Minnesota State University Courses & Fees

A multidisciplinary degree program oriented toward examining and understanding the broad range of problems and opportunities associated with the nation's urban and regional areas. Students in the degree program may prepare themselves for professional leadership careers in local government management and public administration, or use the degree as preparation for Ph.D. study. The program requirements are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring a multidisciplinary, problem-solving perspective. 

The MS program prepares students for a career as a computing professional, yet offers enough flexibility to allow a student to design a course of study suitable for preparation for doctoral work in information technology. The program is designed to offer graduate level educational opportunities with an applied computing perspective. It addresses the pre–service as well as occupational and career advancement needs of baccalaureate-prepared computer technologists. The program objectives are:

The MS Automotive Engineering Technology degree program prepares graduates for careers in product research, design, and development, along with manufacturing in the original equipment and aftermarket industries. Fields include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, vehicle emissions, safety, fuels and lubricants, construction, industrial, and agricultural equipment.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology Department offers programs leading to a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MS-EE). The MS-EE allows students to complete advanced study in various areas of electrical engineering. Students are able to complete the degree with a thesis, design project or alternate plan paper.

The engineering programs offer a Master of Science in Engineering (MS) degree with specializations in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The MSE for Mechanical Engineering carries forward the philosophy of our undergraduate program and is devoted to producing application-oriented mechanical engineers. Our program is built to provide students with experiences and opportunities for growth.

The Masters of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology is a program intended for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering technology or engineering who have a desire to obtain a specialized education in modern manufacturing. Students with other undergraduate majors may also enter the program but may have a considerable number of deficiencies which must be made up at the undergraduate level. The emphasis of the program is the technology and organization of manufacturing in a competitive global world. This program prepare graduates for positions involving research engineering and design in industries such as automation, quality, and manufacturing processes.

The program is designed to prepare students with the scientific and technical training necessary to advance and excel in industry, while simultaneously developing highly valued business skills. The program is characterized by the "manufacturing-plus" curricula, combining rigorous graduate study in manufacturing with coursework in management, communication, and other professional skills that are in high demand. The program focuses on written and verbal communication skills, leadership, and team-building required in professional settings. Instead of a thesis, a collaborative research project is required. The program is recognized by the Commission on Affiliation of Professional Science Master's Programs (PSM Commission). 

The engineering programs offer a Master of Science in Engineering (MS) degree with specializations in either Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. The MS for Mechanical Engineering carries forward the philosophy of our undergraduate program and is devoted to producing application oriented mechanical engineers. Our programs are built to provide students with experiences and opportunities for growth.The Mechanical Engineering program is designed to serve the following constituencies:* New engineering graduates who want to increase their depth of knowledge before entry into the engineering workforce.* Engineers in business and industry who want to continue their formal engineering education at the postgraduate level.* Engineering graduates interested in research or pursuing a future doctorate.

The graduate program in Applied Statistics is designed to prepare students to join twenty-first century business and industry in their growing needs for statistical analyses. An optimal mix of mathematical and computational background also enables the graduates to contribute effectively in the educational institutions. A Common Core course is waived if credit has been received for an equivalent course with grade of C or better at the undergraduate or graduate levels. All Required Common Core courses, or their equivalents, must be completed before graduation. College of Graduate Study and Research Transfer policy applies

The Biological Sciences graduate program is designed flexibly to allow students, with their advisors, to mold and focus their program of study on professional interests and specific needs. To do this, students can draw from a broad range of graduate courses and select from a diverse and well-trained faculty for direction in research.

The Department of Biological Sciences is located in Trafton Science Center, one of the best science buildings in the state university system. Trafton Science Center presents an open, collaborative atmosphere for graduate study and research, and includes well-equipped research and classroom laboratories. Another attractive feature is Biology's proximity to other science departments, whose faculty members provide opportunities for multidisciplinary study in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics and electrical engineering.

The Biological Sciences graduate program is designed flexibly to allow students, with their advisors, to mold and focus their program of study on professional interests and specific needs. To do this, students can draw from a broad range of graduate courses and select from a diverse and well-trained faculty for direction in research.

