MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Refer to the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Handbook for more information.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Mission

The mission of the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering is to provide an advanced level of study in distinct areas of specialization. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering prepares the graduate student for Doctoral level studies or for advanced mechanical engineering practice in industry, consulting or government service.

Program Educational Outcomes

• The MS in Mechanical Engineering program will produce graduate students who are successfully placed in industry, doctoral programs, consulting and government service.
• The MS in Mechanical Engineering program will produce graduates who possess advanced knowledge in order to perform research in mechanical engineering and related technical areas.
• The MS in Mechanical Engineering program will ensure that graduates engage in professional activities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop advanced critical thinking skills by solving complex and challenging problems in mechanical engineering, mathematics and the physical sciences.
• Students will communicate effectively by conveying their ideas, both orally and in written form, in accordance with acceptable published standards.
• Students will demonstrate their ability to perform research by generating a thesis of an original idea and publishing technical papers under the guidance of an academic advisor.
• Graduates will engage in professional activities by attending conferences, presenting papers and serving various roles in professional organizations.

Doctor of Philosophy

Mission

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Mechanical Engineering provides independent research opportunities and skills to students who are interested in research and teaching at the university level and positions in government laboratories and industries. The PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering provides both advanced instruction and independent research opportunities for students.

Program Educational Outcomes

• The PhD in Mechanical Engineering program will produce graduates who are successfully placed in research agencies and faculty positions in universities and colleges.
• The PhD in Mechanical Engineering program will train graduates who are capable of imparting knowledge of mechanical engineering through teaching and research.
• The PhD in Mechanical Engineering program will produce graduates who are active in professional organizations and keep abreast with developments in science and engineering.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will apply their critical thinking skills to invent, analyze, and model complex engineering systems and make novel contributions to the discipline.
• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will demonstrate effective communication skills through project and dissertation work and conference presentations.
• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will perform research or undertake advanced projects in an area of mechanical engineering such as mechanical systems and materials, energy and thermal-fluid sciences, and/or aerospace and make novel contributions in their respective areas of research.
• Graduates of the Ph.D. program will be active and effective leaders in their professional societies.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of graduate study in Mechanical Engineering is to provide advanced level study in distinct areas of specialization. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering prepares the graduate student for Ph.D. level studies or for advanced mechanical engineering practice in industrial, consulting or government service. The Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering provides independent research opportunities and skills to students who are interested in research and teaching at the university level.

Degrees Offered

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering 

Admission to PhD Program

To be considered for unconditional admission to the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, an applicant must have the Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field with a minimum GPA of 3.3 and satisfactory GRE scores.

A student with a BSME degree from an accredited program with a 3.5 GPA or higher, satisfactory GRE scores, and strong reference letters may be admitted directly to the PhD program. Students in this program must qualify for unconditional admission status.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Students must complete six (6) credit hours of Thesis, twenty-four (24) credit hours of course work with letter grades, supervised research and graduate seminars with Pass/Fail grades as specified by the department. At least twelve (12) credit hours of those 24 graded credit hours must be at the 700 level or above. A coursework option and a project option are also available with different degree requirements. Refer to the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Handbook for more information.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The coursework requirements include advanced mathematics, core mechanical engineering requirements and a group of coherent specialty courses per the discretion of the student and the major advisor. The course work requirements depend on the type of entry into the Ph.D. program. The Ph.D. program consists of the following:Core mechanical engineering credit hours: 9; 9 credit hours from MEEN 613, 631, and 716; 3 credit hours selected from: MATH 650, 651, 652; Technical elective courses: 6; 30 credit hours selected from: MEEN 600-899 (specifically 60%: 15 credit hours from 800-899); 2 credit hours Seminar;12 credit hours Dissertation;Pass Qualifying Examination; Pass Preliminary Examination; Pass Final Dissertation Oral Defense;Publish at least one journal paper; Total post BS credit hours: 60; Total post MS credit hours: 36.

Refer to the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Handbook for more information.