-thesis option, this program leads to a master's degree along with a minor in Business Administration. It requires a total of 36 credits. At least 15 of the credits must be taken from the Ocean Engineering core course list (see core course requirements section). In addition, 6 credits relating to the student's area of focus in ocean engineering must be selected and 15 credits must be selected from the College of Business approved course list outlined under the Business Minor heading at the beginning of this College section.

The Admissions and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog contain statements of regulations that apply to all graduate students. Of particular interest is the information under the headings Graduate Admission Regulations and Graduate Degree Requirements. Statements referring to foreign language requirements do not apply to Ocean Engineering students; neither the Master of Science nor the Ph.D. degree requires foreign language proficiency.

Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements for Ocean Engineering are more stringent than the general FAU graduate admissions requirements.

A candidate for the master's program in Ocean Engineering must satisfy the following entry requirements:

1. A baccalaureate or equivalent degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics;

2. A 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) GPA or better in the last 60 credits of undergraduate work;

3. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

4. Must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. Students from non-English-speaking countries are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (iBT);

5. All students will have a thesis or advisory committee during their studies. For thesis students, their advisor is the chair of the advisory committee. A thesis or advisory committee must be formed before a plan of study can be filed;

6. Students who enter the program without an assistantship will be assigned a mentor by the chair of the graduate committee. Students without an advisor are required to visit at least three faculty members during their first semester requesting to form an advisory committee.  A report on the outcome of the faculty visits must be filed with the campus graduate coordinator.

7. Adherence to the policies and regulations and the graduate admission requirements of the University as outlined in this University catalog;

8. Conditional admission may be permitted if the above requirements are not met.

Degree Requirements
The degree of Master of Science with major in Ocean Engineering will be awarded to candidates who have:

1. Complied with University graduate policies and regulations;

2. Satisfied the University's graduate degree requirements;

3. Satisfactorily completed the appropriate courses of study.

And for the thesis option:
4. Submitted and defended a thesis based on the student's original work in an area of focus.

And for the non-thesis or minor in business options:
4. At the time of application for degree, students must submit a portfolio to their advisor consisting of four graduate projects from courses in their program of study. The portfolio will be reviewed by the student's supervisory committee.

Program Options and Core Course Requirements
Four program options are available to graduate students in Ocean Engineering with either the thesis or non-thesis option. These are shown in a subsequent section.

All graduate students, regardless of option or specialty, must complete the following core courses or must take a satisfactory substitute course of similar content from another university or offer an appropriate substitute consistent with the student's specialty for approval by the supervisory committee by departmental petition.

* Students with an advanced mathematics competency may obtain exemption upon entrance to the program for Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1 (EOC 5172) and/or Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 2 (EOC 6174). These students must demonstrate to their advisor, using course descriptions, that the equivalent of five to six courses beyond calculus, including areas such as differential equations, advanced calculus, matrix theory, complex analysis and probability and statistics have been taken. Approval by the graduate programs committee is also required.

** May be substituted with EOC 6934, Special Topics (Theory of Elasticity)

Transfer Credits
A maximum of 9 credits of graduate-level work earned at FAU as an undergraduate or while in non-degree status at FAU and a maximum of 6 credits earned at another recognized institution prior to admission to the Ocean Engineering graduate program may be transferred to a student's degree program subject to the following restrictions:

1. The student must present a transcript identifying the course, in which the student has earned a grade of "B" or better, along with a catalog/course description.

2. The course must not have been counted toward any other graduate or undergraduate degree awarded or to be awarded to the student. An exception exists in the B.S.O.E. to M.S. program where up to 9 credits may be counted for both degrees.

3. The student's advisor and the Ocean and Mechanical Engineering graduate program coordinator, who may seek the advice of other faculty if needed, will decide whether to accept or reject the course credit.

Recency of Credits
No credit earned ten or more years before the degree is awarded may be counted toward a graduate degree.

Course Load
All students choosing the thesis option and receiving financial assistance must be full-time students. This requires that they are registered for a minimum of 9 credits in the fall semester, 9 credits in the spring semester and 6 credits in the summer semester. All international students must be registered as full-time students. A maximum of 12 credits may be taken in a semester. In the graduation semester, the student may be allowed to take 1 credit.

Supervisory Committee
All graduate students will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist the student in planning a course schedule for the program and will also approve all course selections, schedules and schedule changes.

By the end of the first semester or at the completion of 9 credits, the student, in consultation with the academic advisor, should make the following selections:

1. A particular program option. If selecting a thesis program, then:

a. Chair of the supervisory committee.
b. At least two other members for the supervisory committee.

