Research in aerospace engineering covers the fields of aeronautics and space technology. The AME Department also offers options in micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS), nuclear engineering, and biomedical engineering. Close relation with the Applied Mathematics Program is maintained. Masters's students may choose a thesis, master's report option, or non‑thesis/coursework only option: Master's Thesis Option - The thesis option consists of 26 units of coursework, plus 6 units of Thesis (AME 910). Students who choose the thesis option must complete a thesis and pass a final oral examination. The examination lasts from one to two hours and includes a defense of the research results. Master's Report Option - The report option consists of 29 units of coursework, plus 3 units of Master's report (AME 909). No other independent study units are allowed for the report option. Students who choose the report option must complete a report and pass a final oral examination. This examination consists of a 30-minute presentation by the student followed by 15 minutes of questioning. Non‑Thesis/Coursework Only Option - This option is not available to students who receive financial support from the University in the form of teaching or research assistantships or fellowships. The non‑thesis option consists of 32 units of coursework following the general requirements of the M.S. degree program. A maximum of 3 units of Independent Study (AME 599) or 3 units of research (AME 900) may be included in the study program. A student who wishes to enroll in independent study must make arrangements for supervision by a faculty member in the Department and submit the independent study proposal form to the Graduate Administrative Associate. The non‑thesis option does not require a final oral examination.