Mechanical Engineering MS

Program Overview

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Mechanical Engineering Master of Science Degree

Overview

RIT's mechanical engineering MS gives you the skills to examine dynamics, robotics, nanotechnology, biomechanics, and energy systems.

Why Pursue a Mechanical Engineering MS 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.
• Dynamic Focus Areas: Choose from a wide range of focus areas, including robotics, nanotechnology, biomechanics, energy systems, and more.
• Career Readiness: Gain the skills necessary to secure a rewarding position in either research or industry.
• Optional Cooperative Education: Gain valuable employment experience in your field by participating in a co-op.

RIT's Mechanical Engineering MS

The mechanical engineering MS prepares you 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 your 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.
• Successfully pursue a graduate degree at the doctoral level, should you choose to do so.

List of Courses for Mechanical Engineering MS

The master's of science in mechanical engineering includes core courses, focus area courses, elective courses, and a thesis. RIT's mechanical engineering master's requirements mandate that all full-time and full-time equivalent students attend the weekly graduate seminar each semester they are on campus.

• Focus Area Courses: You will develop a focus area of study in mechanical engineering related to your technical and professional development interests and goals. Examples of focus areas include automotive systems, business, controls, manufacturing, mechanics-design/materials, product development, sustainability, thermo/fluids engineering, and vibrations engineering.
• Independent Study: You may earn a limited number of credit hours through independent study with guidance from a member of the graduate faculty. Areas for independent study include selected topics in applied mathematics, analytical mechanics, nonlinear mechanics, fracture mechanics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, control systems, optimal control, thermal stresses, composite materials, and biomechanics.
• Thesis: To complete your mechanical engineering master's requirements, you will prepare and present a formal thesis proposal to your faculty advisor. An acceptable proposal (which includes a statement of work, extensive literature search, and proposed timeline), signed by you and approved by your faculty advisor and department head, is required prior to registering for thesis credits. You will form a graduate thesis committee in coordination with your advisor and present your proposal to the committee for review and approval during the first semester in which you have registered for thesis credit. You are required to deliver a successful written and oral presentation of your thesis.

Curriculum for Mechanical Engineering MS

• Mechanical Engineering, MS degree, typical course sequence:
  • First Year:
    • MECE-707: Engineering Analysis (3 credits)
    • MECE-709: Advanced Engineering Mathematics (3 credits)
    • MECE-795: Graduate Seminar (0 credits)
    • Graduate Electives I, II, III, IV (12 credits)
  • Second Year:
    • MECE-790: Thesis (6 credits)
    • Graduate Elective V, VI (6 credits)
  • Total Semester Credit Hours: 30

Careers and Experiential Learning

• Typical Job Titles:
  • Research and Development Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • FEA Engineer
  • Packaging Engineer
  • Thermal Engineer
• Cooperative Education and Internships: What makes an RIT education exceptional? It's the opportunity to complete relevant, hands-on engineering co-ops and internships with top companies in every single industry. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart.

Admissions and Financial Aid

• Application Details:
  • 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.

Faculty

• Rob Stevens: Associate Professor
• Jason Kolodziej: Associate Professor
• Ali Baheri: Assistant Professor

Research

• 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

Facilities

• Sustainable Energy Lab
• Gleason Gear Lab
• Knorr-Bremse Mechatronics Laboratory

Program Outline

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Students are also interested in: Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration MS, Mechanical Engineering ME, Vibrations Adv. Cert.

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	IELTS	PTE Academic
79	6.5	56

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.