Program Overview

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Graduate Program

The Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) program at Northwestern Engineering is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental degree-granting graduate program. The program has a distinguished history and enjoys an excellent national and international reputation.

About the Program

Graduate programs are flexible and adaptable to the specific needs and abilities of the students. Students have the ability to take courses from every school at Northwestern and can take courses offered in all of the departments within the McCormick School of Engineering. TAM faculty members are affiliated with the following departments:

• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering

Quick Facts

The program offers the following graduate degrees:

• Master of Science (MS) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
• Location: Northwestern University’s Evanston campus
• Timing:
  • MS: 1 year
  • PhD: 4 years if the student has a master's degree
  • Start date: Fall quarter
• Group size: Full-time, small cohort guarantees a meaningful and in-depth mentorship experience between students and faculty
• Admissions:
  • Application Opens: September 1
  • Application Deadline: December 31

Research Areas

The program covers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Computational Mechanics
• Multifunctional Materials
• Mechanics in Biology & Fluids
• Micro/Nanomechanics
• Geomechanics
• Structural Reliability & Nondestructive Characterization

Curriculum

The curriculum combines both traditional and novel trends in a diversity of topics across engineering and science fields. Students work closely with faculty from a wide range of engineering departments and industries to determine their unique program of study. Students are invited to take classes within all the McCormick departments and Northwestern schools.

Faculty

The faculty include four National Academy of Engineering members, two National Academy of Sciences members, four European Academy of Sciences and Arts members, a Presidential Medalist, and several ASME Timoshenko medalists. Tenured faculty from the McCormick School of Engineering, the Feinberg School of Medicine, and the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences are members of TAM.

Career Opportunities

Graduates from the Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program are well prepared for immediate employment in a variety of professional environments. Shortly after completing the program, the majority of students receive academic offers (post-doc or assistant professor) while others receive offers from prestigious industrial partners. Program participants have full access to Northwestern University’s extensive career placement resources. Additionally, graduates are mentored directly by faculty as they seek employment near completion of their graduate studies at Northwestern.