The chair of the supervisory committee, who is normally the student's advisor, and at least two of the other members must be chosen from the Ocean and Mechanical Engineering faculty. Members from outside the Department may be chosen for the supervisory committee with the permission of the Department Chair. The student should obtain the consent of other members to serve on the supervisory committee. Having obtained this permission, the names of the committee members should be submitted to the Department Chair. The committee acts as a unit to guide the student's degree program.

Plan of Study
Students choosing the thesis option as part of the M.S. program should, as soon as practical after the selection of a supervisory committee, submit a formal Plan of Study to the committee. The plan must be listed on the form titled "Plan of Study for the Master's Degree (Form 6)" and will include all course and thesis work that the student expects to complete for the M.S. degree. The form must be submitted no later than the end of the second semester. Upon approval of the plan, the student will be admitted to candidacy for the M.S. Degree. The student is required to defend his/her thesis proposal before the end of the third semester.

For students electing the non-thesis option, the "Plan of Study for the Master's Degree (Form 6)" must still be completed and approved by the advisor, who will submit the plan to the Graduate College. For both the thesis and non-thesis options, it is required that the admission to candidacy form be completed and submitted at least one semester prior to the semester in which the student expects to graduate.

Fast Track Program
The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering offers an accelerated program option for the Master of Science with major in Ocean Engineering (with thesis) for qualified students who will be supported under research assistantships. The accelerated program allows a student to complete an M.S. degree in 12 months.

The objective of this option is to provide an opportunity for the student to earn a master's degree in one year, which translates into significant reductions in both time and expense, thus allowing the student to enter the workforce sooner, minimizing the financial impact of pursuing an M.S. degree. In order to achieve this goal, the program of study and thesis work must be well defined prior to the student starting the program of study. In addition to the normal requirements, students with an engineering core GPA of 3.5 or better, in conjunction with their prospective graduate studies academic advisor, are invited to submit a letter of intent to the graduate committee for consideration to be admitted into this program. The letter of intent should include an outline of the project and milestones to be reached by the end of each semester. Students admitted into the accelerated option are allowed to take a maximum of 12 credits per semester.

Thesis Work and Progress Reviews
For those students who elect the thesis option, the first step, to be completed by the end of the third semester of full-time enrollment, is the submission of a written thesis proposal to the supervisory committee. This proposal must be approved by the supervisory committee before the student begins extensive work in the selected research area. In the proposal defense, the student presents and defends, as required, the planned research. Each semester after the proposal defense the committee will review the student's progress.

If at any time the progress in the student's research is found to be unsatisfactory, the supervisory committee will report to the Department Chair, inform the student in writing as to the nature of the difficulties and record the committee's opinion in the student's file. The student will then be given ample opportunity to improve performance and defend the student's position at a further review meeting held at the end of the semester. If no improvement has been demonstrated, the student's future program, including the continuation of stipend and tuition waiver, will be re-evaluated.

A minimum of two weeks prior to the anticipated thesis defense, the written thesis must be delivered to the Department in the format described in the Graduate Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines. The guidelines may also be obtained from the Graduate College or from the Ocean Engineering program. An announcement stating the thesis topic and time and location of the defense will be provided to all Department faculty and to the supervisory committee members one week prior to the scheduled defense. The announcement will also be posted in the Department and/or mailed to all Ocean and Mechanical Engineering faculty, staff and students.

Unsatisfactory Performance
A graduate student whose academic performance is deemed unsatisfactory will be denied further registration in the Department programs. Unsatisfactory academic performance is defined as failure to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all FAU graduate program courses at the end of the second semester in the program (this would normally be 15 to 18 credits) or after any subsequent semester. Please note that this is more strict than the University requirement. A student who exhibits unsatisfactory performance in the Ocean Engineering graduate program is not precluded from applying to another program in the University. No graduate credit may be earned for courses completed with a "C-," "D+," "D," "D-," "F" or "U" (refer to the Academic Policies and Regulations section of this catalog), even if grades in other courses bring the average up to a satisfactory level. A student who withdraws from a course after the Drop/Add period may be required to repay any tuition benefits received.

Master of Science Course Options
The following are suggested course sequences for the four Master of Science (M.S.) thesis options. When suggested course(s) are not offered, equivalent course(s) as determined by the student's advisor may be taken. Although some of these program options recommend more than eight courses, students are required to take only eight courses (24 credits) to meet the minimum requirements.

M.S. with Major in Ocean Engineering
Marine Materials and Offshore Structures Option

M.S. with Major in Ocean Engineering
Ship Design and Underwater Vehicles Option

M.S. with Major in Ocean Engineering
Hydrodynamics and Physical Oceanography Option

M.S. with Major in Ocean Engineering
Acoustics Option

M.S. with Major in Ocean Engineering
Business Minor Option

The following is a suggested course sequence for the Master of Science with major in Ocean Engineering, minor in Business. This is a non-thesis option only requiring a total of 36 credits.

