Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
Jay Gogue, Interim President of the NMSU System | New Mexico State University
The College of Engineering at New Mexico State University provides a new program tailored to help individuals with an engineering bachelor’s degree obtain a professional master’s degree, known as a Master’s of Engineering or M.E.
The M.E. degree is versatile, available for any engineering discipline at the college, and can be pursued on-campus or online through NMSU Global. The program consists of 10 courses or 30 credit hours, with five mandatory courses in the selected major and five elective courses aligned with student interests.
Interim College of Engineering Dean David Jauregui explains, “The M.E. provides a roadmap for a multi-disciplinary degree,” highlighting its adaptability and breadth compared to a traditional Master of Science degree. These additional courses can be from other engineering fields or external to the college, with advisor approval.
One advantage is the availability of full-tuition scholarships through a STEM Graduate Fellowship for New Mexico high school graduates pursuing full-time graduate studies. This can expedite the journey for engineering undergraduates seeking further education.
Adriana Rios Miranda, a civil engineering graduate now pursuing the M.E., sees the degree as a smooth transition to employment, enhancing job prospects and potential salaries. The program is particularly beneficial for engineers in disciplines like civil, surveying, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering, aiding in state board licensure requirements.
Luis Guigon Canseco, an M.E. graduate in civil engineering, attests to the program's value in expanding knowledge and career opportunities. The degree can also assist working engineers by fulfilling professional development hours for licensure maintenance.
Jauregui notes the importance of staying updated with technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, essential in modern engineering roles. Employers often prefer candidates with graduate degrees for higher-level positions, indicating better long-term financial prospects.
For further details on the M.E. degree, contact Umaima Al Aqutash, program advisor, at 575-646-3171 or umaimaq@nmsu.edu.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University interim College of Engineering Dean David Jauregui emphasizes the benefits of a new multi-disciplinary professional Master’s of Engineering degree for students and working professionals seeking educational advancement and enhanced professional value. (NMSU College of Engineering photo)