Graduate Dual Degree ProgramMaster of Science in Chemical and Petroleum EngineeringRequirementsDual Master's DegreeThe dual program is offered to broaden the technical capabilities of students so that they can address problems in both disciplines. A program of study is available in which a student may pursue a dual degree between chemical engineering and petroleum engineering, petroleum engineering and mathematics, or chemical engineering and mathematics. In general, a 42-credit requirement is necessary, having fundamental courses in both areas. Both thesis or non-thesis options are possible and the total time required to complete the dual degree is less than that required for two separate MS degrees. The required chemical engineering courses are: CHE 2301, 2101, 2201, and ChE 2410 And the required petroleum engineering courses are: PETE 2201, 2202, 2203, 2204, 2205*, 2207*, 2210, 2214; GEOL 1413; and two advanced math courses. * Optional or on an ad hoc basis The required courses in the mathematics area will vary with the student's interest. Courses in the following areas are suggested:
The remainder of the courses may be taken from graduate offerings in the various fields. All other departmental regulations listed previously apply to the Master of Science dual-degree program. Graduate SeminarAll full-time students must attend graduate seminar during the Fall and Spring terms and register for ChE 3001 Graduate Seminar. MS Research MethodologyIn addition to the courses listed above, all students are required to register for the 1-credit course CHE 2980: MS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY each term until graduation. Students in this course are evaluated on their performance in the research laboratory. MS Final Examination (Defense)A final review (oral defense) of the thesis must be conducted by the thesis committee in order to determine the acceptability of the thesis. Upon discussions with the research advisor that the MS thesis is done, the student forms this MS thesis committee in consultation with the advisor which must consist of the MS research advisor, at least one other faculty member from the Chemical Engineering department, and at least one additional faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh. The committee may also include members from outside Pitt. The student should discuss with the advisor who would be best to be on this committee based on their expertise. The research advisor serves as the committee chair. The student should set up a time for the MS thesis exam allowing approximately two hours duration in consult with the committee. The student should give the committee copies of the written thesis at least three weeks before the defense unless the members agree to accept it closer to the time of the exam. For this exam, the student makes a presentation—usually about 20-30 minutes in length if uninterrupted—covering the main conclusions of the dissertation research. The organization of the presentation may vary somewhat but often includes the following:
The committee may interrupt the presentation to ask questions or request a clarification. At the end of the presentation, the committee chair asks each committee member in turn if they have additional questions which they usually do. The committee may ask questions based on the material in the thesis and in fields related to the research. At the end of the exam, the student and all visitors are asked to leave and the committee discusses the results of the exam and votes to pass or fail. If a student passes, the student finalizes the thesis taking into account all requests by the committee for changes and receives the MS. If the student fails, the student can repeat the exam once. |
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