COURSE CURRICULUM

The MS in Mechanical Engineering (Thesis Option) is designed to provide advanced technical training and research experience for students aiming to deepen their expertise in mechanical engineering theory and applications. The program requires a minimum of 30 credits, combining core requirements, elective specialization, and a structured research or project component. Students begin with essential foundational courses such as Mechanical Engineering Analysis and a recurring Mechanical Engineering Seminar, which together build strong analytical and communication skills necessary for advanced study and professional practice. A significant portion of the program—21 credits—is devoted to electives, allowing students to specialize in areas such as finite element methods, numerical techniques, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics, control systems, mechatronics, and computational engineering. This flexibility enables students to align their coursework with specific career interests in industry, research, or doctoral study. The program also emphasizes applied learning through a major project requirement that can be completed through one of three pathways: a thesis, a research project, or a course-based project. The thesis option involves completing MECH 6698 Thesis I and MECH 6699 Thesis II under faculty supervision, which together fulfill the research requirement and provide hands-on experience in independent scholarly investigation. Alternatively, students may complete a 3-credit research project or integrate a high-level project within a selected technical course. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to apply advanced mathematical methods, computational tools, and engineering principles to solve complex real-world problems in areas such as energy systems, manufacturing, fluid dynamics, and structural mechanics. Program outcomes emphasize the ability to model and analyze mechanical systems, design innovative engineering solutions, and communicate technical findings effectively through reports and presentations. Graduates are expected to be well-prepared for roles in industry, research institutions, and further doctoral studies, with strong problem-solving abilities and a solid foundation in both theoretical and applied mechanical engineering.