Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering (MS) - STEM designated

Mechanical Engineering — MS

The Mechanical Engineering Department offers graduate programs of instruction and research leading to the degrees of master of science (thesis and non-thesis options), and doctor of philosophy. Educational and research facilities are available to support graduate study in solid mechanics, experimental mechanics, electronic packaging and reliability, fracture and failure mechanics, robotics, vibrations, controls, dynamical systems, engineering design, additive manufacturing, friction-lubrication-wear, computer-aided design, fluid dynamics, transportation systems, conventional and renewable energy systems, thermal/fluid sciences, HVAC systems and nanotechnology applications. The applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an institution of recognized standing. If the applicant’s undergraduate degree is not closely related to mechanical engineering, an individualized plan of study will be developed to impart the critical skills inherent in the bachelor’s mechanical engineering program. This typically includes completing a prescribed number of core undergraduate mechanical engineering courses in addition to the graduate requirements. All applicants must submit Graduate Record Examination scores for the General Test and will be evaluated on an individual basis by the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Committee.

MS (Non-Thesis Option): This degree is intended for those applicants who expect to enter the engineering profession at an advanced level or those who are employed and seeking professional development. Requirements for the degree consist of completing 30 credit hours of 6000-7000 level courses. A minimum of 21 credit hours of graded course work should be in mechanical engineering. Substitution of courses from other engineering/science disciplines is permitted with prior approval when appropriate courses are unavailable in mechanical engineering. A committee of three faculty members including a major professor will supervise the plan of study of each student. There is no faculty supervised project requirement.

MS (Thesis Option): This degree is intended for those applicants who expect to enter the engineering profession at an advanced level with some creative research experience. The MS applicant must have a baccalaureate or its equivalent in an engineering or scientific discipline from an institute of recognized standing. The degree requires 30 credit hours of 6000-7000 level courses including 6 credit hours of MECH 7990 and 9 credits of graduate engineering/science technical elective courses. A minimum of 15 credit hours of graded course work should be in mechanical engineering courses. Substitution of courses from other engineering/science disciplines is permitted with prior approval when appropriate courses are unavailable in mechanical engineering. All candidates must pass an oral defense of their written thesis including a comprehensive examination covering the major courses. A committee of at least three faculty members including the major professor will take part in evaluating the thesis.