Generally, Plan I is used by some people who are funded by government projects whose sponsors require them to write a thesis as a component/stipulation of their support.  It               is not a common plan.  The primary differences between Plan I and Plan II are, Plan I requires 20 units and a thesis, while Plan II requires 24 units and an oral presentation and report.

• Master’s Degree Plan II

          The majority of students earning a master’s degree in our department earn a Master of Science in Plan II.  It can be done in conjunction with the Ph.D. (through application to                 the M.S./Ph.D. degree).

• Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study that emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems.  Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for analysis of problems. 
• Students must have a bachelor’s degree in one of the accredited engineering curricula or satisfy the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in engineering as determined by the department concerned for admission to this program.