Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering dealing with the analysis, design, manufacture, and improvement of machines. The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers two master’s programs and a doctoral program. Course work and research in the department's programs may involve the broad fundamentals of mechanical engineering or may concentrate on one or more of the following fields: energy systems, manufacturing and materials systems, and mechanical systems. In these fields, engineering principles are applied not only to traditional equipment and methods but also to modern and emerging technologies. Typically, the engineering course work and research are augmented by laboratory studies.