Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Students who are admitted to the Master’s program may choose to complete either the thesis option or the non-thesis option.

Thesis Option. The thesis option is highly recommended because it includes conducting independent research and a publishable report (or thesis). Outstanding performance in the thesis option Master’s, provides students with a distinct advantage when applying for a Ph.D. program or employment. Admission to the Ph.D. requires that the student provide evidence of the ability to perform independent research. 

The thesis option requires a minimum of 21 graduate semester hours of technical and quantitative course work and a thesis. Research credits acquired through the thesis research registration of ME 698 fulfill the remainder of the requirement for a total of 30 credit hours. Independent project work may not be counted toward the 21 credit hours of coursework.  Research is always completed under the supervision of the Chair (Major Professor) or Co-Chairs of the Advisory Committee. Only in special cases is this option available to distance education students.

All Master’s Plans of Study must contain a minimum of six (6) hours of applied mathematics; at least three (3) of which must be taken from the Mathematics Department.