The Department of Biological Sciences is located in Trafton Science Center, one of the best science buildings in the state university system. Trafton Science Center presents an open, collaborative atmosphere for graduate study and research, and includes well-equipped research and classroom laboratories. Another attractive feature is Biology's proximity to other science departments, whose faculty members provide opportunities for multidisciplinary study in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, physics and electrical engineering.

The department's modern facilities provide opportunities for research and teaching, with 18 research laboratories, plus support areas. Among those are a media kitchen, environmental chambers, animal complex, greenhouse, dishwashing facility, herbarium, museum and a garage for field equipment. The department's equipment is suitable for biological investigations ranging from ecosystem analysis to subcellular physiology.

The MFA is sought by students interested in the study of forensics. Forensics is a co-curricular speech and debate program offered at many high schools, colleges, and universities. Students interested in the MFA typically want to pursue teaching/coaching positions in an academic environment or want to pursue professional careers involving public speaking, training and development, or public service skills. 

The MS in Environmental Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree combining science and non-science courses from across the University. The degree provides applied, cross-disciplinary training preparing students to solve environmental problems using the scientific method combined with a knowledge of environmental regulations and policy. Students gain knowledge through research and coursework in quantitative research methods, natural sciences, and political science, planning or geography. 

The graduate program in Gender and Women's Studies prepares students for careers in non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study. Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field examining the social construction of gender and sexuality and the intersections of all forms of oppression. The graduate program examines feminist theory and activism and helps students develop skills to bridge the two. The graduate program in Gender & Women's Studies offers both Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees.

Departmental faculty areas of interest include feminist theory, violence against women, gender and law, women's and girls' history, history of sexuality, LGBT/queer studies, feminism & mothering, African Diaspora, Caribbean women writers, and feminist pedagogy. 

The graduate program in Gender and Women's Studies prepares students for careers in non-profits, activism, and advocacy, or for further graduate study. Gender and Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary field examining the social construction of gender and sexuality and the intersections of all forms of oppression. The graduate program examines feminist theory and activism and helps students develop skills to bridge the two. The graduate program in Gender & Women's Studies offers both Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees.

Departmental faculty areas of interest include feminist theory, violence against women, gender and law, women's and girls' history, history of sexuality, LGBT/queer studies, feminism & mothering, African Diaspora, Caribbean women writers, and feminist pedagogy. 

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics offers four master’s programs: Mathematics MA, Mathematics and Statistics MS, Applied Statistics MS, and Mathematics Education MS. The Mathematics MA has three emphases: a broad selection of courses in mathematics, mathematics and computer sciences, and mathematics and community college teaching.

Students in this program have the opportunity to study deep, rich mathematics and to connect this to the mathematics they teach. All students in this program take Real Analysis and Abstract Algebra; these courses extend, deepen and abstract the ideas of arithmetic, school algebra and calculus. All students also take Algebraic Structures in School Mathematics and Geometric Structures in School Mathematics, courses which make explicit links between the abstract mathematics in the program and the mathematics taught in K-12 schools.

This program is intended for students pursuing a Ph.D. program in Mathematics, students intending to teach mathematics at a community college, and students intending to use mathematics in a company which requires sophisticated analytical and reasoning skills.

Students select from one of three tracks.  The broad selection track is intended for students pursuing a career heavily focused in mathematics or continuing to a PhD institution.  The computer science track is a mixture of mathematics and computer science and is appropriate for students pursuing a career in technological industries or working in applied mathematics.  The community college track is a mixture of education and mathematics and intended for students wishing to teach at a community college.

This graduate program is designed to develop a theoretical base in the discipline of sport and exercise psychology; and better prepare students, coaches, and consultants to apply such knowledge to performance enhancement issues associated with competitive athletics and exercise settings.Students work directly with local college, high school and recreational athletes; and, can work towards certification at the same time. The courses in our program count towards certification, as does students' work with exercisers and athletes.

The Sport Management graduate program is designed to provide advanced professional preparation that develops competitive sport management leaders through a comprehensive education in both theory and its application in sports business. The program prepares students with sport business concepts and develops skills and knowledge in the following areas: management, marketing, promotions, communication, legal preparation, public relations, consumer behavior, facilities, and finance. The curriculum follows the guidelines set for the preparation of students in sport management by the NASSM/NASPE.