Preamble The programme is a two year (21 month) combined Master of Science and Diploma Course awarded by Rutgers University (New Brunswick, NJ) and the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (Brussels, Belgium), respectively, involving a twelve month residency at Rutgers University followed by a nine month residency at the Von Karman Institute. The participants are the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Rutgers University (hereinafter, Rutgers University) and the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics (hereinafter, the VKI). Objective The objective of the programme is to develop educational and research collaboration between the VKI and Rutgers University. A key element of the programme is close collaboration between faculty at the VKI and Rutgers University. Financial Report Rutgers University provides one year (30 credits) tuition remission and a one year fellowship. The VKI provides tuition remission for the Diploma Course and a nine month fellowship. Rutgers University and the VKI reserve their individual rights to limit the number of awards. The commitment for financial awards by the VKI and Rutgers University are made at the same time. Eligibility for the financial awards requires the student remain in Good Standing as described below. Eligibility Applicants must be US citizens who will have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical and/or Aerospace Engineering prior to matriculation in the programme. Criteria for Selection The criteria for selection are undergraduate grade point average, Graduate Record Examination scores (Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical), letters of recommendation and personal statement. Applications Process The application to the combined programme is submitted to Rutgers University, which in turn will forward the application to the VKI. Applications are reviewed by the respective Admissions Committees of Rutgers University and the VKI. Admission to the combined programme is decided at the time of the initial application, and requires an affirmative decision of the VKI and Rutgers University. The programme is offered once a year, starting in the Fall semester. The deadline for applications is March 1. Good Standing Students must maintain a cumulative average of B (3.0 out of 4.0) in their courses, and an S (satisfactory) in research activity, during the programme to remain eligible for continued participation in the programme. Student status is evaluated at the end of the first and second semesters and subsequent summer at Rutgers University. Residency Participants are in residence at Rutgers University for twelve months (one academic year plus one summer) and at the VKI for nine months. Advisors Each student is assigned two advisors, one each from the faculties of Rutgers University and the VKI. The advisors collaborate in directing the student's academic programme. It is expected that the advisors are themselves engaged in a research collaboration. The Rutgers advisor is a member of the dissertation committee for the VKI dissertation. Courses Students take a total of 30 credits of courses at Rutgers University in the Fluid Mechanics option during the fall and spring of the first year. The courses are selected in consultation with the student's advisors. Students in another option in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Rutgers may also eligible for the programme subject to approval by Rutgers University and the VKI. Research During the fall semester of the first year, the student prepares, in consultation with both advisors, a summary research programme describing the statement of work and anticipated milestones in the research. It is expected that the problem definition phase, literature survey and (possibly) preliminary research results will be performed at Rutgers University. Course work will constitute the majority of the student's activity at Rutgers, and research will be the primary focus of the student's activity at the VKI. Fulfillment of Degree Requirements The Master of Science degree requirements from Rutgers University are 30 credits of courses as defined in the Graduate Catalog and a thesis. The thesis prepared at and accepted by the VKI, and the thesis defense presented and passed successfully at VKI, for the Diploma Course will be accepted for fulfillment of the thesis and comprehensive examination requirements at Rutgers University. The Diploma Course requirements from the VKI are the satisfactory completion of course work, selected according to the individual's background and requirements, and an individual research as represented by a dissertation approved by the student's dissertation committee. Further Information For further information, contact: Prof. Doyle Knight |
