<p>Is it commonplace for Master's students in engineering to secure a research adviser before they start classes? I'm wondering because I got admitted but my admission letter only mentioned a faculty adviser to help me with choosing courses and nothing about a research adviser.</p>
<p>In a lot of PhD programs it’s common to not have an advisor prior to starting your program, as many departments require some sort of rotation between different labs or something of that sort. I think you’re generally given until the end of the first quarter/semester if you’re not doing rotation, though most PhD know who they’re going to work for, since that’s why they’re going to that school.</p>
<p>I know my girlfriend, who’s starting her MS in the fall, still doesn’t know who she’s going to work for yet either.</p>
<p>Are you a MS or a PhD student? Big difference in how you will be perceived by professors. Some will not take you on, and some will insist that you do well in one of their classes first (especially if you are a MS). Also, what is your funding situation? That also effects things.</p>
<p>I contacted a bunch of profs prior to my arrival at my school and starting working with one right away. However, I am a PhD student with a fellowship provided by the University.</p>