Doctoral Program

Doctor of Philosophy with Major in Ocean Engineering

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy with major in Ocean Engineering is conferred on a candidate by the University upon completion of comprehensive training and in recognition of the candidate's ability to independently and efficiently pursue research in ocean engineering.

The requirements for the degree include performing original research, preparing a dissertation describing this research and systematic advanced studies in engineering and the underlying sciences. This section discusses the details of the degree regulations.

Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a master's degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics from an accredited college or university. A student with outstanding scholastic achievement who holds only a baccalaureate degree may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program. See later section for requirements.

1. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or better in the last 60 credits of work attempted and must have an official transcript forwarded directly to the FAU Graduate College from each college-level institution attended.

2. Scores of at least 145 (verbal) and 150 (quantitative) on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

3. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both written and spoken English. A student from a non-English-speaking country is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and achieve a score of at least 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) or 79 (iBT).

4. Applicants must submit to the Graduate College at least two letters of recommendation attesting to the student's ability to pursue with distinction a curriculum of advanced study and research in a chosen area.

5. Applicants should abide by the policies and regulations and the graduate admission requirements of the University as outlined in this University Catalog.

6. Conditional admission may be permitted if the above conditions are not met.

Degree Requirements
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Ocean Engineering will be conferred on candidates who have fulfilled the following requirements:

1. Completed 54 credits of course and dissertation work after the M.S. degree (84 credits for those admitted to the Ph.D. directly after the B.S. degree). Of the 54 credits, 21 credits must be coursework;

2. Of the 21-credit minimum of coursework, at least 12 credits must be from the Ocean Engineering Department. No more than 3 credits of directed independent study may be used to satisfy the 21-credit minimum;

3. A minimum of 33 dissertation credits. No more than 39 dissertation credits may be counted toward the total credit requirement for the Ph.D. degree;

4. A major program of research and advanced studies in ocean engineering;

5. A minimum of 9 credits in advanced mathematics or equivalent beyond the B.S. degree;

6. Successful completion of General Examination 1, a written and oral comprehensive examination of coursework;

7. Successful completion of General Examination 2, a dissertation proposal defense;

8. Submitted and defended a dissertation based on original research in the student's area of focus. The supervisory committee, the Department Chair and the Graduate College must have approved the dissertation;

9. Complied with the University's Graduate Policies and Regulations and satisfied the University's Graduate Degree Requirements.

Core Course Requirements
All graduate students, regardless of option or specialty, must complete the following core courses or must offer a satisfactory substitute course of similar content from another university or an appropriate substitute consistent with the student's specialty preference for approval by the supervisory committee.

Transfer Credits
The doctoral program may accept for transfer 6 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree from other institutions to the student's degree program upon approval by the Department and subject to the following restrictions:

1. The student must present a transcript identifying the course in which the student has earned a grade of "B" or better, along with a catalog/course description.

2. The course must not have been counted toward any other graduate or undergraduate degree awarded or to be awarded to the student.

3. The student's advisor and the Ocean Engineering graduate program committee, who may seek the advice of other faculty if needed, will decide whether to accept or reject the course credit.

4. Obtaining credit for a non-FAU course does not alter the total number of credits required for graduation.

Additional credits consistent with University policy may be considered for transfer subject to the restrictions above, if approved by the student's advisor.

Recency of Credits
No credit earned ten or more years before the degree is awarded may be counted toward a graduate degree.

Course Load
Full-time graduate students are those who register for 9 or more credits during the fall and spring semesters and 6 credits during the summer. Students who wish to register for more than 15 credits for any semester must obtain approval in advance from the Graduate College. All students receiving financial assistance must satisfy these requirements, and all international students must be full-time students. In the graduating semester, the student may be allowed to take 1 credit.

Residency Requirements
Candidates must satisfy the minimum residency requirement for the Ph.D. by completing beyond the master's degree either (1) 18 credits in one calendar year, or (2) 24 credits in no more than two calendar years on the SeaTech or Boca Raton campus of FAU. To satisfy University requirements, two semesters must be full-time, consisting of 9 credits in the spring or fall term and 6 credits in the summer term.

Candidates may be permitted to conduct all or part of their research in the field, in government or industrial laboratories or elsewhere off campus only if adequate staff, dissertation research supervision and facilities, as determined by the Department, are available.

