COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering requires a total of 32 credit hours and is structured to combine advanced coursework with significant research experience. The program includes 24 credit hours of graduate-level coursework along with an 8-credit Master’s Thesis (ME 899), which serves as the primary research and capstone component of the degree. Students are required to complete at least two graduate courses at the 900 level, each carrying three or more credits, ensuring exposure to advanced and specialized engineering topics. The curriculum is designed to provide strong theoretical knowledge as well as practical research skills in areas related to mechanical engineering, allowing students to tailor their studies according to academic interests and career goals. Full-time graduate students are also expected to participate in the department’s academic community by attending a weekly Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar and delivering at least one presentation each year, helping them improve communication and professional presentation abilities. Academic standards within the program are rigorous, requiring students to maintain a minimum “B” average, equivalent to a 3.00 GPA, with no grade lower than “B-” in any coursework. The program also places limits on transfer credits, allowing a maximum of 12 credit hours from UNH graduate courses completed before admission and up to 8 credit hours from graduate courses completed at non-UNH institutions to count toward the degree requirements. A major component of the program is the completion of an original research thesis conducted under faculty supervision. Students must prepare the thesis according to Graduate School regulations and successfully defend their work through an oral examination, commonly known as a thesis defense, which evaluates the student’s research, technical understanding, and overall graduate-level achievement. This research-oriented structure makes the program especially suitable for students interested in advanced engineering practice, innovation, research careers, or further doctoral study, while also helping them develop analytical thinking, technical expertise, and professional research experience in mechanical engineering.The Master of Science in Microbiology offered through the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Science (MCBS) is a research-focused graduate program designed to provide advanced training in microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology, bioinformatics, and related life science disciplines. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credits, including 6–10 credits of MCBS 899 Master’s Thesis, which is based on an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty adviser. Students work closely with a graduate committee to determine an appropriate course plan and research direction, ensuring that the program aligns with their academic interests and professional goals. In addition to thesis credits, students must complete at least two graduate-level microbiology courses at the 800 or 900 level, focusing on advanced topics such as immunology, microbial genetics and genomics, microbial ecology and evolution, molecular microbiology, soil ecology, and plant-microbe interactions. The program also offers a broad range of interdisciplinary supporting courses in areas such as bioinformatics, experimental design, scientific communication, ethics in research, statistical methods, cell culture, biotechnology, and ecological data analysis. A key feature of the program is its strong emphasis on research training and professional scientific development. All students are required to enroll in and attend MCBS 997 Seminar every semester and present at least one seminar each year, helping them strengthen communication and presentation skills. Students must also complete a thesis and successfully defend it before a graduate committee as part of the final degree requirements. In addition, each student is expected to submit at least one manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, providing valuable experience in scientific writing and publication. The program combines rigorous coursework, laboratory research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development opportunities to prepare graduates for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, academic research, government laboratories, or advanced doctoral and professional studies in the biological and biomedical sciences.