2014-15 Academic Catalog

The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

This is an archived copy of the 2014-15 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.msstate.edu.

Jason M. Keith, Interim Dean
and Earnest W. & Mary Ann Deavenport, Jr. Chair

keith@bagley.msstate.edu

James N. Warnock, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies
jwarnock@bagley.msstate.edu

Masoud Rais-Rohani, Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies
rais-rohani@bagley.msstate.edu

Robert A. Green, Undergraduate Coordinator
Office: 160 McCain
Telephone: (662) 325-2267
green@bagley.msstate.edu

Offices: 250 McCain
Telephone: (662) 325-2270
Mailing Address: Box 9544 Mississippi State, MS 39762-9544
Bagley College of Engineering Web page: http://www.bagley.msstate.edu

General Information

The James Worth Bagley College of Engineering is a professional college whose purposes are to provide both undergraduate and graduate education, to conduct basic and applied research, and to engage in outreach and public service activities. The Bagley consists of the following academic departments:

  • Department of Aerospace Engineering
  • Department of Agriculture and Biological Engineering
  • Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering
  • Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Department of Computer Science and Engineering
  • Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
  • Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Department of Mechanical Engineering

In addition to these academic departments, the Bagley College offers opportunities for faculty and student research in the following centers:

  • Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS)
  • Center for Battlefield Innovation (CBI)
  • Center for Computer Security Research
  • Computational Simulation and Design Center
  • Geosystems Research Institute (GRI)
  • High Voltage Laboratory
  • High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPCC)
  • Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET)
  • Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing, and Biotechnology (IGBB)
  • Institute for Neurocognitive Science and Technology
  • Microsystems Prototyping Laboratory
  • Mississippi Transportation Research Center
  • Northern Gulf Institute (NGI)
  • Raspet Flight Research Laboratory
  • Southeast Cooling, Heating, and Power (CHP) Applications Center
  • Southeast Region Forensics Training Center
  • Sustainable Energy Research Center

The vision of the Bagley College of Engineering is to be known for excellence in scholarly achievement, innovative engineering solutions, and economic and educational outreach that enhances the quality of life across the globe.

It is the mission of the Bagley College of Engineering to provide a world-class research, outreach and educational environment that supports, cultivates and fosters the talents of students, faculty and staff to discover new knowledge and technology for the benefit of society. To accomplish this mission the College has established the following goals:

  1. Foster a professional environment that cultivates and enhances our faculty members’ scholarly knowledge base and supports them in building an accomplished academic reputation for themselves and the college.
  2. Provide engineering graduates who, through their excellent technical and leadership skills, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, will solve the challenges of the 21st century.
  3. Increase engineering opportunities for underrepresented groups to support and serve the diverse demographic of the state of Mississippi and the nation to ensure that the college encourages a variety of input, influences and participation in all its endeavors.
  4. Conduct cutting edge research to enhance the quality of human life and earth’s sustainability.
  5. Provide engineering expertise, engagement and outreach to create positive change and economic development in Mississippi and the region.
     

The Bagley College is dedicated to providing an extraordinarily rich environment where engineering students can gain the skills that will allow them to become leaders and builders in commerce, industry, and government. Through innovations in and enhancements to the curriculum housed in the Center for Engineering Student Excellence, Bagley engineering graduates will:

  1. Develop effective communications skills;
  2. Fully utilize the computer as a productivity tool;
  3. Develop effective leadership and teamwork abilities;
  4. Understand the entrepreneurial process; and
  5. Comprehend the global business environment.
     

These enhancements ensure that Bagley engineering graduates are highly sought after by employers, well prepared for graduate and professional schools, and will continue to be successful throughout their careers.

The Center for Engineering Student Excellence also includes a study abroad program which provides students with an opportunity to take courses in another country and experience different cultures. This experience broadens the vision of those who participate and increases their awareness of the global environment in which engineers work. Engineering students also have the opportunity to apply for Congressional internships. Currently internships are in place for the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the many enhancements offered through the Center for Engineering Student Excellence, the Bagley College is a full participant in the Leadership Studies minor. An engineering student who pursues this minor will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through both general leadership courses and courses focused on skills specific to leadership in the engineering profession. Students pursuing this minor should consult with their advisor and the college’s leadership studies minor advisor as early as possible so that course work can be adequately planned.

The Bagley College is dedicated to producing outstanding graduates who are capable of achieving excellence. With a strong focus on engineering fundamentals and an attitude among the faculty of helping each student achieve his or her best, Bagley engineering graduates are ready to obtain positions with the leading companies or further their educations at the finest graduate and professional schools in the nation.

Basic-level professional programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree are offered in Aerospace Engineering, Biological Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Software Engineering. The Bachelor of Science programs in aerospace, biological, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, industrial, mechanical and software engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org , and the B.S. in computer science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .

