February 27, 2010
DURHAM, N.C. -- The Duke University Board of Trustees on Saturday approved a new 18-month Master of Engineering Degree that is designed to provide students with the skills to contribute effectively to the technical needs of a global organization immediately upon graduation. The program will launch in the fall.
While encompassing some of the same subject areas offered in a traditional M.S. program, the Duke M.Eng. will be a practice-oriented professional degree that includes the study of core business fundamentals and principles of leadership and management. Students will be expected to do an internship, project or equivalent undertaking that enhances their understanding of organizations.
“We anticipate that most M.Eng. students will work in industry following graduation rather than continuing on for doctoral studies in science and engineering research,” said Pratt Dean Thomas Katsouleas. “The new degree will position the Pratt School of Engineering as a leader in developing professional master’s curricula that deliver state-of-the-art technical depth coupled with necessary business knowledge breadth to produce graduates who can truly impact their organizations.”
Pratt developed the program partly in response to a 2008 National Research Council study that found an overwhelming need for master’s level professional education, Katsouleas noted.
The program development is being led by Jeff Glass, senior associate dean for education at Pratt.