Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering Master of Engineering Degree

Overview

The mechanical engineering ME equips graduates to design engineered systems using core mechanical engineering principles and tools.

Why Pursue a Mechanical Engineering ME at RIT?

• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
• Wide Range of Focus Areas: Choose from a wide array of focus area courses and electives to align your degree with your professional goals and interests.
• Optional Cooperative Education: Gain valuable employment experience in your field by participating in a co-op.
• Flexible Capstone Experience: Choose from a design project leadership course or an industrial internship to complete your degree.

RIT’s Mechanical Engineering ME

The master's in mechanical engineering is intended to be a terminal degree program designed for those who do not expect to pursue a doctoral degree, but who wish to become a leader within the mechanical engineering field. This graduate program for mechanical engineering is particularly well-suited for students who wish to study part time, for those interested in updating their technical skills, or for those who are not focused on a research-oriented master of science degree, which requires a thesis. A conventional thesis is not required for the program. In its place, students complete a capstone experience, which may be a design project leadership course or a well-organized and carefully chosen industrial internship. A research methods course may also fulfill the capstone experience; however, this option is primarily intended for students who are considering transitioning to the MS program in mechanical engineering. Courses taken within the ME program are transferable to the mechanical engineering MS program.

Mechanical Engineering ME Courses

The mechanical engineering ME prepares graduates to:

• Practice mechanical engineering in support of the design of engineered systems through the application of the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools of mechanical engineering.
• Enhance their skills through formal education and training, independent inquiry, and professional development.
• Work independently as well as collaboratively with others while demonstrating the professional and ethical responsibilities of the engineering profession.

In addition to required courses, students choose focus area courses and electives that customize the master's in mechanical engineering around their professional goals and interests. Focus areas include automotive systems, business, controls, manufacturing, mechanics-design/materials, product development, sustainability, thermo/fluids engineering, and vibrations engineering.

All full-time students attend a weekly graduate seminar each semester they are on campus. Up to three courses may be taken outside the mechanical engineering department. Students may complete the mechanical engineering ME requirements within one calendar year with summer study. Students may also augment their education through cooperative education employment opportunities. Although co-op is not a requirement of the program, it provides students an opportunity to gain valuable employment experience within the field.

Careers and Experiential Learning

Typical Job Titles

• Process Engineer
• Propulsion Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Vehicle Verification Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Research and Development Engineer
• Test Engineer
• Weapons and Complex Integration Researcher

Curriculum

Mechanical Engineering, ME degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • MECE-707: Engineering Analysis (3)
  • MECE-709: Advanced Engineering Mathematics (3)
  • MECE-795: Graduate Seminar* (0)
  • Graduate Electives I, II, III, IV (12)
• Second Year
  • MECE-795: Graduate Seminar* (0)
  • Choose one of the following:
    • MECE-730: Design Project Leadership† (3)
    • MECE-777: Graduate Internship‡ (3)
    • MECE-792: Project with Paper§ (3)
  • Graduate Electives V, VI, VII (9)

Admissions and Financial Aid

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Mechanical Engineering ME program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application.
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college in mechanical engineering, physics, or a related field. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
• Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE required (waived for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025). No minimum score requirement.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.

• TOEFL: 79
• IELTS: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 56

Faculty

• John Wellin: Principal Lecturer
• Ali Baheri: Assistant Professor
• Agamemnon Crassidis: Professor

Research

The faculty and students in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering are engaging in numerous areas of research, which takes place across all of our engineering disciplines and often involves other colleges at RIT, local health care institutions, and major industry partners. Explore the college's key research initiatives to learn more about our research in:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems
• Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering
• Cyber-physical Systems
• Data Analysis, Modeling and Simulations
• Energy and the Environment
• Micro/Nanoscale Systems, Devices, and Materials