Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at Temple University is designed to provide students with the credentials and background needed to pursue a career in industrial or academic research and development. The program is suitable for students who already hold an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, as well as those from diverse engineering or basic science backgrounds.

About the Program

The MSME program equips students with the fundamental technical expertise in mechanical engineering necessary to work in interdisciplinary fields such as bioengineering or materials engineering. The program offers currently employed professionals a means to further their technical capabilities through part-time study.

Time Limit for Degree Completion

The time limit for degree completion is 5 years.

Campus Location

The program is located on the Main campus.

Full-Time/Part-Time Status

The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Interdisciplinary Study

The program encourages interdisciplinary research with other branches of engineering as well as with various departments of the College of Science and Technology and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine. Faculty are also collaborating with investigators in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering on water turbulence studies; in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering on heat dissipation in microelectronic components; and in the Department of Physics on nanotechnology research.

Areas of Specialization

Specialized courses and research are offered in:

• Robotics and Artificial Intelligence
• Biofluidics and Targeted Drug Delivery
• Injury and Tissue Biomechanics
• Materials Engineering and Processing
• Acoustics and Metamaterials
• Composites and Smart Materials
• Dynamic Systems and Data Driven Controls
• Electrical Vehicles Safety and Crashworthiness
• Computational Nanomechanics

Program Tracks

For the MSME program, students may choose between three tracks:

1. The Thesis Track is intended for students pursuing advanced research and includes 24 credits of didactic coursework, 3 credits of Project (MEE 9995), and 3 credits of Thesis (MEE 9996).
2. The Project Track introduces students to applied research and includes 27 credits of didactic coursework and 3 credits of Project (MEE 9995).
3. The Coursework Track provides students with an advanced engineering background for their future in the engineering profession through 30 credits of didactic coursework.

Job Prospects

Graduates with the MSME in Mechanical Engineering are employed in high-tech industries and government laboratories in design, analysis, and applications. Typical employers include manufacturing companies; pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies; companies involved in research and development in fluid flow and heat transfer; computer-aided designers and manufacturers; computer technology firms; and government offices such as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy

Up to 9 credits of graduate Engineering coursework may be taken at Temple University on a non-matriculated basis and subsequently applied to the MSME degree upon admission.

Financing Opportunities

Three forms of financial aid are offered to graduate students:

1. Teaching Assistantship (TA): TA awards are made solely by the Department and require the awardee to work 20 hours per week in support of the Department's undergraduate programs.
2. Research Assistantship (RA): Individual ME faculty confer RA awards, using their research funds, upon students who appear well-qualified to carry out the research.
3. Fellowships: These highly competitive University-wide grants are typically awarded only to PhD-program applicants.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline

• March 1 (International)
• June 1 (Domestic)
• November 1

Letters of Reference

• Number Required: 3
• From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college or research faculty who are familiar with the applicant's competency.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration

Students who are not adequately prepared for advanced courses may be required to complete prerequisite coursework.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline

A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is the preferred prerequisite degree. However, students who have earned a bachelor's degree in a related field are encouraged to apply, with the understanding that remedial preparatory courses may be a pre-condition of admission to the MSME program.

University Regulations

University regulations stipulate that the applicant must have earned a 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in their undergraduate studies, but admission exceptions are made for a variety of circumstances.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, whether or not a degree was awarded, must be submitted.

Statement of Goals

Describe your relevant technical experiences and career goals in one to two pages.

Standardized Test Scores

• GRE: Optional
• TOEFL iBT: 79
• IELTS Academic: 6.5
• PTE Academic: 53
• Duolingo: 110

Resume

Current resume required.

Transfer Credit

Graduate credits taken at an accredited institution prior to matriculation may be transferred into the MSME program.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

• Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses

Thesis Track

• Core Courses:
  • ENGR 5117: Experimental Methods
  • Select one course from the following: ENGR 5011: Engineering Mathematics I, ENGR 5012: Engineering Mathematics II
  • Select one additional course from the following: ENGR 5314: Continuum Mechanics, ENGR 5334: Dynamical Systems, MEE 5117: Finite Element Analysis
• Electives: 15
• Research Courses:
  • MEE 9995: Project
  • MEE 9996: Thesis

Project Track

• Core Courses:
  • ENGR 5117: Experimental Methods
  • Select one course from the following: ENGR 5011: Engineering Mathematics I, ENGR 5012: Engineering Mathematics II
  • Select one additional course from the following: ENGR 5314: Continuum Mechanics, ENGR 5334: Dynamical Systems, MEE 5117: Finite Element Analysis
• Electives: 18
• Research Course:
  • MEE 9995: Project

Coursework Track

• Core Courses:
  • ENGR 5117: Experimental Methods
  • Select one course from the following: ENGR 5011: Engineering Mathematics I, ENGR 5012: Engineering Mathematics II
  • Select one additional course from the following: ENGR 5314: Continuum Mechanics, ENGR 5334: Dynamical Systems, MEE 5117: Finite Element Analysis
• Electives: 21

Culminating Events

• Thesis Track: Students are required to complete eight courses (24 total credits) at 5000 or above levels, three credits of project (MEE 9995), and three credits of master thesis research (MEE 9996).
• Project Track: Students are required to complete nine courses (27 total credits) at 5000 or above levels, and three credits of project course (MEE 9995).
• Coursework Track: Students are required to complete 10 courses (30 total credits) at 5000 or above levels.

Accelerated Programs

Undergraduate students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route.

Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

• Four courses from MEE 5000+ and/or ENGR 5000+, with advisor approval

Suggested Academic Plan

• Plan of Study Grid Year 3:
  • Spring: One MEE 5000+ course
• Plan of Study Grid Year 4:
  • Fall: One MEE 5000+ course, One MEE 5000+ course
  • Spring: One MEE 5000+ course

Admissions Criteria

• Candidates for the +1 program must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 by the end of the 5th semester.
• Submit an application before the end of the 5th semester of study.
• Submit the following:
  • Recommendation letters from two faculty members and at least one must be from a faculty member in the relevant department.
  • Personal statement.
  • Resume.
• Complete required coursework as outlined in the application.