Program Options
Students who wish to specialize in specific Ocean Engineering programs may pursue in-depth studies in the areas of marine materials, offshore structures and corrosion; hydrodynamics and physical oceanography; marine vehicles; and acoustics and vibrations. Unless otherwise stated, the Ocean Engineering Department graduate courses are 3 credits each. All programs require a minimum of 9 credits in graduate level mathematics or equivalent.

When suggested elective courses as listed in the following sections are not offered, equivalent courses as determined by the student's supervisory committee may be taken.

Marine Materials, Offshore Structures and Corrosion Option
It is suggested that students in the Marine Materials and Corrosion Option take the following courses in addition to the core courses required for all Ocean Engineering Ph.D. students:

Hydrodynamics and Physical Oceanography Option
It is suggested that students in the Hydrodynamics and Physical Oceanography Option take the following courses in addition to the core courses required for all Ocean Engineering Ph.D. students:

Acoustics and Vibrations Option
It is recommended that students in the Acoustics and Vibrations Option take the following courses in addition to the core courses required for all Ocean Engineering Ph.D. students:

Depending on the student's area of focus, elective courses may be chosen from the courses offered by the Department as well as from supporting departments such as Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering and Physics.

Supervisory Committee
In consultation with the student and the advisor, a supervisory committee will be nominated by the Department Chair, approved by the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and appointed by the Graduate College.

The supervisory committee shall consist of no fewer than four members selected from the Ocean and Mechanical Engineering faculty. Additional members can be from the Ocean and Mechanical Engineering Department, other departments, other universities or from industry.

The committee will include at least one person selected from the faculty from outside the discipline of the student's major. If the student elects or is required to select a minor, this member of the supervisory committee shall represent the discipline selected as the minor.

The supervisory committee should be appointed as soon as possible after the student has passed General Examination 1 and, in general, no later than the end of the second year of equivalent full-time study. Duties of the supervisory committee include:

1. To ensure that the student is aware of all regulations governing the degree. It should be noted, however, that this does not absolve the student of the responsibility of making inquiries regarding the regulations and procedures;

2. To discuss and approve the proposed course of study, dissertation research project and the student's plans for its execution;

3. To conduct and take part in the General Examination 2. No fewer than four faculty members shall be present for the General Examination 2, which must be given on campus;

4. To meet following General Examination 2 to review the research progress, the expected results and make suggestions for completion of the program;

5. To meet on campus when the dissertation is completed and conduct the final oral examination to assure that the dissertation is original research and a contribution to knowledge. No fewer than four faculty members shall be present with the candidate for this examination, but only members of the official supervisory committee are required to sign the dissertation. The supervisory committee must approve the dissertation;

6. To review the student's dissertation carefully. Before signing, each committee member must be sure that it is free of grammatical, editorial or technical errors.

Plan of Study and Admission to Candidacy
Admission to the doctoral program at FAU does not automatically constitute admission to candidacy for the degree. A Plan of Study for the Ph.D. degree (Form 5) must be submitted to the Graduate College before the end of the second semester of enrollment. The Graduate College will admit a student to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree after the following conditions have been met:

1. Admission to graduate school to work toward the doctoral degree;

2. Successful completion of the General Examination 1 (Ph.D. Qualifying Exam);

3. Selection of a dissertation faculty advisor and the formation of a supervisory committee;

4. Formulation and submission of a program of study that is approved by the Department;

5. Recommendation of the supervisory committee and Department Chair.

Note: Students may not enroll for Ph.D. dissertation credits (EOC 7980) until they have been admitted to candidacy.

Following the successful completion of General Examination 1, the student must complete and submit the form "Admission to Candidacy for the Doctoral Degree (Form 8)." General Examination 1 and submission of admission to candidacy form should be completed at least two semesters before the beginning of the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. A student not admitted to candidacy before the beginning of the fourth academic year of graduate work at the University must petition through the College to the Graduate College for permission to register for additional work.

Coursework and Research
The work for the Ph.D. degree must consist of research and advanced studies in ocean engineering. The student who previously obtained a master's degree will be required to complete a total of 54 credits of course and dissertation work for the Ph.D. At least 18 of the credits must be taken from the Ocean Engineering list of courses and all core course requirements must be satisfied. A minimum of 33 credits of doctoral dissertation research will be required. No more than 39 dissertation credits may be counted toward the 54-credit requirement. The remaining credits may be selected from the listing of OE courses, advanced mathematics courses, elective courses, directed independent study (DIS) or dissertation. A minimum of 9 credits of graduate-level mathematics must be satisfied. Also, the supervisory committee may approve up to 6 credits at the 4000 level.

