COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) curriculum is structured as a 30-credit-hour program designed to provide advanced technical depth, analytical skills, and research or professional experience in core areas of mechanical engineering. The program is offered in both a thesis option (Plan I) and a non-thesis option (Plan II), and students are not required to select a track at the time of admission, although assistantship-supported students are typically expected to follow the thesis pathway. Distance learning students generally pursue the non-thesis option, which includes a comprehensive examination as the culminating requirement. The curriculum is divided into three main components: MSME core area coursework, mathematics core requirements, and research or elective coursework. In the core area requirement, students select a specialization in Dynamic Systems and Control, Materials Processing and Manufacturing, or ThermoFluids Science and complete at least two courses from their chosen group, covering topics such as mechatronics, control systems, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, additive manufacturing, and material deformation. The mathematics core requires two courses selected from approved graduate-level offerings in engineering mathematics and applied statistics, such as matrix analysis, partial differential equations, engineering statistics, or statistical methods, ensuring strong quantitative and analytical preparation. The final component consists of 18 credit hours dedicated to research and/or electives, depending on the chosen plan. Thesis students complete six credit hours of ME 599 Thesis Research, while non-thesis students complete ME 598 Non-Thesis Research, with remaining credits filled through approved graduate electives in mechanical engineering or related disciplines such as aerospace, civil, computer science, electrical engineering, chemistry, or mathematics. At least half of these elective hours must be within mechanical engineering unless otherwise approved by an advisor. Overall, the MSME program provides a flexible yet rigorous framework that prepares graduates for advanced engineering practice, research careers, or further doctoral study.