Taking Graduate courses from a different department

[moogull]

I'm headed off to graduate school soon, and I was wondering if it is common or even allowed that a student in Department A take a course on a topic in Department B. In my situation, I will be in the mechanical engineering department, but say I wanted to take a class on rocket propulsion offered by the aerospace engineering department, does this happen?

 

[George Jones]

It can happen, but I think it depends strongly on the particular school and the particular department.

For example, when I did my Ph.D. in Physics, I was required to take certain specific physics courses, and a minimum number of courses. The Physics Department let me count three graduate courses in pure mathematics towards the minimum number.

When you get to grad school, talk to the department. If this might influence your decision about which school to attend for grad school, contact the departments now.

 

[moogull]

Thanks for the feedback George, another question came to mind, how much do different engineering departments at a school collaborate on research projects?

 

[jasonRF]

I'm headed off to graduate school soon, and I was wondering if it is common or even allowed that a student in Department A take a course on a topic in Department B. In my situation, I will be in the mechanical engineering department, but say I wanted to take a class on rocket propulsion offered by the aerospace engineering department, does this happen?

It seems common to me - everyone I knew in grad school took grad classes from at least 2 departments. Likewise, many of the newly minted PhDs I interview take grad classes from multiple deps.

 

[Matrix0]

I can say that it is not only common but also highly encouraged for graduate students to take courses from different departments. In fact, interdisciplinary studies are becoming increasingly important in the scientific community as they allow for a more holistic approach to problem-solving and research. Taking courses from different departments can provide you with a broader understanding of your field and give you a competitive edge in your future career.

In your specific situation, I believe it would be highly beneficial for you to take a course on rocket propulsion offered by the aerospace engineering department. This will not only expand your knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering but also give you a deeper understanding of the principles and applications of rocket propulsion. It may also open up opportunities for collaboration with students and researchers from other departments, leading to innovative and impactful projects.

In terms of whether it is allowed, I suggest consulting with your academic advisor or the department offering the course. They will be able to provide you with the necessary information and guide you in selecting courses that align with your academic and career goals. Overall, I highly encourage students to take advantage of the diverse course offerings and interdisciplinary opportunities available in graduate school.