All basic-level engineering programs are designed to give the student an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying engineering science and engineering practice. Each curriculum consists of four sequences: Basic Sciences and Mathematics; a general education component; Engineering Sciences; and Engineering Analysis, Design and Systems.

Included in the Basic Sciences and Mathematics sequence are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, through Calculus and other advanced mathematics topics.

There is also a General Education component required for graduation which is also published in this bulletin.

The sequence in Engineering Sciences consists of studies in engineering mechanics, thermodynamics, transfer and rate mechanisms, electrical theory, the nature and properties of materials, and computer science.

The Engineering Analysis, Design and Systems sequence is directed toward the creative and practical phases of economic design, involving analysis, synthesis, and engineering research and development. This sequence is the most distinctive feature of the engineering curricula, since it is the element of creative and economic design which distinguishes the engineer from the pure scientist.

Engineers and Computer Scientists must develop communication skills through courses in English composition, public speaking, and upper level writing. These skills are reinforced throughout the curricula.

The curriculum in Computer Science consists of general studies, mathematics, science, computer science, and electives.

Entrance Requirements

Prospective students are encouraged to take as many courses as possible in mathematics, science, English, social studies, and foreign languages while in high school. One unit of computer-aided graphics is recommended for engineering students and at least one-half unit of keyboarding and one-half unit of computer programming are recommended.

The level of high school preparation needed to be successful in engineering or computer science degree programs as measured by ACT or SAT scores and high school academic core grade point average has been identified. The following guidelines are established to help high school students understand the level of preparation required for engineering and computer science. These guidelines are established to help MSU students at risk who want to pursue engineering or computer science.

Math Prerequisites

In order to be successful in engineering, a student must develop good math skills through courses in calculus, differential equations, and other math topics. In engineering and computer science, the first math course that applies to a degree is calculus. Taking calculus requires that a student have an adequate preparation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

To provide students with the best possible opportunity for success in calculus, the Department of Mathematics and Statistics has established the following guidelines for placing students in math courses:

  • MA 1713 Calculus I - have an ACT math sub-score of 26 or higher, or have grades of C or better in MA 1313 College Algebra and MA 1323 Trigonometry or a C or better in MA 1453 Precalculus with Graphing Calculators.
  • MA 1453 Precalculus with Graphing Calculators - have an ACT math sub-score of 24 or higher, or have a grade of C or better in MA 1313 College Algebra
  • MA 1313 College Algebra - have an ACT math sub-score of 19 or higher.

Students who are not prepared for Calculus I will be required to first complete Precalculus or a sequence of College Algebra and Trigonometry before taking calculus. This may delay a student from taking some engineering courses until they have developed the proper math background, but this should not discourage a student from pursuing an engineering degree. Improving math skills early in their academic career will result in a student having greater academic success.

Students who do not meet the guidelines for enrolling in Calculus I should consider completing Precalculus or a sequence of College Algebra and Trigonometry during the summer prior to attending Mississippi State. These courses may be taken either at Mississippi State, at a Mississippi Community or Junior College, or at any other accredited two-year or four-year institution. Only grades of C or better will be accepted as satisfying these pre-requisites. Courses taken during high school will not count for this credit unless they were taken as part of a dual enrollment program and appear on a separate transcript from a two-year or four-year institution of higher learning. A combination of College Algebra and Trigonometry may be substituted for Precalculus.

New Freshmen Admission

For regular admission to one of the Bagley College of Engineering’s degree-granting programs as a freshman, students must be admitted to MSU, complete the following high school academic core: 4 units of English, 4 units of mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry), 3 units of science (chemistry and either biology or physics), 3 units of social studies and/or foreign languages and 2 units of electives, and meet any one of the following criteria:

  • Have a composite score greater than or equal to 23 on the ACT or 1060 on the SAT
  • Have a composite score of 20, 21, or 22 on the ACT or between 940 and 1050 on the SAT with a high school GPA of 3.0 or greater on academic core courses listed above
  • Have any ACT or SAT score with a high school GPA of 3.5 or greater on academic core courses listed above.

These criteria are essential for the success of a student beginning an engineering or computer science curriculum at the level shown in the following pages of this Bulletin. Applicants with justifiable circumstances may petition the Dean of Engineering for special admission.

New freshmen applicants who do not meet these requirements, are otherwise admitted to MSU, and want to pursue an engineering degree should join the undeclared major with a pre-engineering concentration. These students will be advised for the first 30 hours by the University Academic Advising Center. Students in the pre-engineering and computer science programs can request to be assigned a mentor from the engineering or computer science faculty.

All students who are classified as Undecided with a Pre-Engineering concentration must enroll in an appropriate math course each semester they are enrolled in this major. Students who fail to meet these requirements will be disenrolled from the Pre-Engineering concentration and remain simply Undecided majors.

