Co-Terminal Programs

The Co-Terminal Program provides the opportunity for Rensselaer undergraduates to utilize an additional 9th and 10th semester of their Rensselaer financial aid to complete a master’s degree. Students can apply to MANE's Master’s Program, following the same curriculum as other master’s students that entered through the traditional route. The MANE department offers graduate programs in mechanical engineeringaeronautical engineering, and nuclear engineering. To accommodate a student’s career plans and interests, the graduate programs are structured to allow great flexibility in choosing appropriate courses, while ensuring sufficient depth and breadth.


The five-year co-terminal degree timeline is achievable by many students in good academic standing. Students who enter Rensselaer with some college credits (for example, AP credits) will find it easiest to complete the program in five years. For others, completion of the program may require more than five years. Only students who have already engaged in undergraduate research may find the Master of Science (M.S.) degree feasible, since there is a time-intensive thesis associated with it. Most students will find the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) more suitable, since it can be completed by taking a combination of coursework and a project research. 


When can I apply?

Rensselaer undergraduates may apply to the program in the Spring or Fall semester of their junior year, once they have attained 90 credits (in progress or earned) of coursework towards their undergraduate degree. Students must apply to the co-terminal program before the end of their first semester of senior year.

Application Deadlines:

    • For students with a BS graduation in May:     November 1 
    • For students with a BS graduation in December:   April 15

Do I need a Graduate Research Advisor to apply?

Yes. Applicants must secure a Graduate Research Advisor prior to applying. The Graduate Research Advisor will assist with course planning, research assignments, and provide advice for graduate school.

How do I find a Graduate Research Advisor?

  • It is recommended that applicants review suggestions found in Find a graduate research advisor.
  • Review the list of project examples available here. If you find a project that interests you, meet with the associated faculty to discuss opportunities.
  • Review the list of MANE faculty and their research at https://mane.rpi.edu/research.

Advising

Students are required to meet with their advisors at least once per semester, from the time they are accepted into the co-terminal degree program until the time they are awarded their degrees. Most critically, students must submit an updated Graduate Plan of Study at a date between their pre-registration for their final semester and the start of that final semester. Once accepted into the program, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in courses used towards their graduate degree, as required by the graduate school, otherwise the graduate degree will not be granted.

What is the GPA requirement for MANE Co-term Programs?

The MANE Department requires a 3.3 gpa. If your GPA meets the Institute requirement of 3.0, but is below a 3.3, you may still submit your application. When your completed application is going through the review process, MANE will ask you for the name of a faculty member that can provide a letter of recommendation for you. This is requested by MANE; not the applicant.

What is the application process?

  1. Meet with Financial Aid to determine financial impact of completing a Master’s through the Co-term program. Important Financial Aid Info to Consider as a Co-Terminal Student
  2. Meet with your undergraduate advisor to ensure you are on track to complete your undergraduate course requirements within 8 semesters.
  3. Secure a research position. Find a graduate research advisor.
  4. Complete the Graduate Plan of Study and Course Planner student should meet with their graduate research advisor for assistance in graduate course selection for the Plan of Study (pdf) and 4th/5th Year Course Planner. In preparing these forms, applicants should inform themselves of the MANE Masters requirements, which may be found at http://mane.rpi.edu/graduate.
  5. Submit the completed Graduate Plan of Study (signed by your advisor) and Course Planner to maceyb2@rpi.edu. *Note – all forms must be completed electronically.
  6. MANE Graduate Student Services will review your submission and prepare additional documents necessary for the application. Once approved, the signed forms and supporting documents will be returned to you with instructions to complete the on-line application.
  7. All Co-Terminal students are required to attend academic orientation during the final semester of their undergraduate program. Orientations are typically held the week prior to the start of classes.

**APPLICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE UPLOADED OR SUBMITTED UNTIL APPROVAL AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE SENT FROM THE MANE DEPARTMENT. **

For additional information please contact Beth Macey at maceyb2@rpi.edu.