Duke Engineering Graduate Programs
Master of Science/ Doctorate
Curriculum:
Research degree comprised of advanced technical coursework and a thesis (M.S.) or a doctorate (Ph.D.) in a chosen discipline.
Professional Interests:
Research or technology development in academia, industry, or government.
Duration:
2 years (M.S.) to 6 years (Ph.D.)
Work Experience:
Varies, depending on the discipline and degree sought.
Ideal Candidates for a Ph.D.:
- Interested in leading specialized research efforts in academia, industry or a government lab
- Motivated to publish peer-reviewed research with faculty advisers
- Prepared to present research efforts to professional and technical societies at conferences
- Interested in careers that focus on research and technology development
- Willing to work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment
Ideal Candidates for the Thesis- or Project-based Master of Science Degree are:
- Seeking a career in a research environment or want to use a master's program as preparation to apply for a doctoral program
- Interested in working in areas such as technology development and product design
- Willing to work in interdisciplinary research groups to gain practical research skills
- Interested in co-authoring published research and presenting to professional peers
Master of Engineering
Curriculum:
Non-thesis degree comprised of strong technical education supplemented with core business courses. Requires an internship, applied research experience, or project.
Professional Interests:
Product design, product development, and innovation in industry
Duration:
1.5 - 2 years
Work Experience:
Recommended for students with less than five years of work experience, and tailored for students in the earliest stages of their careers.
Ideal Candidates are:
- Early career technical professionals pursuing a practice-oriented degree in industry
- Interested in product development, engineering support and technology innovation
- Interested in a curriculum that encompasses strong technical depth supplemented with core business fundamentals
- Willing to gain real world experience through an internship or applied research experience
- Interested in a non-thesis master's program
Master of Engineering Management
Curriculum:
Non-thesis degree with four core business courses and four technical electives in engineering, technology management or interdisciplinary studies. An internship, seminars, and workshops are required curriculum components.
Professional Interests:
Technology leadership, entrepreneurship, and management positions in industry.
Duration:
1 year for campus program; 2 years for low-residency distance option
Work Experience:
Recommended for students with less than five years of work experience, and tailored for students in the earliest stages of their careers.
Distance Learning:
Duke's Distributed Master of Engineering Management Program (d-MEMP) is an innovative low-residency distance option for early-career working professional with a 2 year duration.
Ideal Candidates for Master of Engineering Management Program:
- Early career professional seeking to gain business acumen for the technology industry
- Interested in a curriculum that encompasses courses in marketing, finance, management and law
- Interested in gaining greater technical depth through engineering electives, technology management courses or interdisciplinary studies
- Willing to gain real world experience through an internship
- Willing to participate in seminars and workshops
Ideal Candidates for Distance MEM Program:
- Early career professional seeking to pursue an engineering management master's degree program while maintaining his/her professional career track.
