MAE MS Program Overview

Thesis Option — One Page Summary

Note: This page provides a high-level summary. Always refer to official MAE program documentation for definitive requirements.

Course Requirements

  • At least 21 credits must be from within the MAE department (including research credits)
  • At least 5 MAE classes (15 credits)
  • 6 credits from MAE560 (MS Thesis)
  • Up to 9 credits (3 classes) may be outside MAE (may require GSC approval)

Typical Timeline

Semester 1 (Fall)

  • Typically 3–4 classes (depending on immigration status)

Semester 2

  • Typically 3–4 classes

Semester 3

  • 3 credits of MAE560 (MS Thesis)
  • 1-2 classes

Semester 4

  • 3 credits of MAE560 (MS Thesis)
  • 0-1 classes

Graduate Seminar

  • All MS students must register for one semester of the graduate seminar

Course Planning

  • Talk with other graduate students
  • Use the #course-planning Slack channel

Registering for MAE560

Registration requires a forced registration form. The graduate coordinator will register students after:

  • Departmental agreement is completed
  • Advisor approval is established

Research

Refer to the graduate onboarding document for expectations and structure.

Thesis Defense

  • Requires 3 MAE faculty members
  • Thesis must be sent to the committee at least one week prior
  • Must use the UB ETD template
  • Defense must be publicly announced via the graduate coordinator