1. Classification of Students

Currently, students undertaking graduate work are classified by the Graduate School in 1 of 2 categories, degree students or post-baccalaureate students. Degree students are further classified as either regular, conditional, or dual degree. Finally, the University Scholars Program is available for under-graduate students with a minimum of 90 hours, accepted GPA, and senior standing. See admission requirements for more detail.

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a. Regular Students
Regular students must satisfy all admission requirements and be accepted by both the Graduate School and the MSMSE Degree Program.

b. Conditional Students
A student who wishes to pursue a higher degree, but who, for 1 or more of the reasons listed below, is temporarily ineligible for regular admission status may be recommended by the Director of Graduate Studies as a conditional student:
1. Missing transcripts or other requirements for admission such as letters of recommendation.
2. Temporary waiver of the Graduate Record Examination.
3. Deficiencies of undergraduate courses in engineering.
4. Graduating University of Kentucky seniors lacking no more than six hours for graduation. The consent of the College Dean and the Dean of the Graduate School and approval of the Director of Graduate Studies are necessary. Such students may take no more than twelve credit hours and must complete the undergraduate degree during the semester in which they enroll in the conditional status.

c. Post-baccalaureate Students
Students who hold a baccalaureate degree and who wish to pursue graduate study without a degree objective and students who do not fulfill the entrance requirements of The Graduate School may apply for admission as post-baccalaureate graduate students. A 2.5 grade point average in a 4.0 scale is required.

Admission to this status may be granted to an applicant who (1) demonstrates promise but has not qualified for admission to a degree program, or (2) intends not to complete a degree program. Students may take courses for graduate credit but may not apply more than 9 hours credit with a grade of A or B earned in the post-baccalaureate status to any degree program leading to an advanced degree at this institution. All transfers of credit hours to a graduate program must be approved by that program's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Graduate Dean.

Post-baccalaureate students who wish to apply for a graduate program should notify the Graduate School by updating their existing graduate school application. Applicants must have a 3.0 grade point average on all work attempted as post-baccalaureate students.

d. Dual Degree Students
Students enrolled in electrical or mechanical engineeing who have a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.00 may enroll in the dual degree program. Such students may take graduate level courses beginning in their junior year provided they've completed at least 90 credit hours. The dual degree program is structured to appeal to engineering students who plan a career in manufacturing.

e. University Scholars Program
Students in this category must have senior standing, have completed all University studies requirements (a minimum of 90 hours, 3.5 GPA in major, 3.2 GPA overall).

The current University Scholars Program provides an opportunity for the very best and brightest students to significantly reduce the time required to complete an undergraduate degree and a master's degree at the University of Kentucky. This is accomplished by allowing scholars to apply up to 12 hours of graduate coursework toward both degrees.

Previously students were immediately classified as graduate students, which affected financial aid status and tuition rates.

Recognizing that these financial issues are significant disincentives for students to enroll as University Scholars and, as a consequence, for departments to offer this program, the following changes will take effect for students applying for admission in fall 2007 and beyond:

• the primary classification of University Scholars students will be undergraduate until they have completed the credit hours required for their undergraduate degree, and
• undergraduate tuition rates will be applied to the 12 hours (or less) of graduate level course work designated for dual credit in this program.

The proposal to expand the University Scholars program to doctoral candidates was approved by Graduate Council and has now been forwarded to Senate Councl for consideration.

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2. Admission Requirements for Regular Students

Applicants seeking admission to the Manufacturing Systems Engineering MSMSE Program as regular students must have been awarded a baccalaureate degree with an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale. To be admitted to the MSMSE Program the applicant must have been awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., (ABET). Applicants who have been awarded Bachelor degrees other than engineering or from engineering programs not accredited by ABET (including those offered by institutions outside the United States) may be admitted only if persuasive evidence (test scores, grades, letters of recommendation) indicate strong academic potential. Students with an undergraduate major not in engineering may also need to complete a certain number of undergraduate engineering courses to prepare them for this program (Appendix A). The extent of this will be evaluated by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS). For additional information contact the Graduate Admissions Officer.