Students with course work deficiencies will be required to schedule preparatory course work. This course work will be in addition to that shown in the engineering and computer science curricula and will, in general, extend the time to graduation.

Internal Transfers

Students in the pre-engineering concentration and other students at Mississippi State University may transfer into an engineering degree-granting program if they satisfy any one of the following criteria:

  • Meet engineering new freshmen requirements listed above.
  • Have completed at least 30 hours with a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.0 and passed Calculus I (MA 1713), English Composition I (EN 1103), and Chemistry I (CH 1213) with grades of C or better.

Internal transfer students should discuss the transfer with the appropriate department head or program coordinator before completing the Change of Major form. Some departments have additional admission requirements for internal transfers.

Students admitted to one engineering or computer science degree program may transfer to another engineering or computer science program at any time so long as they meet departmental transfer requirements.

External Transfers

Students may transfer from other colleges or universities into MSU engineering degree programs if they meet all requirements to transfer to MSU and satisfy any one of the following criteria:

  • Meet engineering new freshmen admission standards listed above.
  • Have completed at least 30 hours with a cumulative GPA greater than or equal to 2.0 and passed courses equivalent to Calculus I (MA 1713), English Composition I (EN 1103), and Chemistry I (CH 1213) with grades of C or better.

Applicants with justifiable circumstances may petition the Dean of Engineering for special admission.

Coursework taken elsewhere will not be applied toward a degree in the Bagley College of Engineering until it is determined that it is equivalent to required coursework or is an acceptable substitute. Also, only coursework taken elsewhere on which a grade of C or better has been earned will be considered for application toward a degree. No more than one-half of the hours of an engineering or computer science curriculum may be transferred from two-year community or junior colleges.

For admission to undergraduate programs, international students must earn a minimum paper-based TOEFL score of 550 or a computer-based minimum score of 213.

Personal Computer Requirement

All engineering students are required to own or lease a personal laptop computer. Minimum specifications for a computer will be developed and posted on the Bagley College of Engineering home page on the World Wide Web by July of each year. A computer meeting these minimum specifications should suffice for the entirety of a students program of study as long as normal progress is made each semester. Transfer students are required to have a computer that meets the minimum specifications in place at the time their cohorts would have been freshmen. For example, a student transferring as a junior in the Fall of 2014 is required to have a computer that meets the minimum specifications in place for freshmen who entered the Bagley College in the Fall of 2012.

Information on the computer specifications and special pricing which may be available, can be found by visiting the Web site at http://www.bagley.msstate.edu .

Computers are used by students to solve engineering problems, write papers, and develop presentations for classes. Computer technology improves communication between students and faculty and develops the computational skills demanded of engineering graduates by employers. Further, email is an official means of communication with students per university policy.

Students applying for or receiving financial aid should notify the office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships that they are entering the Bagley College of Engineering and are required to have a personal computer. The cost of the personal computer can then be added to the total cost of education and financial aid may be awarded accordingly. The full cost of the computer will not necessarily be covered by financial aid or scholarships depending on the total amount of aid received and other regulations.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements are the courses and hours shown in the individual programs. Some majors require a grade of C or better in certain courses. This information is available from the department in which the student is enrolled. All students are required to study these requirements together with the course prerequisites, and to be sure that they are taking the proper courses in the curriculum in which they expect to graduate. Students should discuss their programs with their academic advisors each semester, particularly before pre-registration. To graduate with a baccalaureate degree from the Bagley College of Engineering, in addition to meeting the requirements as specified in the Mississippi State University Academic Operating Policy 12.11, candidates must have earned at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average on all courses scheduled and rescheduled (average on all attempts) at Mississippi State University that are applied toward meeting degree requirements. Departments within the College may have requirements in addition to those specified above. It is the student’s responsibility to be sure that requirements are fulfilled in a particular program before applying for a degree.

Credit up to a maximum of six semester hours may be applied toward a baccalaureate degree in the College of Engineering for successful completion of the Army ROTC Advanced Course of study or the Air Force ROTC Professional Officer Course of study. Such credit may not be available to students who, before they enter an ROTC program, have completed those courses for which ROTC credit is usually substituted.

Independent study credit up to a maximum of six semester hours will be accepted, with the prior approval of the department head and the dean. In no case will engineering courses taken by independent study be approved.

No courses taken under the pass/fail option may be used to satisfy degree requirements.

Advanced-Level, Graduate and Certificate Programs

Environmental Engineering

The field of Environmental Engineering is a broad, interdisciplinary area that applies engineering, science and design to improve the quality of the environment, prevent environmental damage, and remediate damage that has occurred. Although a degree in Environmental Engineering is not offered in the Bagley College of Engineering, it is possible to major in Civil Engineering and specify a concentration in Environmental Engineering. More information on this option can be found under the Civil and Environmental Engineering section.

