Mechanical Engineering MS

Find information about the Inamori School of Engineering here. 

Overview

Mechanical Engineering (ME) is one of the largest, broadest and oldest engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers use the principles of energy, materials and mechanics to design and manufacture machines and devices of all kinds. Mechanical engineers also create the processes and systems that drive technology and industry. Mechanical engineers are often called the ‘general practitioners’ of engineering because of the broad scope of their education and the diversity of their professional opportunities. Due to its breadth, mechanical engineering is generally linked to the economy; job prospects are relatively immune to isolated economic events.

The field of ME is notable for emphasizing versatility. A mechanical engineering education is an excellent foundation for work in other fields. Versatility is an asset in a world that is undergoing constant economic, political, industrial and social change. Mechanical engineers are positioned, not only to adopt, but also to define and direct change.

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering program is to provide a superior student- centered engineering education within a small university environment. Our dedicated faculty places the highest value on the teaching-learning process, while also being active in professional, technical and scholarly activities. Graduates of our program will understand the social and ethical implications of their engineering decisions, and be prepared to excel in the engineering profession.

Prerequisites and Undergraduate Preparation

The program is designed for individuals with a Bachelor of Science degree from an ABET-accredited program in Mechanical Engineering. Students with bachelor’s degrees in other engineering fields and the physical sciences or with degrees from non- accredited engineering programs will also be considered for admission.

Those admitted may have to take one or more course prerequisites prior to enrolling in specific graduate credit courses. Acceptance is based on the individual’s prior academic achievements and work experience, and upon the availability of space in the program.

Curriculum

The program leading to the M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering requires a minimum of thirty semester hours of graduate credit, of which at least twenty-four must be in advanced course work. The selected elective courses must form a coherent plan of in- depth study and should be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor/thesis committee. Candidates for the degree are required (1) to present and defend a written thesis of their research and (2) to submit a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer- reviewed journal.

For full-time students, the degree requirements must be completed within three years of first enrolling as a graduate student at AU. For part-time students, this time limit is extended to six years.