Brochure
Take a theoretical look into the behaviors of materials and structures. Students in the engineering mechanics master’s program gain a strong mathematical foundation that supports studies in material behavior under stress and aids in material failure analysis. The curriculum emphasizes engineering mechanics course work, e.g., continuum mechanics, composite materials, failure mechanics, and fluid mechanics.
The graduate program in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering—nationally ranked in the top 36% by U.S. News & World Report—offers a wide range of challenging and rewarding courses of study. The MS in Engineering Mechanics provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies or professional practice. The MS signature course work option affords students the flexibility to focus on the applications of engineering mechanics through expanded course work and engaging co-op experiences.
Research-intensive MS options offer a project component. Students benefit from extensive research facilities on campus and at satellite locations. Expenditures for the department’s dynamic research community exceed $13 million annually. Active research thrust areas—many of which emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration—include
- Advanced power systems: developing critical technologies for clean, efficient, sustainable power systems, and modeling energy transport and conversion processes. Focus areas include engines, fuel cells, and wind turbines.
- Mechanics of multi-scale materials: constitutive modeling of biomaterials, cellular materials, nanomaterials, energetic materials, and composite materials. Research focuses on developing methods for modeling and characterization that will inform emerging technologies.
- Multidisciplinary engineering dynamic systems: collaborative research at the interface of engineering disciplines such as dynamics, vibration, acoustics, signal processing, and controls. Research focuses on the need for quieter, more reliable, safer products, machines, and equipment.
- Multi-scale sensors and systems: research into the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of physically and functionally compatible devices and components across the size spectrum. Focus areas include nanofabrication and characterization, micro-fabrication processes, and bio-nanotechnology.
- Space systems: development of innovative components, systems, and architectures for micro and nanosatellite applications.
Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation, and coalesce with scholars working toward achieving technological, environmental, industrial, and societal sustainability.
MS Plans
Whether your interests lie in research or course work, we offer a master plan to suit your educational goals.
MS, Engineering Mechanics: Thesis Option
This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.
The minimum requirements are as follows:
| Option Parts | Credits |
|---|---|
| Coursework (minimum) | 20 Credits |
| Thesis research | 6-10 Credits |
| Total (minimum) | 30 Credits |
| Distribution | Credits |
|---|---|
| 5000-6000 series (minimum) | 12 Credits |
| 3000-4000 (maximum) | 12 Credits |
Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.
The above table represents basic requirements from the Graduate School. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has additional restrictions:
- Courses less than 4000 level will not be counted.
- Grades less than a B (3.0) in MEEM courses will not be counted.
- 6 math credits are required.
- Graduate Seminar (MEEM 6000), must be taken twice for a total of 2 credits. 1 credit for co-op may replace 1 seminar for a maximum combined total of 2 credits.
- 9 EM-oriented course credits are required.
MS, Engineering Mechanics: Report Option
This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.
Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:
| Option Parts | Credits |
|---|---|
| Coursework (minimum) | 24 Credits |
| Report | 2-6 Credits |
| Total (minimum) | 30 Credits |
| Distribution | Credits |
|---|---|
| 5000-6000 series (minimum) | 12 Credits |
| 3000-4000 (maximum) | 12 Credits |
Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.
The above table represents basic requirements from the Graduate School. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has additional restrictions:
- Courses less than 4000 level will not be counted.
- Grades less than a B (3.0) in MEEMcourses will not be counted.
- 6 math credits are required.
- Graduate Seminar (MEEM 6000), must be taken twice for a total of 2 credits. 1 credit of co-op may replace 1 seminar for a maximum combined total of 2 credits.
- 9 EM-oriented course credits are required.
MS, Engineering Mechanics: Coursework Option
This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.
A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:
| Distribution | Credits |
|---|---|
| 5000-6000 series (minimum) | 18 Credits |
| 3000-4000 (maximum) | 12 Credits |
| Coursework (minimum) | 30 credits |
|---|---|
| Distribution of coursework credit | |
| 5000–6000 level (minimum) | 18 credits |
| ME-EM-specific credits (minimum) | 15 credits |
The above table represents basic requirements from the Graduate School. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has additional restrictions:
- Courses less than 4000 level will not be counted.
- Grades less than a B (3.0) in MEEM courses will not be counted.
- 3 math credits are required.
- Graduate Seminar (MEEM 6000), must be taken twice for a total of 2 credits. 1 credit of co-op may replace 1 seminar for a maximum combined total of 2 credits.
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