B.S. to Ph.D. Program
A student with outstanding scholastic achievement who holds only a baccalaureate degree (B.S.) may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program in Ocean Engineering. The student with a B.S. will be required to complete a total of 84 credits of course and dissertation work for the Ph.D. At least 18 of the credits must be taken from the Ocean Engineering list of courses, and all core course requirements must be satisfied. A minimum of 33 credits of doctoral dissertation research will be required. No more than 39 dissertation credits may be counted toward the 84-credit requirement. The remaining credits may be selected from the listing of OE courses, advanced mathematics courses, elective courses, directed independent study (DIS) or dissertation. A minimum of 9 credits of graduate level mathematics must be satisfied. Also, the supervisory committee may approve up to 9 credits at the 4000 level.

General Examination 1
After the completion of three Ocean Engineering core courses and three elective courses, the student will be required to take a General Examination 1, or Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, a written and oral examination. The primary purpose of General Examination 1 is to evaluate the student's ability, not only to demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Ocean Engineering course material, but to evaluate original thinking. The written examination will be in three parts: one covering the core courses, one covering elective subjects, and one is a review and analysis of a research paper. A new set of examinations will be prepared and questions and problems from previous examinations are not available to students. It is expected that the examination on the elective courses will center on the student's area of focus.

An overall grade of 70 percent on the written examination is passing, allowing the student to take the oral examination approximately four weeks after passing the written portion. Students who score below 70 percent, but above 50 percent, on the written portion are permitted to take the written examination again the next time it is offered. Students scoring below 50 percent are dismissed from the Ph.D. program. General Examination 1 is scheduled early in the fall semester and early in the spring semester each year.

The oral examination, based on the same courses, will normally be administered about four weeks after the written examination. A five-member examination committee, to be chaired by the student's advisor, will be appointed by the Department Chair. The examination committee holds a meeting to decide the specific format and direction of the oral examination. A student who fails the oral examination may retake the examination once. A failing grade in the second oral examination results in dismissal from the Ph.D. program.

For students who have obtained the M.S. in Ocean Engineering at FAU, General Examination 1 must be taken no later than the beginning of the third semester of Ph.D. study or at the first opportunity it is offered thereafter. Those admitted to the Ph.D. program directly after the B.S. degree may take the examination after completing 24 credits of graduate coursework. For students not so previously enrolled, the exam must be taken by the beginning of the fourth semester or as soon as it is offered thereafter.

General Examination 2
At an appropriate point in the student's graduate studies, typically not before the fifth semester, the student must complete General Examination 2. This is the dissertation proposal defense, in which the student defends the choice of a dissertation topic. The student must have passed General Examination 1, selected the dissertation topic, formed a supervisory committee and completed a literature survey prior to the dissertation proposal defense.

In General Examination 2, the student should be prepared to demonstrate the ability to perform research on a topic approved by the supervisory committee by presenting a comprehensive literature survey combined with a critical analysis of the state of the art in the particular field. While this examination will be centered around the particular research area, it will not necessarily be limited to that subject. If unsuccessful in the examination, the student may, at the discretion of the Department, either remain in the doctoral program and retake the examination at a later date or withdraw from the program. No more than two attempts will be permitted.

Dissertation and Progress Reviews
Following successful completion of the dissertation proposal defense (General Examination 2), the student is expected to engage in an intensive program of coursework and doctoral dissertation based on a major, original research project. During each subsequent semester, the student's supervisory committee will review the progress. If at any time the student's progress in the research is found to be unsatisfactory, the supervisory committee will report to the Department Chair, inform the student in writing as to the nature of the difficulties and record the committee's opinion in the student's file. The student will then be given ample opportunity to improve performance and defend the student's position at a further review meeting held at the end of the semester. If no improvement has been demonstrated, the student's future program, including the continuation of stipend and tuition waiver, may be reconsidered.

By the beginning of the semester in which the degree is to be conferred, a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree must deliver a draft of the dissertation to the supervisory committee. Not less than two weeks after the submission of the first draft of the dissertation, the candidate is expected to give a seminar covering the results of the research; this seminar will be followed by a dissertation examination by the supervisory committee. The seminar should be given as early as possible, but not later than two months before the degree is to be conferred.

The Ph.D. dissertation final version must be approved by the supervisory committee and Department Chair and submitted to the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at least one week prior to the due date for submission to the Graduate College. The candidate is responsible for allowing sufficient time for members of the supervisory committee to examine the dissertation. The dissertation must be delivered to the Department in the format described in the Graduate Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines. The guidelines may also be obtained at the Graduate College or from the Ocean Engineering program.

Upon receiving approval of the Graduate College and following completion of all other University requirements, the degree will be recommended. Application for the degree must be made one semester before the semester of graduation.

