Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering, MS

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) program at Tulane University is a foundational discipline that drives technological innovation, economic growth, and quality of life across virtually every industry. The program focuses on three specialized areas: Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Thermal Systems, and Sustainable Energy.

Program Overview

The ME program equips students with expertise in computational materials science, mechanics of materials, and modern manufacturing techniques, preparing them for careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy sectors.

Focus Areas

• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (AMM): This focus area builds upon Tulane’s strengths in materials science, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Thermal Systems (TS): Thermal systems engineering is fundamental to nearly all mechanical engineering applications, from energy production and transportation to industrial processes and HVAC systems.
• Sustainable Energy (SE): With increasing global emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, this focus area provides students with expertise in renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and sustainable design practices.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the ME program, graduates will be equipped to:

1. Apply core mechanical engineering principles
2. Design and optimize engineering systems
3. Conduct independent research and innovation
4. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the ME program will be well-prepared for leadership roles in a variety of industries, including:

• Aerospace and Defense
• Automotive and Transportation
• Energy and Power Generation
• Advanced Manufacturing
• HVAC and Refrigeration Systems
• Biomedical Engineering
• Research Institutions and Academia

Required Coursework

Applicants may choose one of two paths: 30 credits of coursework from the approved curriculum or 24 credits of coursework and a 6-credit written research thesis supervised by a Tulane SSE faculty member.

Course List

The following courses are available:

• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Focus Area:
  • MPEN 6390: Synthesis of Nanomaterials
  • MPEN 6290: Computation Material Sci & Eng
  • MPEN 6720: Mechanic Behavior of Materials
  • CENG 6890: Polymer Engr & Science
  • MPEN 6620: MicroFab and Nanotech
• Thermal Systems Focus Area:
  • PHYS 7100: Statistical Mechanics
  • CENG 7320: Advanced Transport Phenomena
  • MPEN 6760: Thermodynamics of Materials
  • CENG 6760: Energy and Sustainability
• Sustainable Energy Focus Area:
  • CENG 6760: Energy and Sustainability
  • MPEN 6380: Materials for Energy
  • CENG 7320: Advanced Transport Phenomena
• Additional Engineering Electives:
  • MPEN 6360: Structure of Materials
  • PHYS 6180: Introduction to Feedback Control and Control Theory
  • CENG 6130: Surf. & Colloid Phenomen
  • RCSE 6010: Water Resources Engineering I
  • PHYS 7060: Theoretical Mechanics
  • BMEN 6060: Biomedical Acoustics
  • BMEN 6310: Continuum Models In BMEN
  • BMEN 6630: Cell Mechanics
  • BMEN 6650: Biomechanics and Biotransport
  • BMEN 6790: Design Studio
  • BMEN 6970: TRIZ - Theory of Inventive Design

Commercialization and Policy Course Option

Students interested in technology entrepreneurship, commercialization, and policy may complete up to two of the following courses:

• ENRG 7100: Energy Markets, Institutions & Policy
• ENRG 7120: Energy Data Analysis
• ENRG 7200: Energy Fundamentals & Trading
• ENRG 7840: Energy Industry Projects
• ENRG 7860: Renewable Energy Project Development & Finance
• MGMT 6160: New Venture Planning
• MGMT 7210: Management of Technology and Innovation
• SCEN 6000: Entrepreneurship Eng & Biosci
• BMEN 6080: Tech Invent &Commercialization

Math Option

Students may be interested in acquiring or enhancing mathematics skills by enrolling in courses offered by the Mathematics Department.

Admission

No undergraduate major is specified for admission. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours in science and engineering (3.0 GPA or higher). Adequate background coursework in mathematics, mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer is essential.

Tuition

For Tuition Rates, please refer to the university's website.

GPA Requirement

A GPA of 3.0 is required for the degree to be conferred. Courses receiving less than B- will contribute no credit toward the Master’s degree requirements.

Mechanical Engineering (ME) Masters 4+1 Program

In addition to the above requirements, Tulane 4+1 students must have a minimum grade of B in Mechanics of Materials (ENGP 2430) and Thermodynamics (CENG 2120 or ENGP 2120) or equivalent. 4+1 students will normally indicate their intention to pursue the program before the end of the third year at Tulane and will complete between 6 and 12 credits of coursework towards the MS degree by the end of the fourth year. Six of these credits can count simultaneously towards the 120 credits required for the Bachelor’s degree.