COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology is a 30-credit graduate program designed to provide advanced technical depth and flexibility through a combination of core engineering analysis, mathematics, elective specialization, and thesis research. The program is structured to prepare students for high-level careers in engineering design, research, and development across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy systems, robotics, and manufacturing.In the first year, students build a strong analytical foundation. The fall semester includes Engineering Analysis along with two graduate electives, allowing students to begin shaping their area of specialization early in the program. A zero-credit graduate seminar also supports professional development and exposure to ongoing research in the field. In the spring semester, students take Advanced Engineering Mathematics, which strengthens their ability to model and solve complex engineering problems. They also continue with additional graduate electives and participate in the seminar series, further expanding their technical depth.The second year focuses heavily on specialization and thesis research. In the fall semester, students begin their Thesis work while continuing with three graduate electives that support their research focus or chosen concentration. This structure allows students to integrate advanced coursework directly with their research or applied engineering interests. In the final spring semester, students complete their Thesis, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent, in-depth engineering research or applied problem-solving.Overall, the program emphasizes flexibility, allowing students to tailor their studies through a wide range of graduate electives while maintaining a strong core in engineering analysis and mathematics. The thesis component ensures that graduates gain hands-on research experience and develop expertise in solving complex mechanical engineering problems using advanced theoretical and computational tools. This prepares them for leadership roles in industry or continued academic study at the doctoral level.