How is this degree different from an MBA?
MBA programs traditionally emphasize management by the numbers, i.e., using financial measures to gage performance, marketing analysis to forecast profitability, etc., with some organizational behavior. The MSETM program, on the other hand, builds upon your technical expertise and adds the managerial aspects of leading in a technologically-rich environment. Our graduate students learn about the economics and organizational behavior, but they also learn about quality systems, legal and ethical issues, supply chains, project management, and emerging technologies. If you plan to manage engineering or technical professionals, our program is one to choose. We have students in the MSETM program who already have MBAs. They are in our program because they feel our degree is applicable to their technical-professional growth and salary.
How is this degree different from an Engineering MS degree?
Engineering MS degrees are usually heavily loaded with prerequisites in the specific engineering discipline (e.g., mechanical, electrical, industrial, etc.). What is required is a fundamental knowledge of the technical requirements for a specific business and a high level of technical literacy. Most specific business knowledge can be learned with business/industry experience. However, an advanced degree is required for a promotion. Thus, the MSTM degree provides the skill sets needed to manage in a technical environment and thrive.
Are there jobs/careers for MSETM graduates?
The MSETM career path would lead to job titles like Chief Operations Officer (COO), Plant Manager, Facilities Manager, Engineering Manager, or Information Technology Manager. Our graduates fall into four primary categories:
Managers
Engineers
Entrepreneurs
Educators
Imagine job titles with a blank in front of them such as Project Manager, Project Engineer or Facilities Manager, Facilities Engineer, etc. The small business owners and educators obviously have a variety of titles. The applied areas are wide ranging in manufacturing, construction, architecture, technical health services, information technology, government, food processing, finance, vocational teaching, and administration.
Can I take classes without being admitted into the MSETM program?
Students can enroll in one semester of coursework prior to admission as a non-degree seeking student for up to 12 credit hours. During this time, the student may not receive student loans. Upon admission, the credit hours received in that semester may only be used towards the applied program.
I had a low GAP score. Can I still be admitted to the program?
Yes. With additional documentation such as a statement of goals, letters of support, scholarly papers or projects, applicant can be admitted into the program conditionally with full admission based upon performance in specified graduate course work.
I have already taken the GMAT. Can I substitute it in place of the GRE score?
Yes. Speak with the program advisor on how to do this.
Can I start the MSETM program while I am still an undergraduate?
Yes. Undergraduate seniors at Western may enroll in graduate course work (i.e., courses requiring graduate standing) during their final semester provided they meet the following conditions:
1. Meet the admission requirements for the graduate program, including the entrance examination (e.g., GRE)
2. Make formal application to graduate study one semester prior to graduation (Form A should be submitted to Graduate Studies at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the semester),
3. Carry a final semester course load of no more than 15 hours (combined undergraduate and graduate hours), and
4. Do not, in any way, attempt to apply the graduate course(s) to the undergraduate academic program.
Students wishing to pursue graduate credit must file the appropriate paper work, which can be obtained in the Office of Graduate Studies.
What is the maximum number of units that I can take per term?
The number of semester hours of credit that may be earned during a given term may not exceed 15 hours. Appointed Graduate Assistants cannot take more than 12 credit hours per semester.
How long do I have to complete my degree?
All requirements for MSETM degree must be completed within six years from the date the first course is taken. Failure to complete a degree in six years will result in the loss of all credits taken outside of the time limit. Students may request an extension to be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis, and a student is not guaranteed approval.
Can I transfer units from another graduate degree program?
A maximum of twelve (12) semester hours of graduate credit earned at other institutions or programs at WKU may be accepted toward meeting course requirements for the graduate program with advisor approval.
The following requirements must be met:
1. The credit(s) must have been earned at an accredited graduate institution;
2. The course work to be transferred must be properly designated as having been taken for graduate credit;
3. The grade point average must be at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) on all graduate course work appearing on the transcript before specific courses can be transferred;
4. Additionally, the courses to be transferred must carry a grade of B or better;
5. Credits must have been earned within the six-year time limit for degree completion;
6. Any course(s) to be transferred must be appropriate for degree completion; and
7. At least 12 hours in the major area must be taken at WKU.
The “Transfer Credit Practices” report published by the American Association of Registrar’s and Admissions Officers is the reference used in evaluating credits.
Transfer credits taken during the final semester of a program will delay program completion until official transcripts have been received in the Office of Graduate Studies and Research.
Students who have taken graduate courses in Management of Technology Master of Science program at Murray State University may transfer up to 15 units with advisor approval.
Can I transfer unused undergraduate courses into the MSETM degree program?
No. Only courses specified on the Form C and approved by the advisor for graduate level credit may apply to the program.
What is the Research Tool Requirement?
The research tool is a University requirement that can be met by demonstrating competency in an appropriate research technique. For the MSETM program, this comptency is met by taking the course AMS 571 Research Methods in Technology Management. This course supports graduate research for the thesis or graduate project.
Undergraduate courses taken previously cannot be used in lieu of the research tool, but other graduate courses from other programs (500 and up) may count with advisor approval. AMS 571 must be completed within the first 15 units of the graduate program with a minimum grade of B. This course must be taken prior to obtaining admission to candidacy.
What Grade Point Average (GPA) must I maintain?
A 3.0 (B average) GPA must be maintained for both the overall and degree program.
When do I need to submit my Form C?
The Form C MUST be submitted prior to the completion of twelve (12) hours of graduate course work (inclusive of transfer credit). Form C is developed by the student together with the advisor and lists the courses needed to graduate. Failure to file the Form C will result in not being able to register for any additional courses until the Form C is submitted with appropriate signatures.
What is a Form D?
Form D is the admission to candidacy that must be submitted by all degree seeking students. The purpose of the Form D is to provide a planned, formal review of student progress toward the specified program of study (Form C).
What does admission to candidacy require?
Admission to candidacy requires the following:
- Approved Form C
- Removal of any deficiencies or conditions for full admission
- GPA of at least 3.0 on all graduate course work
- Completion of the Research Tool course
- Approval by the major advisor
- Approval by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research
The Form D MUST be approved and signed by the advisor or departmental representative before submitting the form to Graduate Studies and Research.
When should I submit the Form D?
The Form D should be submitted before completion of 21 credit hours and after, if applicable, completion of the research tool course (AMS 571). Any prior coursework deficiencies must removed with a grade of A or B, and the completion of at least 15 hours of course work.
Do I have to take a comprehensive examination before I receive my degree?
Yes. All graduate students must complete an oral examination. For the MSETM program, this is typically done at the time the student (a) defends his/her thesis, or (b) presents his/her graduate project.
The following requirements must be met before students are permitted to take the comprehensive exam: (a) gain admission to candidacy; (b) have no more than nine hours remaining on the degree program; (c) complete any additional requirements as specified by the faculty in the department; and (d) complete at least one half of the course work in an approved program minor (if applicable). Students must also submit Form E with the appropriate thesis or graduate project committee signatures.
When do I need to submit my thesis or project?
Students should submit their thesis or project at least three (3) weeks prior to the end of the term or the scheduled oral defense date.
To whom do I submit my thesis or project?
Students submit their thesis or project to their selected graduate committee. See the guidelines for projects and theses.
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