Mechanical Engineering Program Overview

Master's Program

Pursuing a master’s degree helps you gain specialized knowledge to advance in your field. Not only could it open opportunities for you professionally, but it will increase your earning potential in an already competitive marketplace.

The Mechanical Engineering MS offers coursework in the areas of aerospace, dynamics and controls, solid mechanics, and thermal/fluid science. Students choose one of three plan options to complete the degree. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements for their chosen plan. All MS-Plan A students must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) online training to enhance their understanding of research ethics and practices.

Plan A Thesis -30 credits

Students complete research on an approved topic and write and defend a thesis documenting the research and conclusions reached.

• Coursework (24 credits):
  
  • 12 credits MAE 6000 or above
  • 3 credits advanced math
  • 9 credits other coursework
• Research: 6 credits MAE 6970
• Thesis Proposal
• Final Thesis Defense
• Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Mechanical Engineering MS.A Program Checklist (XLSX)

Plan B Report -30 credits

Students complete an approved project and write and defend a report documenting the work done and conclusions reached.

• Coursework (27 credits):
  
  • 12 credits MAE 6000 or above
  • 3 credits advanced math
  • 12 credits other coursework
• Project: 3 credits MAE 6950
• Project Proposal
• Final Report Defense
• Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Mechanical Engineering MS.B Program Checklist (XLSX)

Plan C Coursework -33 credits

Students complete coursework to satisfy degree requirements.

• Coursework (33 credits):
  • 18 credits MAE 6000 or above
  • 3 credits advanced math
  • 12 credits other coursework

Mechanical Engineering MS.C Program Checklist (XLSX)

PhD Program

You don’t have to be an experienced researcher to pursue a PhD. Research topics could include solids, thermal fluids, dynamics and control, and even aerospace. Mechanical engineering is a very broad and diverse engineering discipline. We offer PhD programs from a BS or an MS degree.

The Mechanical Engineering PhD may be started from a bachelor's or master's degree. If starting from a bachelor's, students may opt to complete a MS Plan C on the way to the PhD. Mechanical Engineering courses are offered in the areas of aerospace, dynamics and controls, solid mechanics, and thermal/fluid science. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements. All PhD students must complete the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) online training to enhance their understanding of research ethics and practices.

Beyond a Bachelor's Degree

• 72-81 credits required:
  • 18 credits MAE 6000 level or above
  • 6 credits advanced math
  • 12 other credits
  • 36 credits Dissertation Research
• Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
• MS Plan C Option (81 credit minimum)
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• Papers submitted to refereed journals
• Final Dissertation Defense
• Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Mechanical Engineering PhD.BS Checklist (XLSX)

Beyond a Master's Degree

• 42 credits required:
  • 9 credits MAE 6000 level or above
  • 3 credits advanced math
  • 30 credits Dissertation Research
• Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• Papers submitted to refereed journals
• Final Dissertation Defense
• Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Mechanical Engineering PhD.MS Checklist (XLSX)