Course description
The department offers a broad program of study leading to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The thesis-based program ("Option I") requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit, including at least 24 hours of course work and at least 6 hours of thesis credit. Of the 24 hours of regular course work, at least 12 hours must be taken within the Mechanical Engineering Department, at least 9 hours must be in advanced level courses, and at least one 3-hour Mechanical Engineering course must be taken in an area outside the student's primary area of interest. In addition, all first year graduate students (except those taking only undergraduate deficiency courses) must take Advanced Analysis of Mechanical Engineering Systems, MECH 890. A transfer of a maximum of 6 credit hours is allowed with approval from the Departmental Graduate Committee. In some cases (requiring specific permission), students may complete their degree under "Option II" which substitutes additional course work and a comprehensive exam in place of the thesis.
Students may obtain a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Area of Specialization in:
Materials Science Engineering, or
Specialization in Metallurgical Engineering,
by following a prescribed program of courses emphasizing the materials area. Further details regarding requirements for the specialization in the areas of Materials or Metallurgy can be obtained by contacting the Departmental Graduate Chair.
A full graduate course load is considered to be 9 to 12 credit hours per semester. The length of time necessary to complete the Master's Degree varies, but 18 months is typical.
