Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Candidates for the Master of Science degree normally have a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited engineering school. A holder of a bachelor's degree in another branch of engineering or in a related area, may qualify as a master's degree candidate in mechanical engineering by completing, without credit, certain prerequisite courses as specified by the head of the department. These prerequisites would depend upon the candidate's background and upon the area in which he/she plans to specialize. Students must complete a minimum of 21 in-resident coursework hours. Master of Science - Plan A (Thesis Option). The Master of Science degree is offered to qualified students under Plan A where the requirements include four hours of thesis research and at least 26 hours of formal course work. Candidates for a Master's degree can select a program which is designed to offer a broad basis for introduction to graduate work in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and materials science. A core including, consisting of Mechanical Engineering Seminar (ME 5478), and two mathematics oriented courses, are required. No graduate credit is allowed for undergraduate mechanical engineering courses. Students in concert with their graduate committee develop the balance of their program. Master of Science - Plan B (Non-Thesis Option). The Plan B M.S. degree can be completed by earning a minimum of 31 credits beyond the baccalaureate degree. At least 15 hours of acceptable graduate coursework must be in major field. Classes will consist of Mathematics or Statistics (a minimum of 6 hours), Mechanical Engineering Courses Technical electives must be chosen with the approval of the academic adviser. They can be in mathematics, statistics, science, or other engineering disciplines. One course may be from the College of Business. Technical electives must be at the 4000 level or higher for non-mechanical engineering courses. A maximum of 12 credits at the 4000 level may be taken, none of which may be mechanical engineering coursework. Research credits earned as part of an unfinished M.S. Plan A program may not be counted. Although the Plan B M.S. degree is not research-oriented, the program must contain an "element of discovery." This could be a special project performed as independent study or as part of a graduate course. The department's graduate committee must approve the project. Special topic credits may be earned using ME 5475; a maximum of six credits may be earned in this manner. In addition, on-campus students enrolled in this program will be expected to attend at least three mechanical engineering department graduate seminars per semester.