The graduate program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics—nationally ranked in the top 36% by U.S. News & World Report—offers a wide range of challenging and rewarding courses of study. The MS in Mechanical Engineering provides excellent preparation for doctoral studies or professional practice. The MS signature course work option affords students the flexibility to focus on the applications of mechanical engineering through expanded course work and engaging co-op experiences.

Research-intensive MS options offer a project component. Students benefit from extensive research facilities on campus and at satellite locations. Expenditures for the department’s dynamic research community exceed $13 million annually. Active research thrust areas—many of which emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration—include

• Advanced power systems: developing critical technologies for clean, efficient, sustainable power systems, and modeling energy transport and conversion processes. Focus areas include engines, fuel cells, and wind turbines.
• Mechanics of multi-scale materials: constitutive modeling of biomaterials, cellular materials, nanomaterials, energetic materials, and composite materials. Research focuses on developing methods for modeling and characterization that will inform emerging technologies.
• Multidisciplinary engineering dynamic systems: collaborative research at the interface of engineering disciplines such as dynamics, vibration, acoustics, signal processing, and controls. Research focuses on the need for quieter, more reliable, safer products, machines, and equipment.
• Multi-scale sensors and systems: research into the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of physically and functionally compatible devices and components across the size spectrum. Focus areas include nanofabrication and characterization, micro-fabrication processes, and bio-nanotechnology.
• Space systems: development of innovative components, systems, and architectures for micro and nanosatellite applications.