 For those not interested in pursuing the environmental engineering concentration but would like to get some knowledge of the area, there are several courses that can be taken in the disciplines of Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. Courses are offered by these departments that cover many different areas of environmental engineering including: management of natural resources; air pollution control; soil and water quality modeling; drinking water production and distribution; wastewater collection and treatment; food quality assurance; management of agricultural lands and wastes; minimization and management of industrial, municipal, and agricultural wastes; and design sustainability.

Furthermore, students, in consultation with their academic advisors, may take courses to develop an emphasis in environmental engineering. There are related courses taught in the College of Arts and Sciences in environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, and geological sciences.  Courses related to environmental engineering taught within the Bagley College of Engineering are listed below:

ABE 3513The Global Positional System and Geographic Information Systems in Agriculture and Engineering3
ABE 4263Soil and Water Management3
ABE 4313Biological Treatment of Nonpoint Source Pollutants3
ABE 4803Biosystems Simulation3
ABE 4844Sustainable Communities4
CHE 4613Air Pollution Control Design: Theory and Practice3
CE 2803Environmental Engineering Issues3
CE 3501Water Resource Engineering Lab1
CE 3503Water Resource Engineering3
CE 3801Environmental Engineering and Water Resources Engineering Lab1
CE 3823Environmental Engineering3
CE 4513Engineering Hydrology3
CE 4523Open Channel Hydraulics3
CE 4533Computational Methods in Water Resources Engineering3
CE 4563Sedimentation Engineering3
CE 4583Stream Reconnaissance3
CE 4843Environmental Engineering Chemistry3
CE 4863Water and Wastewater Engineering3
CE 4883Engineered Environmental Systems3
CE 4893Hazardous Waste Management3

In summary, the Bagley College of Engineering provides several avenues for students to prepare themselves for a career in environmental engineering. While there is no single best avenue for all students, there is a best avenue for a particular student. Working with an academic advisor is the best way to ensure your career goals are met and we recommend they discuss the various options with academic advisors in the college’s participating departments.

Graduate Study

The Bagley College of Engineering offers graduate degrees at both the Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) levels. Some undergraduate programs also offer a process by which promising undergraduate students may be directly admitted to the Ph.D. program following graduation. Students interested specifically in a graduate program should consult the Graduate Bulletin or contact the department of interest directly.

Master of Science degrees are offered in Aerospace Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computational Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. The Master of Science degree requires 24 semester hours of coursework and six semester hours of thesis research. The Master of Science non-thesis option is also offered and requires 33 semesters of coursework. Computer Science also requires two semester hours of seminar for Computer Science. For more information on these programs, interested students should contact the graduate coordinator in the department of interest.

For those students seeking a Master of Science degree in a flexible on-line format, the Bagley College offers an interdisciplinary program consisting of 33 semester hours of coursework. This program culminates in a Master of Engineering degree. More information can be found at www.bcoelearning.msstate.edu or by contacting Ms. Rita Burrell at rburrell@bagley.msstate.edu .

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is available in all engineering departments, either through a composite interdisciplinary program or a specific major. In addition to these, Ph.D. degrees are offered in interdisciplinary programs in Computational Engineering and Applied Physics.

Most teaching departments are able to offer teaching assistantships to qualified graduate students. Additionally, many departments are also able to offer research assistantships. Bagley, Barrier, and Honda graduate Fellowships are also awarded each year. Because Mississippi State University is a member of the National Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering and Science, Inc. (GEM), students with GEM Fellowships are eligible to study in the Bagley College.

Students interested in pursuing a graduate education should consult with the graduate coordinators in each academic department, the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, and The Office of the Graduate School.

 

Engineering Study Abroad Programs

(See International Study Programs)

Certificate Programs

Automotive Engineering Certificate

This certificate will enable students enrolled in a variety of engineering degree programs to enhance their education in topical subject matter related specifically to automotive engineering.

The 15 hours of academic credit required for this certificate may be earned by completing selected courses from a list of qualifying designated by a representative faculty committee. These courses include one from the Level I list; two courses from the Level II list; Automotive Engineering (cross-listed as CHE, ECE, IE or ME 4193/ME 6193); plus a directed individual study course related to a team experience in automotive engineering.

Additionally, at least six hours taken for the certificate must be in addition to the courses required for the student’s graduation requirements for his or her major. Students should see an advisor for a list of approved courses. In the case of graduate students, the student’s graduate committee will determine how many of the courses taken for the certificate fulfill course requirements for the student’s degree.