Unsatisfactory Performance
A graduate student whose performance is deemed unsatisfactory will be denied further registration in the Department programs.

Unsatisfactory performance is defined as failure to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in all FAU graduate program courses at the end of the second semester in the program (this should normally constitute 15 to 18 credits) or after any subsequent semester.

Please note that this is more strict than the University requirement. A student who exhibits unsatisfactory scholarship in the Ocean Engineering graduate program is not precluded from applying to another program in the University. No graduate credit may be earned for courses completed with a "C-" or lower even if grades in other courses bring the average to a satisfactory level. A student who withdraws from a course after the Drop/Add period may be required to repay any tuition benefits received.

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering that is most directly and broadly concerned with mechanical systems and their use to control and transform energy for the benefit of humankind. Mechanical engineering embraces the science and art of the generation, transmission and utilization of thermal and mechanical energy and the design, production and application of devices and systems.

The Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.) with a major in Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with major in Mechanical Engineering.

To encourage undergraduates to pursue a graduate education, the Department also offers a combined B.S.M.E. to M.S. degree program that permits a student to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree within five years.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program is to provide undergraduate students with the fundamental background necessary for a career in mechanical engineering and for the continuation of their education through postgraduate studies. For graduate students, the Department strives to provide the in-depth background necessary for advanced work in mechanical engineering and to continue their education at the doctoral level. All students are prepared to conduct basic and applied research and to provide service to the engineering profession and the community.

Educational Objectives
The faculty has established three educational objectives for graduates as they progress through their careers:

1. Career Contribution and Advancement: Through their ability to solve engineering problems, meaningful design and hands-on experiences, critical thinking skills, and training in teamwork and communication, graduates will make significant contributions to their chosen field and advance professionally in mechanical engineering or allied disciplines.

2. Professionalism: Graduates will act with both professional and social responsibility in their career field, including a commitment to protect both occupational and public health and safety, and apply ethical standards related to the practice of engineering.

3. Life-Long Learning: Graduates will understand that their undergraduate education was just the beginning of their training and will continue to develop their knowledge and skills through progress toward or completion of graduate education, and/or professional development through short courses or seminars, and/or professional certification and/or participation in professional societies.

Educational Outcomes for Student Performance
The program will meet the above objectives by establishing the following educational outcomes for student performance.

At the time of graduation, the students will attain the following:

1. an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering;

2. an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data;

3. an ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability and sustainability;

4. an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams;

5. an ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems;

6. an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;

7. an ability to communicate effectively;

8. the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic and societal context;

9. a recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning;

10. a knowledge of contemporary issues;

Upon graduation, graduate students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to perform research and/or perform advanced engineering analysis in their area of specialty;

2. Formulate and analyze engineering problems and synthesize and develop appropriate solutions based on fundamental and advanced principles;

3. Design mechanical systems to meet desired specifications using advanced engineering tools and techniques.

Upon graduation, doctoral students will be able to:
1. Perform original research in their area of specialty;

2. Demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge in mathematics and engineering fundamentals relevant to their discipline;

3. Effectively communicate an advanced technical concept to their peers.

Link to Combined Programs
Link to Master's Programs
Link to Doctoral Program

Bachelor's Program

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is an extensive field, and it is necessary for every student to attain considerable knowledge in the mechanical, thermal and material sciences. The program allows for special areas of interest through a sufficient number of technical electives in areas such as mechanical design, energy conservation, controls, environmental control, materials science, computer-aided design and others.

To make a significant contribution to society, both as mechanical engineers and as individuals, students must pursue studies in the humanities and social sciences to better understand their relationship and responsibility to society.

Finally, the student must develop the ability to apply knowledge to the analysis and solution of significant engineering problems through courses in engineering design.

Because mechanical engineering is such a broad field, the program of study forms an excellent background for professional careers in many fields.

Admission Requirements
All students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the University. Please refer to the Admissions section of this catalog.

All students must meet the preprofessional requirements listed above in order to be accepted into the Mechanical Engineering program.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php) and below.

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Transfer students who have an A.A. degree are expected to have completed the following course requirements (deficiencies may be taken at FAU); see the Degree Requirements section of this catalog for the required minimum grades.

Electives may include a course in health, speech, additional humanities or additional social science. Consult an advisor for assistance in selecting the appropriate course(s).

General Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree will be awarded to students who meet the following requirements:

1. Meet all general degree requirements of the University;

2. Attain a grade of "C" or better in each mathematics, science and computers course listed below, in each mechanical engineering core course listed below, in the electrical engineering course listed below, in each Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) and Gordon Rule computational course and in each of the departmentally approved technical electives below;

3. Satisfy the following specific degree requirements, which total 128 credits.

* Four-year students must meet specific course requirements as outlined in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements subsection in the Degree Requirements section of this catalog.

