MS in Mechanical Engineering

The MS programs in Mechanical Engineering (thesis and non-thesis options) are designed for students who desire advanced training in areas of mechanical engineering. Graduates may work in any one of a variety of areas of engineering industry, in a governmental laboratory, or continue their training toward a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, applied mechanics, or a related field.

Learning Outcomes

Students must show capacity to:

  1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve mechanical engineering problems.
  2. Understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.
  3. Use modern engineering tools and techniques to successfully practice the engineering profession in a variety of settings.
  4. Use oral and written communication to convey technical concepts to engineers and nonengineers. Collaborate as member or leader of a technical project team.

Curriculum

Master of Science students are required to complete a minimum of 32 credit hours applicable to the degree according to the program planning sheet. All 32 credits must be at the 500 level or above. To graduate, a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (B) must be attained in the set of courses used to satisfy the program requirements for the degree.

Credit cannot be given for two or more courses having significant overlap (including overlap with courses that had been taken to fulfill the candidate’s undergraduate degree requirements).

Structured Course Requirements for the MS in Mechanical Engineering (with Thesis)

The 32 credits must be selected as follows:

  • Focus Area—three courses (12 credits) from one of eight Mechanical Engineering Focus Areas (please see department webpage for a listing of the Focus Areas and courses).
  • Breadth Requirement—one course (4 credits) from a second Focus Area (please see department webpage for a listing of Focus Areas and courses).
  • Engineering, Math, and Physical Science Electives—two courses (8 credits); selected from engineering/math/science courses (please see department webpage for acceptable courses and any restrictions).
  • MS Thesis—8 credits of ME 954 MS Thesis. A written research-based thesis must be completed (the thesis satisfies the practicum requirement).

Structured Course Requirements for the MS in Mechanical Engineering (without Thesis)

The 32 credits must be selected as follows:

  • Focus Area—three courses (12 credits) from one of eight Mechanical Engineering Focus Areas (please see department webpage for a listing of the Focus Areas and courses).
  • Breadth Requirement—one course (4 credits) from a second Focus Area (please see department webpage for a listing of Focus Areas and courses).
  • Engineering, Math, and Physical Science Electives—two courses (8 credits); selected from engineering/math/science courses (please see department webpage for acceptable courses and any restrictions).
  • Mechanical Engineering Electives—two courses (8 credits); two additional 500-level or above courses in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Practicum Requirement—one of the courses used to fulfill the Focus Area requirement, the Mechanical Engineering elective, or the Engineering and Physical Science electives must be a practicum course. See the department webpage for a listing of the practicum courses.
  • No more than two courses (8 credits) used toward the MS degree may be Engineering Management courses (please see department webpage for a list of Engineering Management courses).