Computational Biology Certificate

The availability of entire genomes of both simple and complex organisms has made advances in the life sciences critically dependent upon computing. The field of computational biology combines computer science and biology to address questions of how biological systems work by analyzing and synthesizing the data made available with high throughput biology. This certificate program will allow undergraduate and graduate students in the computational and life sciences to pursue a well-defined program where they will gain fundamental skills in computing integrated with biology and will become competitive for high-end employment in emerging technical fields. Students will learn how to apply computational techniques to understand structures, functions, dynamics, and evolution of living organisms.

The certificate program is ideal for students working toward or possessing a BS or MS degree in computer science, computer engineering, mathematics, statistics, biological engineering, or one of the life sciences. A Computational Biology certificate will be issued jointly by the Bagley College of Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences upon a candidate’s successful completion of the requirements of the program.

Certificate Requirements:

CSE 4623/6623Computational Biology (required of all students)3
CSE 4613/6613Bio-computing (required of students in the life sciences)3
BCH 4113/6113Essentials of Molecular Genetics (required of students in computer science, computer engineering and biological engineering.)3
3 additional relevant courses as approved by the Certificate Advisory Board – required of all students

The Jack Hatcher Engineering Entrepreneurship Program

The role of the engineering entrepreneur in the expansion of the economy is self-evident. Engineers with entrepreneurial spirit and skills are the locomotives of the technology-based startup company and, perhaps more importantly, of the evolution of established industry. Developing entrepreneurial thinking in our graduates is one of the primary learning goals of the Bagley College of Engineering at Mississippi State University. Through an endowment by alumnus Jack Hatcher, we have established a multi-level engineering entrepreneurship program to serve students with different degrees of interest. The primary mission of the program is to expose our students to the broader elements of running a business and the general managerial skills required to prepare them for opportunities in management. For a more limited number, our mission is to equip technologically creative students to recognize opportunities and help instill the confidence to start entrepreneurial businesses.

The basic and broadest element of the entrepreneurship program is a weekly seminar series in which successful entrepreneurs present case histories. Also business leaders discuss specific items, such as patents, hiring employees, and venture capital.

Engineering Entrepreneurship Certificate

For students with higher levels of interest, a formal course of study leading to an Entrepreneurship Certificate is available. The certificate program is a joint program with the College of Business that requires a minimum of 15 semester hours. Students gain knowledge in finance, marketing, and accounting followed by a management course in entrepreneurship where the capstone project is a business plan.

All undergraduate engineering and computer science students in good standing are eligible to join the program. Each student must have a faculty mentor from both engineering and business. To join the program, a student must submit an application that has been signed by both mentors to the Associate Dean of Engineering .

The Entrepreneurship Certificate Program is comprised of three major parts:

1. Completing 15 hours of business and engineering classes:
ACC 2013Principles of Financial Accounting3
EC 2123Principles of Microeconomics3
IE 3913Engineering Economy I3
MKT 3013Principles of Marketing3
MGT 3323Entrepreneurship3
2. The Seminars Series
GE 3011Engineering Entrepreneurship Seminar1
3. The “company” or project experience.

By utilizing electives, students in most engineering disciplines can complete the course requirements with a maximum of six to nine hours of additional work above the degree program. Also, much of the coursework will apply toward the prerequisites for an MBA degree at a later time should the student decide to pursue that path.

A GPA of 2.25 is required on all coursework, and no grade less than a C can be applied toward the certificate. A maximum of two courses can be transfer courses, and correspondence courses will not be accepted. In addition, a passing grade must be obtained for three semesters of GE 3011 Engineering Entrepreneurship Seminar.

The “company” or project experience is the real-world engineering experience of developing a marketable product or service. In most cases, the certificate candidate can get academic credit through the senior design course or a technical elective. For example, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering majors can receive credit for the senior design project requirement (ECE 4512/ECE 4522). The “company” experience may be a concept developed by students or faculty members. To complete the requirements for the project experience, the candidate submits a report to the Associate Dean, which has been approved by both mentors. This report usually takes the form of a Business Plan and is developed as part of the entrepreneurship course MGT 3323.

Upon completion of the Entrepreneurship Certificate Program requirements, the Associate Dean will review the student’s records. If all requirements are met satisfactorily, the Associate Dean will submit the candidate to the Deans of Business and of Engineering for issuance of the certificate. The Associate Dean will notify the Registrar to have a statement placed on the candidate’s transcript. The certificate will be issued concurrently with the B.S. Degree in Engineering or Computer Science.

For more information contact:
Mr. Eric Hill
Program Coordinator
Box 5282, Mississippi State University, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-3521
email: ehill@oett.msstate.edu

Geospatial and Remote Sensing Engineering Certificate

Geospatial technology refers to the application of technology resources in the acquisition and analysis of data that has a geographic component along with non-spatial attributes associated with the feature(s) under evaluation. Geospatial technologies include remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and global positioning systems (GPS). Over the past several years, MSU has developed a national reputation in research and applications development in geospatial technologies in agriculture, renewable natural resources and transportation. Faculty involved with research utilizing geospatial technologies recently expanded the academic course offerings at MSU in order to extend their experiences to undergraduate and graduate students. With the wide offering of geospatial and related courses in the University curriculum, an engineering certificate program in geospatial technologies, with an emphasis on remote sensing, has been developed.

