M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

The department offers a broad program of study leading to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The thesis-based program (Option I) requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit, including at least 24 hours of course work and at least 6 hours of thesis credit.

• Of the 24 hours of regular course work, at least 12 hours must be taken within the department
• At least 9 hours must be in advanced level courses
• At least one 3-hour Mechanical Engineering course must be taken in an area outside the student's primary area of interest.
• In addition, all first-year graduate students (except those taking only undergraduate deficiency courses) must take Advanced Analysis of Mechanical Engineering Systems, MECH 890.
• A transfer of a maximum of 6 credit hours is allowed with approval from the Departmental Graduate Committee.
• In some cases (requiring specific permission), students may complete their degree under Option II, which substitutes additional course work and a comprehensive exam in place of the thesis.

A full graduate course load is considered to be 9 to 12 credit hours per semester. The length of time necessary to complete the master's degree varies, but 18 months is typical.

Students may obtain a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Area of Specialization in Materials Science Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering, by following a prescribed program of courses emphasizing the materials area.