The Graduate School requires that applicants take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Generally, a score of at least 700 on the Quantitative portion is required. Exceptions may be made if other persuasive evidence indicating the student's potential for graduate work is available.

All international students (except those with a degree from an accredited U.S. institution) must have a minimum score on the language tests. Two systems may be considered: TOEFL or IELTS. per Graduate School requirements.

1. TOEFL: The test of English as a foreign Language (TOEFL) is now offered in an Internetbased format (TOEFL-iBT). This new format tests all four language skills that are important for effective communication: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Test takers receive a score on each of the four sections (0-30) and a total score (0-120).

For admission to the University of Kentucky Graduate School, the minimum acceptable total TOEFL-iTB score is 79. This is considered equivalent to our currently acceptable minimum scores of 550 on the paper-based and 213 on the computer-based tests.

2) IELTS: Applicants may now use International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores to satisfy the language requirement. As with the iBT, listening, reasing, writing, and speaking skills are assessed. Test takers receive a band score on each of the four sections (1-9) and an overall band score that is the mean of the four individual module scores (overall band scores are reported to the nearest whole or half band).

For admission to the university of Kentucky Graduate School, the minimum acceptable IELTS overall band score is 6.5.

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3. Prior to Admission
1. Information on Program

Direct inquiries about the program can be made to the Director of Graduate Studies, Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Potential applicants will receive application forms for admission and financial aid, or be referred to the program web page for both information and the application process. Program Web page is http://www.engr.uky.edu/research/students/mfgsys.html.

2. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

It is a requirement of the Graduate School that applicants for admission as regular students must take the general test (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical) of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) amd submit official scores to the Graduate School. Inquiries regarding details should be addressed to the University Counseling and Testing Center, which administers the examinations locally, or to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, New Jersey.
1. Application for Admission
1. Regular Status

Applicants for admission as regular students must be admitted to both the Graduate School and the Degree Program.

Application Deadlines	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
Domestic Students	July 15	December 5
International Students	February 1	June 15

(No applications are accepted for the Summer Session.)

A. Graduate School Application

• Applicant is required to submit the following items to the Graduate School.
• Graduate School Application form
• Payment of the application fee
• 1 official copy of transcripts from all colleges or universities ever attended
• Official GRE scores from ETS (register to take the test) Photocopies are not accepted.
  School Code: 1837
• Official TOEFL or IESTL scores. (International students only.) Photocopies not accepted.

To complete the Graduate School Application form and pay your fee online visit the Admissions page of the Graduate School's website.

Mail all Graduate School admissions documents to:
Kathy Ice-Wedding
University of Kentucky
202C Ezra Gillis Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40506-0033

B. MSMSE Degree Application

• Applicant must submit the following items to the Director of Graduate Studies of the MSMSE Program.
• Resume (International students please specify which is your first and which is your family name)
• Statement of Purpose (International students please specify which is your first and which is your family name)
• 3 letters of recommendation
• 1 official copy of transcripts from all colleges or universities ever attended

Mail all MSMSE Degree application documentation to :
Rose Cramer
Center for Manufacturing
Universtiy of Kentucky
220 CRMS Bldg.
Lexington, KY 40506-0108

2. Post-Baccalaureate Status

All transfers of credit hours to a graduate program must be approved both by that program's Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Graduate Dean. The process for admission as a post-baccalaureate graduate student is:

1. Student applies to graduate school and pays application fee (by credit card). The program code is POBA.

2. Student faxes undergraduate transcript (photocopy acceptable) to graduate school to the attention of Azhar Swanson, Admissions Officer. Fax number is 1-859-257-4618.

