Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering Program Overview

The Mechanical Engineering MS offers coursework in the areas of aerospace, dynamics and controls, solid mechanics, and thermal/fluid science. Students choose one of three plan options to complete the degree. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements for their chosen plan.

Plan A Thesis

• 30 credits
  • Coursework (24 credits):
    • 12 credits MAE 6000 or above
    • 3 credits advanced math
    • 9 credits other coursework
  • Research: 6 credits MAE 6970 Thesis Proposal
  • Final Thesis Defense
  • Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Plan B Report

• 30 credits
  • Coursework (27 credits):
    • 15 credits of MAE 6000 or above
    • 3 credits of advanced math
    • 9 credits other coursework
  • Project: 3 credits MAE 6950 Project Proposal
  • Final Report Defense
  • Attend in person, 6 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Plan C Coursework

• 33 credits
  • Coursework (33 credits):
    • 21 credits of MAE 6000 or above
    • 3 credits of advanced math
    • 9 credits other coursework

PhD Program

The Mechanical Engineering PhD may be started from a bachelor's or master's degree. If starting from a bachelor's, students may opt to complete a MS Plan C on the way to the PhD. Mechanical Engineering courses are offered in the areas of aerospace, dynamics and controls, solid mechanics, and thermal/fluid science. All graduate students must complete School of Graduate Studies' (SGS) forms and requirements.

Beyond a Bachelor's Degree

• 72-81 credits required:
  • 24 credits of MAE 6000 level or above
  • 6 credits of advanced math
  • 6 credits other coursework
  • 36 credits Dissertation Research
  • Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
  • MS Plan C Option (81 credit minimum)
  • Dissertation Proposal Defense
  • Papers submitted to refereed journals
  • Final Dissertation Defense
  • Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Beyond a Master's Degree

• 42 credits required:
  • 9 credits MAE 6000 level or above
  • 3 credits advanced math
  • 30 credits Dissertation Research
  • Pass 3 PhD Qualifying Exams (80% or above)
  • Dissertation Proposal Defense
  • Papers submitted to refereed journals
  • Final Dissertation Defense
  • Attend in person, 12 MAE Research Seminar Series presentations

Accreditation

The Mechanical Engineering BS Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Mechanical Engineering and Similarly Named Programs.