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate students in good standing who are currently enrolled in one of the undergraduate majors in the College of Engineering.
  • Current graduate students in good standing in one of the majors in the College of Engineering.
  • Other individuals who hold a B.S. degree in a field of engineering from a university accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Applicants will make application for the certificate program to the Director of Education for the High Performance Computing Collaboratory (HPC2). The Director of Education will validate that the applicant meets admission eligibility requirements and forward the application to the Technical Committee of the GeoResources Institute (GRI) for recommendations. Once an applicant is accepted into the certificate program the Director of Education will notify the Dean of Engineering and the Director of GRI.

Issue of Certificates

The Director of Education will validate completion of the requirements for the certificate and will inform the Dean of Engineering when a candidate has successfully completed the curriculum. The Dean of Engineering will issue the certificate and have the appropriate notice placed on the candidate’s transcript—“Awarded Geospatial and Remote Sensing Engineering Certificate.” The certificate will be signed by the Dean of Engineering, the Director of Education (HPC2) and the Director of GRI.

Curriculum

To receive the certificate, the candidate must complete 15 hours - six hours of core courses, six hours of engineering electives, and three hours of application electives from the lists given below. The curriculum must be completed with a minimum of 2.00 GPA for undergraduate students and a 3.00 GPA for graduate students. No grade less than a C will count toward the certificate. No more than two courses can be transferred from another institution.

Core Courses
Choose one of the following:3
Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies
Introduction to Remote Sensing Technologies
ECE 4413/6413Digital Signal Processing3
Engineering Electives
Choose six hours from the following:6
The Global Positional System and Geographic Information Systems in Agriculture and Engineering
Signals and Systems
Current Topics in Remote Sensing
Adaptive Signal Processing
Statical Signal Processing
Elective
Engineering Special Topics course - as approved by the GRI Technical Committee and the Dean of Engineering
Application Electives
Choose three hours from the following:3
Spatial Technologies in Natural Resources Management
Maps and Remote Sensing
GIS for Natural Resource Management
GIS for Natural Resource Management
Geospatial Agronomic Management
Application of Spatial Technologies to Wildlife and Fisheries Management
Elective
Special Topics in applications areas approved by the Technical Committee of GRI and the Dean of Engineering.

Information Assurance Certificate

MSU is certified by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in information assurance (IA) education. The IA certificate program is designed for but not limited to, students of the following backgrounds:

  • Students participating in the Department of Defense IA Scholarship Program at MSU
  • Students participating in the National Science Foundation’s Scholarship for Service at MSU
  • Government employees interested in IA who desire to take advantage of education support available from their employer
  • Government students on campus as part of the National Defense University educational partnership with MSU who are studying IA topics
  • MSU students with a desire to focus on IA topics and wish to demonstrate to perspective employers a competency in this area.

Requirements

Admission to the program is managed by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. All candidates must:

  • Be enrolled as a full-or part-time student at MSU
  • Demonstrate mastery of computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering or management information systems fundamentals
  • Exhibit knowledge of discrete mathematics, algorithms and data structures at the level of an undergraduate course
  • Demonstrate a practical knowledge of computer organization

A minimum of 15 hours must be completed for the Information Assurance certificate.

Required courses
CSE 4243/6243Information and Computer Security3
CSE 4273/6273Introduction to Computer Forensics3
CSE 4383/6383Cryptography and Network Security3
Choose two of the following:6
Microcomputers and Networks
Business Information Systems Security Management
Data Communications and Computer Networks
Operating Systems I
Database Management Systems
MIS students may substitute:
Business Database Systems
Advanced Database Design Administration
Any advanced (4000-level or above) IA course approved by the program administrator.
Total Hours15

Manufacturing Certificate

The Bagley College of Engineering has recognized a need for enhanced manufacturing-related education of those students particularly interested in a career in manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Certificate is available to students in a variety of degree programs, including non-engineering majors and graduate students. The program will enhance a student’s education in topical subject matter related specifically to manufacturing.

There are 24 hours of math and science prerequisite courses for the program including

CH 1213Chemistry I3
CH 1223Chemistry II3
MA 1713Calculus I3
MA 1723Calculus II3
PH 2213Physics I3
PH 2223Physics II3
IE 4613Engineering Statistics I3
One Materials course selected from a list of approved courses

Once in the program, undergraduate students will be required to maintain a 2.5 GPA (Graduate students, 3.0 GPA) on the 15 hours of required coursework for the certificate.

