MSc in Mechanical Engineering

As a graduate mechanical engineering student, you will cover a broad scope of topics to prepare you for a successful engineering career, or to further your goal of seeking a more advanced academic degree.

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering prepares students to work toward more advanced degrees or to work in today's complex and competitive industry that shapes our society. Our program values the diverse perspectives of students, providing an evolving curriculum tailored to the needs of industry and society. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on multidisciplinary emerging research areas.

All requirements for the master's degree coursework must be completed within six consecutive calendar years after initial registration.

Plan Options

Students must choose to follow either Plan A or Plan B.

Plan A

Thesis option. Under this plan, you will need to take 7 courses for 21 units, plus 2 research projects for 6 units, and a thesis (3 units), for a total of 30 units, needed to graduate.

Plan B

Non-thesis. Under this option, you will need to take 9 courses for 27 units, and a research project for 3 units, totaling 30 units, needed to graduate.

Coursework Requirement

The student’s program, prepared in conference with and approved by the graduate adviser, must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Twenty-one units of coursework:
   • Twelve units in one area of specialization (designated as Group A, B, C, or D), with no more than six units of 500-level courses.
   • Nine additional units of 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses (excluding ME 797, 798, 799A, 799B, 799C) were selected in consultation with the graduate adviser.
   • At least 15 units of coursework (excluding ME 797, 798, 799A, 799B, 799C) from mechanical engineering.
2. Nine additional units:
   • Thesis students: Six units of ME 797 and three units of 799A or 799B (thesis).
   • Non-thesis students: Three units of M E 797 and six units of 500-, 600, or 700-level courses from mechanical engineering.
3. The total number of units from 500-level courses should not exceed nine.

Areas of Specialization

Students choose one of the following four areas of specialization at the beginning of their career because each group requires certain courses to be taken.

• Group A - Design and Manufacturing
• Group B - Dynamics and Control
• Group C - Energy and Thermofluids
• Group D - Materials and Mechanics

Program Educational Objectives

The Program Educational Objectives of the Master of Science program in Mechanical Engineering program are to produce graduates who will:

• Be prepared for successful careers in industry, government, academia, or non-profit establishments, and will have an appreciation for lifelong learning.
• Have the capacity to use advanced analytical and experimental methods needed to continue graduate study at the doctoral level, or to thrive in a research and development environment.
• Have a breadth of knowledge that fosters an awareness of and skill in interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.
• Have a keen sense of professionalism and a commitment to work toward the betterment of society and the world.
• Embrace diversity and work to foster successful collaborations that are inclusive of all people.

Program Outcomes (Degree Learning Outcomes)

1. Excellence. Mastery of the knowledge in their area of specialization, and the ability to apply associated technologies to novel and emerging problems.
2. Breadth. Broaden professional foundations through activities such as internships, fellowships, the Student Research Symposium, and serving on student committees, as appropriate.
3. Problem definition. State a research problem in such a way that it clearly fits within the context of the literature in an area of study, and demonstrate the value of the solution to the research problem in advancing knowledge within that area.
4. Problem-solving. Apply sound research methods/tools to problems in an area of study, and describe the methods/tools effectively. Analyze/interpret research data.
5. Professionalism. Participate in professional organizations, become members, and attend meetings. Present research to local, regional, national, and international audiences through publications in professional journals and conference papers.
6. Communication. Communicate research clearly and professionally in both written and oral forms appropriate to the field.
7. Societal Context. Understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, and societal context.