3. The Graduate School will evaluate the application and notify the student of its decision. The student may expect:
   • If no: graduate school notifies student of rejection
   • If yes: graduate school admits student and notifies them. Student may register for courses. DGS assistant, Rose Cramer, has access to listing of post-bac. acceptances.
   • Permission to enroll in any graduate course as a post-baccalaureate student will be granted only if space is available and the student meets the prerequisites.
   • Criteria that must be met include:
     • a baccalaureate degree with a 2.5 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
     • this status is appropriate for students who do not wish to pursue a graduate degree
     • a graduate school admission application (and accompanying transcript) must be on file at least 2 weeks in advance of the registration date for the term in which the student plans to enroll.
   • Graduate students with post-baccalaureate status have one month after each semester begins to be admitted to a graduate program by the Graduate School. After that deadline the student must wait until the following semester.
   • To be admitted to a graduate degree program subsequent to being a post-baccalaureate, a student must
   1. have a 3.0 on all work attempted in post-baccalaureate status
   2. may not transfer more than 9 hours or 25% of hours required to earn the degree
   3. must have earned an A or B in transferred courses
   4. must have transfer approved by program's Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the Graduate School
   5. must comply with all admissions requirements for degree-seeking students to the desired program. State the term for which enrollment is desired

Additional information for this program.

3. Dual Degree Status and University Scholar Status

• Dual Degree application form
• University Scholars Program application form

Application for Financial Aid


See discussion on financial aid in Section III.
Also see: MSMSE Student Financial Support

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4. After Enrollment


1. Assignment of a Faculty Advisor

The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) serves as the advisor to each student majoring in Manufacturing Systems Engineering until the student has a permanent advisor. Selection of a faculty adviser is based on the interests of the student, on willingness of the faculty member to accept the student, and concurrence of the DGS. Typically the adviser should be appropriate for directing the thesis of the student, and may also be the principal investigator of a funded project which provides funds for the student's support. The advisor should be selected during the student's first semester in the program.
2. Program Planning

Approximately one (1) week prior to the start of school, a new graduate student should meet with a faculty advisor and/or the Program's Director of Graduate Studies to develop a plan of graduate study. This is accomplished by completing the "Plan of Study" form, having it signed by the advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies, and filing it with the Director of Graduate Studies. The primary purpose of this effort is to help precisely define the educational objectives of the student and to assure that the student is fully aware of the University's and the Department's degree requirements. This must be accomplished early in the student's program and, in any case, no later than the end of the first semester of graduate studies.
3. Registration

After developing a proposed program with an advisor and/or the DGS, the student may proceed with registration.

All UK students must register for classes through myUK, the web portal to their records and other services and information. In addition to the link above, there is a link on the bottom left corner of the UK home page. Visit the www.uky.edu/registrar/myUK.htm and/or www.uky.edu/Registrar/AccSAIS.htm for general information. Go to www.uky.edu/Registrar/docs/myUK.pdf for specific directions to register for classes. Any student who experiences difficulties with this system can contact Rose Cramer for assistance. Her office is 210 Robotics Building (RMB) and her phone is 7-6262, ext. 212.

Midway through the current term, preregistration for the next semester's courses is held for all currently enrolled students. See Section 5 b. below for further details.

4. Office Space

Office space in the Center for Manufacturing is available on a limited basis to graduate students. Contact the advisor and Linda Baldwin for available spaces. Her phone number is 7-6262, ext. 220. Priority will be given to those actually engaged in research activities.

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5. After Beginning Class Work
1. Proposed Plan of Study

This must be accomplished early in the student's program and, in any case, no later than the end of the first semester of graduate studies.
It should be emphasized that the Plan of Study can, and often will, be changed as the student progresses. Should such a change become necessary, a new Plan of Study should be prepared, following the same procedure as emphasized above.
2. Subsequent Advanced Registration

Students expecting to continue their work during the next term must advance register. Advanced registration for the spring term is conducted during a three-week period in November and for the summer and fall terms during a three-week period in April. An appointment to discuss course choices should be made with the project advisor during this preregistration period. After consultation with and approval of the faculty advisor, students must register using the myUK system. Visit the UK Registrar's website for a schedule of classes and all registration information needed. Any student who experiences difficulties with this system can contact Rose Cramer for assistance. Her office is 210 Robotics Building (RMB) and her phone is 7-6262, ext. 212.
3. Readmission