Required Coursework
IE 4333/6333Production Control Systems I3
IE 4653/6653Industrial Quality Control3
Choose one of the following:3
Manufacturing Processes
Furniture Production I
Production Systems
Choose one of the following:3
Automation
Introduction to Vibrations and Controls
Materials Handling
Systems Simulation I
Processes
Choose one of the following:3
Lumber Manufacturing
Furniture Production II
Modeling and Manufacturing
Casting and Joining
Machining and Forming

In addition to 15 hours of required coursework, participating students must have gained actual work experience in a manufacturing environment equivalent to a cooperative education work semester or a summer internship. Verification of employment by the employer, including a description of work duties may be required of the candidate prior to certification.

Upon satisfactory completion of the required coursework and work experience, students will become candidates for certification. The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering will validate completion of all requirements and forward a certification recommendation to the Dean of Engineering.

Materials Certificate Program

The Materials Science and Engineering Certificate Program, administered through the Bagley College of Engineering, is available to qualified students who complete an organized plan of study in the interdisciplinary field of Materials Science and Engineering at Mississippi State University.

The University’s various departments offer a range of materials-related courses in both the science and engineering fields, such as biomaterials, electronic and semiconductor materials, metals, composites, polymers, ceramics, and construction materials. We also have a wide range of supporting courses in the areas of materials modeling, mechanics, processing, and characterization, along with special topics in tribology, fatigue, fracture, and corrosion. Faculty participating in these course offerings are organized as the Materials Working Group (MWG).

As part of an organized plan of study, including Directed Individual Study courses under the direction of a MWG member, materials-based courses allow students to pursue an interdisciplinary education and training program tailored to individual interests.

The Materials Science and Engineering Certificate Program is available to both traditional and non-traditional students. This allows industry to offer employees further training in materials, as well as provide current university students the opportunity to pursue an interdisciplinary materials specialty.

To apply for this program, the candidate must submit the initial application for the certificate to a MWG Faculty in their home department. The MWG Faculty will validate the proposed courses and forward the package to the MWG Chair. Upon successful completion of the required courses, the MWG will recommend award of the certificate by the Dean of Engineering.

Admission to the Certificate Program:

Students pursuing a materials certificate typically fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Persons possessing at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science; or
  2. Persons working towards either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or science

Minimum admission requirements:

To be admitted to the program a student must have satisfactorily completed

Chemistry
CH 1213
  & CH 1211
Chemistry I
   and Investigations in Chemistry I
4
CH 1223
  & CH 1221
Chemistry II
   and Investigations in Chemistry II
4
Calculus
MA 1713Calculus I3
MA 1723Calculus II3
Physics
PH 2213Physics I3
PH 2223Physics II3

In addition, the student is responsible for meeting all prerequisites for each course taken towards the materials certificate.

Candidates in categories (1) and (2) automatically will meet the program requirements, either upon entrance to the program or in parallel. For those lacking the prerequisites, additional course work must be completed successfully.

In all cases, it is the responsibility of the student to provide an official transcript of all courses taken prior to admission into the program. An application form including a proposed course of study must be completed by the student and an official transcript must be provided for admission to the program. A member of Materials Engineering Working Group will review the application and agree to the program of study.

Certificate Requirements:

To receive a materials certificate, students must complete at least one course from Level I, at least two courses from Level II, at least one course from level III, and a three-hour Directed Individual Study that incorporates a materials-related research project and is under the direction of a MWG faculty member. Students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in each class taken.

Level I: Fundamental materials course. This course may be part of the student’s home curriculum. Student must take at least ONE course.3
Biophysical Properties of Materials
Construction Materials
Engineering Materials
Materials for Mechanical Engineering Design
Level II: Intermediate material courses. These courses extend and enrich the basic materials topics introduced in the Level I courses. Students must take at least TWO courses.6
Concrete Structures
Advanced Polymeric and Multicomponent.
Introduction to Physical Electronics
Introduction to Solid State Electronics
Mechanics of Composite Materials
Physical Properties of Wood
Modern Physics
Mechanical Metallurgy
ElectiveSpecial topics: Courses under development related to basic materials properties such as: Ceramics, Crystallography, Polymers, Composites and Electronic Materials.
Note: Only one of the two courses in Level II maybe a special topic.
Level III: Advanced or Applied materials courses. Students must take at least ONE course.3
Biomedical Materials
Experimental Methods in Materials Research
Fundamentals of Industrial Corrosion
Introduction to Particle and Crystallization Technology
Nanotechnology in Chemical Applications
Microelectronics Device Design
Transmission Electro Microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Casting and Joining
Failure of Engineering Materials
Introduction to Solid State Physics

For further details about the program and a current listing of allowed courses, please contact the Office of the Dean of Engineering at (662) 325-2270 or visit www.bagley.msstate.edu .