** Four-year students are to take Computer Applications in Mechanical Engineering, EML 2538, offered by the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering.

Electives
14 credits (minimum) of departmentally approved technical electives. Students are required to have two design credits in the technical electives as identified in the approved list in the advising manual.

Directed independent study (DIS) may be used as credit toward one technical elective in the student's program with approval of the faculty advisor and the Department Chair. Only in special cases of follow-up projects with the same faculty advisor, specifically approved by the Department Chair, will DIS be allowed as credit for a second technical elective.

Students are encouraged to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination for their professional development. It is recommended that it be taken in the first semester of the senior year. As an incentive to take the exam, students can earn the equivalent of 2 credits of technical elective toward their degree requirements. If they pass the exam, they will register for 2 credits of EML 4905, Directed Independent Study—Professional Registration, in the following semester and will be given pass/fail credit for the course.

Sample Four-Year Program of Study for Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

* Course meets Writing Across Curriculum (Gordon Rule) requirements.

** Courses may be selected from the appropriate portion of the Intellectual Foundations Program.

Cooperative Education
Students in the Mechanical Engineering program are encouraged to consider gaining practical experience through participation in Cooperative Education. For information, contact the Department co-op advisor or the Office of Engineering Career Development, 561-297-2694.



Combined Programs

B.S.M.E. to M.S. Degree Program (Thesis Option)

Candidates seeking a combined program leading to both Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science degrees with the thesis option must complete an approved program of at least 30 credits. Out of those 30, 9 credits will count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Degree Requirements
Candidates must complete the following:

1.Three core courses (9 credits): EGM 6533, Advanced Strength of Materials; EML 6223, Mechanical Vibrations or EML 6930, Special Topics (Control); and EML 6930, Special Topics (Fluid Dynamics);

2. A math course (3 credits): either MAP 4306, Engineering Mathematics 2, or EOC 5172, Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1;

3. Four technical electives (12 credits). Two courses may be at the 4000 level or higher;

4. Up to three courses may be taken while the student is an undergraduate;

5. Before the end of the student's third semester of full-time enrollment, a written thesis proposal must be submitted to the supervisory committee and defended in an oral examination;

6. A master's thesis (6 credits), which must be defended at an oral examination;

7. At least one-half of the credits must be at the 6000 level or above;

8. At least one-half of the credits must be from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section.

B.S.M.E. to M.S. Degree Program (Non-Thesis Option)

Candidates seeking a combined program leading to both Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science degrees with the non-thesis option must complete an approved program of at least 33 credits. Out of those 33, 9 credits will count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Degree Requirements
Candidates must complete the following:

1. Three core courses (9 credits): EGM 6533, Advanced Strength of Materials; EML 6223, Mechanical Vibrations or EML 6930, Special Topics (Control); and EML 6930, Special Topics (Fluid Dynamics);

2. A math course (3 credits): either MAP 4306, Engineering Mathematics 2, or EOC 5172, Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1;

3. Seven technical electives (21 credits). Two courses may be at the 4000 level;

4. Up to three courses may be taken while the student is an undergraduate;

5. At the time of application for degree, students must submit a portfolio to their advisor consisting of four graduate projects from 11 courses in their program of study. The portfolio will be reviewed by the student's supervisory committee;

6. At least one-half of the credits must be at the 6000 level or above;

7. At least one-half of the credits must be from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section.

B.S.M.E. to M.S. Degree Program (Non-Thesis Option/Business Minor)

Candidates seeking a combined program leading to both Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science degrees with the non-thesis option and with a minor in Business must complete an approved program of at least 36 credits. Out of those 36, 9 credits will count toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.

Prerequisite Coursework for Transfer Students
Students transferring to Florida Atlantic University must complete both lower-division requirements (including the requirements of the Intellectual Foundations Program) and requirements for the college and major. Lower-division requirements may be completed through the A.A. degree from any Florida public college, university or community college or through equivalent coursework at another regionally accredited institution. Before transferring and to ensure timely progress toward the baccalaureate degree, students must also complete the prerequisite courses for their major as outlined in the Transfer Student Manual (see www.fau.edu/registrar/tsm.php).

All courses not approved by the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System that will be used to satisfy requirements will be evaluated individually on the basis of content and will require a catalog course description and a copy of the syllabus for assessment.

