2011-2012 Catalog

ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

Master of Science in Quality and Leadership

The Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Quality and Leadership is designed to provide individuals with existing degrees in Technology or Business related fields with an in-depth study of the organizational, technical, and strategic tools commonly used in manufacturing to improve productivity. This degree is targeted to working professionals and other individuals who have a background in one of these fields, but are seeking to expand their knowledge across these disciplines. The program emphasizes the application of these tools to address quality, technology implementation, and productivity issues in manufacturing related industries to help manufacturers standardize procedures, measure performance, improve customer satisfaction, and manage resources more wisely.

Leveling Requirements

After an MS, MQL applicant is admitted to the College of Graduate Studies, his/her transcript, application, essay, and test scores are evaluated by the Engineering Technology Graduate Admissions Committee. This Committee evaluates the student’s educational background and work experience to determine what leveling requirements or program prerequisites may be needed. Leveling requirements will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may be satisfied by taking graduate or undergraduate courses or departmental subject area examinations or other appropriate means. A student whose undergraduate degree was not in a business or manufacturing related field or who does not have relevant manufacturing professional experience should expect to be required to take some undergraduate courses (that do not count toward the 36 hours required for the degree) to be prepared for successful graduate study in Manufacturing Quality and Leadership.

Degree Requirements

* Students are advised to complete this course within the first 12 hours of the program.

The thesis option involves an original research project under the direction of a graduate faculty member and the preparation of a thesis in addition to the prescribed course work. A thesis proposal will be prepared for approval by the student’s advisory committee and the College of Graduate Studies prior to the initiation of research. The thesis proposal and the thesis will be in conformance with the guidelines and deadlines established by the College of Graduate Studies. The thesis must demonstrate the capability of the student to perform original research and to present the results obtained from such research in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.

Comprehensive Examination

Each student in the MS, MQL program is required to pass a comprehensive examination before receiving his/her degree. Students are required to demonstrate their understanding of management and leadership. Students take the comprehensive examination in the semester they are enrolled in MQL 598, Seminar in Manufacturing Quality Topics, which serves as the MS, MQL capstone course. Normally, MQL 598 should be taken in the student’s last semester of enrollment or after completion of all other core courses. Information about the comprehensive examination requirement is available from the student’s academic advisor.