Six Sigma Certificate Program

Six Sigma is a term, commonly recognized by organizations around the world, which represents various methodologies used systematically to reduce process variation, improve performance and increase customer satisfaction. The Bagley College of Engineering is pleased to offer students the unique opportunity to further their education in this field.

The Six Sigma certificate program will enable both graduate and undergraduate students to gain knowledge in these methodologies currently in widespread use throughout business and industry, worldwide. Engineers knowledgeable in Six Sigma techniques study processes to identify ways to reduce or eliminate waste and non-value added activity. The Six Sigma program is designed to supplement current curricula with knowledge and experience generally not attained until an engineer is professionally active in the business world. The project portion (ref: IE 4923/IE 6923) of this program will provide the opportunity for an engineer to utilize the wide array of techniques learned in order to improve a specific process. Relevant projects will benefit either a university or industry functional process. During performance of the project, students will be mutually mentored by a cognizant representative of the sponsoring organization and MSU faculty or staff.

To enter the program, students must have completed a minimum of 20 credit hours in a degree program recognizing the prerequisite courses for the proposed certificate courses.

To earn the certificate, undergraduate students must complete the required 15 hours with a minimum GPA of 2.5 (Graduate Students, 3.0 GPA). The required courses are:

IE 4613/6613Engineering Statistics I3
IE 4623/6623Engineering Statistics II3
IE 4653/6653Industrial Quality Control3
IE 4573/6573Process Improvement Engineering3
IE 4923/6923Six Sigma Methods and Project3

Upon satisfactory completion of the required coursework, students will become candidates for certification. The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering will validate completion of all requirements and forward a certification recommendation to the Dean of Engineering. Successful students are also encouraged to further leverage this educational achievement by seeking to attain Six Sigma certification, by exam and demonstrated experience, through a professional organization such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Energy Certificate

The Energy Certificate is designed to permit students in an MSU engineering discipline to designate a five-course sequence leading to a well-defined program in energy. The Energy Certificate utilizes courses in most MSU engineering programs plus a required course in alternate energy sources. Students who successfully complete the Energy Certificate will have acquired significant energy engineering expertise in their and related engineering disciplines, as well as an interdisciplinary overview of energy and sustainable energy concepts.

The Energy Certificate is open to undergraduate students in good standing at MSU. Each student who wishes to participate in the program must provide a letter of intent outlining the proposed course of study to the Chair of the BCoE Energy Working Group.

In order to meet the requirements of the Energy Certificate, a student must complete with a grade of "C" or better at least 15 hours of courses as designated in the Level I, Level II, and Level III categories. Additionally, two of the Level I, II, or III courses must be above the degree requirements of the student.

The list of courses for the Energy Certificate is given below:

Level I
Thermodynamics
CHE 3113Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I3
or ME 3513 Thermodynamics I
or ASE 3333 Aerothermodynamics
Circuits
ABE 3413Bioinstrumentation I3
or ECE 3183 Electrical Engineering Systems
or ECE 3413 Introduction to Electronic Circuits
Level II
ME 4353Alternate Energy Sources3
Level III
Two senior-level energy courses. See advisor for approved list.
 

Courses

GE 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse arrary of topics that provide students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members

GE 1011 Introduction to Engineering for Pre-engineers: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. Introduction to engineering disciples. Overview of techniques for success in engineering including time management, study skills, technical communication, and career planning. Required for pre-engineering majors

GE 1021 Engineering Success: 1 hour.

One hour lecture. This course is designed to facilitate: professional, academic, and personal development. Also, it provides an orientation to Mississippi State University

GE 2713 Introduction to Engineering and Public Policy: 3 hours.

(Prerequisitie:EN 1113 or equivalent) Three hours lecture. A multidisciplinary analysis of public policy issues involving engineering and technology and the use of policy science to explore complex policy issues. (Same as PS 2713 )

GE 2990 Special Topics in General Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

GE 3011 Engineering Entrepreneurship Seminar: 1 hour.

Two hours seminar. Current topics in engineering entrepreneurship to enable students to better understand the role of the entrepreneur in creating start-up companies and leading young existing companies

GE 3513 Technical Writing: 3 hours.

(Prerequisite: Completion of English Composition require- ments; junior standing). Three hours lecture. Instruction and practice in technical writing for scientific and engineering fields, emphasizing analysis and development of correspondence, progress and research reports, instruction, and proposals

GE 4000 Directed Individual Study in General Engineering: 1-6 hours.

GE 4990 Special Topics in General Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

GE 6990 Special Topics in General Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

GE 8990 Special Topics in General Engineering: 1-9 hours.

Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)

GE 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in General Engineering: 1-13 hours.

Hours and credits to be arranged