Degree Requirements
Candidates must complete the following:

1. Three core courses (9 credits): EGM 6533, Advanced Strength of Materials; EML 6223, Mechanical Vibrations or EML 6930, Special Topics (Control); and EML 6930, Special Topics (Fluid Dynamics);

2. A math course (3 credits): either MAP 4306, Engineering Mathematics 2, or EOC 5172, Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1;

3. Three technical electives (9 credits) at the 5000 or 6000 level from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section;

4. Up to three courses may be taken while the student is an undergraduate;

5. Five business courses (15 credits) as described at the beginning of this College of Engineering and Computer Science section;

6. At the time of application for degree, students must submit a portfolio to their advisor consisting of four graduate projects from 12 courses in their program of study. The portfolio will be reviewed by the student's supervisory committee;

7. At least one-half of the credits must be at the 6000 level or above;

8. At least one-half of the credits must be from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section.



Master's Programs

The Master of Science program has both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 credits of coursework and a thesis (6 additional credits). The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 33 credits of coursework. Requirements for the Ph.D. program are described later in this section.

Each student must complete a comprehensive and coordinated Plan of Study requiring depth in one or more of the following areas: mechanical systems, solid body mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, thermal/fluid systems, helicopter dynamics, materials, manufacturing, controls, robotics and CAD/CAM.

Admission Requirements
Usual admission requirements are as follows. Students with non-engineering bachelor's degrees, click here for additional requirements.

1. A baccalaureate degree in Engineering, Natural Science or Mathematics, but preferably in Mechanical Engineering and from a regionally accredited institution. A student who does not have a background in mechanical engineering should expect to take additional undergraduate mechanical engineering coursework.

2. Demonstrated proficiency in both written and spoken English. A student from a non-English-speaking country is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam and achieve a score of at least 550 (CBT-213, iBT-79).

3. At least a 3.0 (of a 4.0 maximum) GPA in the last 60 credits attempted prior to graduation.

4. A score of 145 or higher on the verbal and 150 or higher on the quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a combined score of 1000 or higher on the verbal and quantitative portions of the GRE taken prior to fall 2011. GRE scores more than five years old will not be accepted.

5. Petitions for admittance to the program will not be accepted when a student wishes to include more than five courses taken as a non-degree-seeking student.

Admission to Candidacy
A student is eligible to apply for candidacy when:

1. The student has completed a minimum of 9 credits as a graduate student.

2. The student has maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all courses attempted as a graduate student.

3. The student has filed an approved Plan of Study for the degree program.

Students should file for candidacy as soon as they are eligible. Usually, no more than 20 credits of completed work before admission to candidacy will be accepted toward a degree program. A student should be admitted to candidacy prior to beginning work on thesis.

Degree Requirements
Students must satisfy all of the University graduate requirements.

Link to Master of Science with Major in Mechanical Engineering
Non-thesis Option and Non-thesis Option with a Business Minor

Link to Master of Science with Major in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Management Minor



Master of Science with Major in Mechanical Engineering (Thesis Option)

Candidates for the Master of Science degree with the thesis option must complete an approved program of at least 30 credits including:

1. Three core courses (9 credits): EGM 6533, Advanced Strength of Materials; EML 6223, Mechanical Vibrations or EML 6930, Special Topics (Control); and EML 6930, Special Topics (Fluid Dynamics);

2. A math course (3 credits): either MAP 4306, Engineering Mathematics 2, or EOC 5172, Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1;

3. Four technical electives (12 credits); two courses may be at the 4000 level;

4. Before the end of the student's third semester of full-time enrollment, a written thesis proposal must be submitted to the supervisory committee and defended in an oral examination;

5. A Master's thesis (6 credits), which must be defended at an oral examination;

6. At least one-half of the credits must be at the 6000 level or above;

7. At least one-half of the credits must be from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section.

Master of Science with Major in Mechanical Engineering
Non-Thesis Option and Non-Thesis Option with a Business Minor

Candidates for the Master of Science degree with the non-thesis option must complete an approved program of at least 33 credits including:

1. Three core courses (9 credits): EGM 6533, Advanced Strength of Materials; EML 6223, Mechanical Vibrations or EML 6930, Special Topics (Control); and EML 6930, Special Topics (Fluid Dynamics);

2. A math course (3 credits): either MAP 4306, Engineering Mathematics 2, or EOC 5172, Mathematical Methods in Ocean Engineering 1;

3. Seven technical electives (21 credits); two courses may be at the 4000 level or higher with the additional courses at the 5000- or 6000-level;

4. At the time of application for degree, students must submit a portfolio to their advisor consisting of four graduate projects from 11 courses in their program of study. The portfolio will be reviewed by the student's supervisory committee;

5. At least one-half of the credits must be at the 6000 level or above;

6. At least one-half of the credits must be from the list of Mechanical Engineering courses shown in the Engineering and Computer Science Course Descriptions section.