A student who does not enroll during a regular semester must apply to the Graduate School for readmission by the stated deadline before subsequent enrollment will be permitted.
4. Incomplete Grades

A grade of "I" (incomplete) may be assigned to a graduate student if a part of the work of a course remains undone and there is a reasonable possibility that a passing grade will result from completion of the work. All incomplete grades must be removed from the student's record before the admission to candidacy or the award of a degree. A grade of "I" will automatically become a failing grade of "E" if not changed within one year from the date the incomplete was assigned.
5. Application for Degree

To be eligible for a degree, the student must file an application at the Graduate School within 30 days after the beginning of the semester in which he/she expects to graduate or within 15 days after the beginning of the Summer Session. The student must obtain the application forms from the Graduate School.
6. Time Limits for Degree

No course or equivalent credit may be given for graduate study completed more than eight years prior to the end of the semester at which the student expects to receive a degree. Exceptions to this rule are possible under certain conditions if recommended by the Director of Graduate Studies and subsequently approved by the Dean of the Graduate School and the Graduate Council. No activity completed more than 12 years preceding the proposed graduation date will be considered for graduation.

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6. Course Load


1. Regular Semester


1. A full-time student is one who is enrolled in nine or more semester hours of work.

2. The maximum load permitted during any semester is 15 semester hours.

3. Full-time graduate assistants whose services to the University require up to 20 hours per week may take no more than 10 hours per semester. Graduate assistants must remain full-time students until their course and/or residence requirements are met.

4. Persons holding full-time working or professional assignments, whether employed by the University or not, may take no more than six hours per semester. Under certain circumstances, the student may petition for a waiver of this rule.
2. Summer Term

Full-time students are expected to work on research full time in the summer, therefore in general, no courses should be taken during this period. Course offerings during the summer are limited.

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7. Course Offerings

Some of the graduate courses in the MSMSE program are not offered every semester, some are offered once a year and others once every 2 years. Should a student miss a course while being offered, he/she might not be able to take that course again. The student can avoid this dilemma by planning the program of study well in advance. (See Section II and Plan of Study .)
8. Review and Dismissal
   
Once each semester the progress of each graduate student will be reviewed by the the student's academic advisor, and in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies and Graduate Studies Committee. If a student's progress is unsatisfactory, then corrective action may be defined or that student may be dismissed from the MSMSE graduate program.
1. Conditions for Dismissal
1. Any regular student who has completed twelve or more hours of graduate course work and who has not attained a 3.0 standing may be dismissed from the program.

2. Any student who has completed the formal course work and is not making satisfactory progress toward the completion of the remaining degree requirements may be dismissed from the program.

2. Procedure
1. The dismissal is effective at the end of the semester in which the review is made.

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9. Seminars
1. Center Seminars

To supplement the student's formal coursework and research experience, the Center for Manufacturing , in conjunction with the Graduate School, offers seminars. Every graduate student, except those with a class or work assignment at the same time, is expected to attend.
2. Graduate Student Seminars

To help formulate ideas and plans and to aid in the effective presentation of research material, it is desirable that every graduate student present a seminar; the seminar will generally be presented in the second year of full-time graduate study, when the student's research is nearing completion. Every graduate student, except those with a class at the same time, is expected to attend the Graduate Student Seminars. MSMSE graduate students are strongly encouraged to attend other seminar series organized at the College of Engineering. (ME, EE, MSF, etc.)
3. Safety Training Seminars

All graduate students who expect to be involved in laboratory work are expected to attend some safety training seminars as provided by the safety committee of the center and the safety training offered by the university.
10. Mail/Information

Graduate students may receive mail in care of the Center for Manufacturing , Room 210, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506-0108. Mail will be placed in special graduate student mailboxes.

A bulletin board with important information affecting graduate students will be maintained outside the office of the assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies, Rose Cramer, Rm. 210, Robotics Bldg. (RMB). This board should be consulted periodically.

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