Mechanical Engineering, M.S.

The Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree program prepares the student for a successful career through advanced study in design, development, analysis, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems for a wide range of industries, including transportation, automation, medical, energy generation, electronics, and sports. The program combines core mechanical engineering courses with technical electives that enables the student to increase his/her knowledge and competence in essential skills for Mechanical Engineering while affording sufficient freedom to provide in-depth study in both traditional and contemporary curriculum areas and explore emerging interdisciplinary areas. The department provides the flexibility to allow the students to select their own specialty from the technical areas below:

1. Solid Mechanics and Mechanical Design - The Solid Mechanics and Mechanical Design technical area includes study of engineering materials and structures and their mechanical response and failure behavior, CAD/CAM/CAE, and mechanical design. It prepares the student to gain knowledge in product/machinery design and succeed in different industries, such as the design and development of green (solar) energy system, automobile components and systems, biomedical instrumentation, automation, and different products.
2. Manufacturing Engineering and Management - The Manufacturing Engineering and Management area provides advanced study in manufacturing. The program of study includes advanced materials and manufacturing processes, assembly and product engineering, automation in manufacturing, and manufacturing competitiveness. This prepares students with state-of-the-art knowledge, hands on experience and competency in world-class manufacturing environments. Course work emphasizes global corporate and business practices, and Manufacturing Shop Floor environments.
3. Thermal Fluid System and Sustainable Energy - The Thermal Fluid System and Sustainable Energy technical area provides advanced study in thermal fluid systems and sustainable energy. Studies include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); aerodynamics and hydrodynamics in sports; turbomachinery; vehicle aerodynamics; transport phenomena (heat and mass transfer and fluid flow) in manufacturing processes and medical devices; thermal management of electronics; thermal fluids system design; renewable energy applications.
4. Mechatronics and Automation - The Mechatronics and Automation area studies the applications of mechatronics in manufacturing and other industrial automation, including sensors, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers and robotics.

A minimum of 31 semester hours is required for the MSME degree. The program combines core mechanical engineering courses with technical electives. The student is recommended to choose at least four electives for in-depth study in one technical area and use the remaining electives for exploration in a broader technical area.

The student can design an individualized program of study with the help and approval of a faculty advisor if the academic and career goals extend beyond the available technical areas.

Admission requirements

The Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering is intended to prepare individuals with a strong mathematical, scientific, or technical background for advanced entry into the mechanical engineering field and for further study leading to the doctorate. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering degree. Students with superior credentials in other engineering or science programs can be accepted into the program if they have taken sufficient mathematics and physics courses, including calculus, differential equations, and two semesters of coursework of general physics. Additional courses may be required to make up deficiencies in core Mechanical Engineering areas. Applicants are expected to have an average of “B” or better in their undergraduate coursework.

Learning outcomes

Students will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to design or analyze a system, component or process to meet desired objectives within realistic, contemporary constraints such as health and safety, ethics, performance, sustainability, and economics;
2. Demonstrate the ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering and scientific tools necessary for engineering practice;
3. Demonstrate the ability to create, adapt, transfer, and integrate existing and emerging technologies into new products, processes, and services;
4. Develop decision-making, risk assessment, and problem solving skills considering both economic and other constraints; and
5. Develop both technical and management oral presentation and written communication skills.

Dual degree options

The department also offers the opportunity to acquire dual graduate degrees alongside the MS degree in Mechanical Engineering. Candidates for these double master’s degree programs are typically required to complete a total of 48 credit hours to satisfy the requirements of two master’s degrees. This implies 18 credit hours in addition to the 30 hours required for the MS degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Furthermore, customized study plans to allow receiving the Mechanical Engineering MS degree while pursuing either the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science and Engineering  or the Ed.D. degree in Education  are available. Doctoral students in these two programs should consult their respective doctoral advisors to work on their individualized plans.