Master of Science in Engineering

The MS in Engineering has two emphasis areas: mechatronics and railroad engineering. The emphasis area in mechatronics builds on the existing BS in Engineering with specialization in mechatronics. The emphasis area in railroad engineering is strengthened by staff and laboratories at the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), a world-class engineering facility located in Pueblo. A subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads of America, TTCI is a “leading transportation research and testing organization, providing emerging technology solutions for the railway industry throughout North America and the world.” (www.aar.com)

Expected Student Learning Outcomes. Each MSE graduate will be able to:

• Apply advanced knowledge in engineering to formulate and solve engineering problems.
• Design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.
• A successful applicant to the MSE program will have a quantitatively based baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Students with non-quantitatively based baccalaureate degrees may be admitted conditionally, but additional prerequisites may be required.

The MS in Engineering degree consists of 16 semester hours of required courses and 17 semester hours of elective courses including thesis credit, for a total of 33 semester hours minimum. No more than 12 credits of 400-level courses may be counted for graduate credit. Courses from the approved set of electives may be substituted, if approved, for required courses for which a student can demonstrate mastery as a result of previous coursework.

Students may be admitted without the following prerequisites, but will have to meet these requirements by taking leveling courses:

• Two semesters of calculus, equivalent to Math 126 and Math 224 at CSU-Pueblo,
• Two semesters of calculus-based physics, equivalent to PHYS 221/221L and 222/222L,
• Computer programming, preferably in Matlab, equivalent to EN 103,
• Engineering mechanics (statics and dynamics), equivalent to EN 211 and 212,
• Electrical circuits, equivalent to EN 231/231L,
• Linear analog control systems theory, equivalent to EN 360,
• Calculus-based probability and statistics, equivalent to EN 365 (railroad engineering only), and
• Engineering economics or finance, equivalent to EN 343.

The 33-credit degree program has the following components:

• 2 credits in MS seminar, EN 593. An introduction to philosophical, methodological, and ethical issues in engineering, including engineering research.
• 12 credits in the core topics in the emphasis area, listed below.
• 19 credits in electives. In conjunction with a faculty advisor, the student will select courses to build upon and expand the student’s knowledge and skills in support of the student’s plans for employment and future graduate study. Students are encouraged to select the thesis option (6 credits), as well as to do industry-based projects. Graduate level coursework is available in ergonomics, scheduling and sequencing, simulation, project planning and control, advanced engineering economics, operations research, facility planning and design, operations planning and control. Students can take up to 12 credits of senior-level undergraduate coursework including quality control and reliability, manufacturing processes, time and motion studies, safety, computer integrated manufacturing, control systems, and industrial robotics. Students can also take graduate-level courses from the CSU-Pueblo Hasan School of Business.

Mechatronics core:

• EN 507 Virtual reality. Principles, practical aspects, and applications of virtual reality systems and components such as 3D interfaces, displays (3D, visual, haptic, auditory), position tracking, and virtual environments.
• EN 513 Artificial intelligence. Topics in artificial intelligence including predicate calculus, search strategies, and machine learning with applications.
• EN 560 Advanced controls. State-space based analysis/design of linear control systems are introduced in both continuous- and discrete- time domains. Nonlinear systems and the linearization method are covered.
• EN 562 Intelligent robotics. Theoretical and practical aspects of advanced robotic topics such as trajectory generation, path planning and control, decision logic, advanced sensors, autonomous mobile robots, and humanoids.

Railroad engineering core:

• EN 511 Structural engineering. Fundamental factors in designing the railroad track, crossings, and bridges along with the understanding in controlling the response of structures under dynamic loading. Application of the International Building Code.
• EN 531 Railroad power systems. Comprehensive analysis and design of electric power systems for railroads including power supplies, AC/DC and linear motors, third rails, catenaries, and substations/distribution systems.
• EN 551 Fleet management. Management of all of the diverse assets held by an organization. Fleet management business and economics, risk analysis, information systems, vehicle planning and control, productivity, safety, and environmental compliance.
• EN 552 Vehicle dynamics. Analytical and computer skills to analyze components and entire working assemblies. Kinematic and kinetic dynamic analysis, time and frequency domain simulations of dynamics systems used in vehicles.

Colorado State University-Pueblo is nestled in a historically and culturally rich community of more than 100,000 people, located in the southern part of the state near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—just a short drive to Denver and Colorado Springs.

The state’s geography and attractions create an exciting environment for this vibrant college campus. CSU-Pueblo’s 5,000 students thrive in small classes taught by world-class educators. Outside the classroom, we foster an exciting, adventurous and social environment rich in culture, athletics, and all the beauty the Pikes Peak region has to offer. And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, people here have a healthy love for the outdoors.