Mechanical engineering is concerned with the design, development, manufacture, and operation of a wide variety of energy conversion and machine systems. The research and education facilities of the department are housed in the 60,000-square-foot Mechanical Engineering Building. Major research laboratories include Particle Technology, Energetic Materials, Machine Vision and Motion Analysis, Waterjet Machining, Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Bearing Lubrication, and Plastic Processing and Analysis.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants are expected to have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. General admissions requirements for master's programs as described in this catalog apply to applicants to the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Sufficient preparation in science and mathematics to complete the course of study is also necessary.

Bridge Program: Students who lack appropriate undergraduate preparation may be admitted and are asked to make up deficiencies by taking a program of courses that is designed in consultation with the graduate advisor. These courses are taken in addition to the degree requirements and may include undergraduate courses.

** Degree Requirements:
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program offers three areas of specialization.

    CAD/CAM, Mechanisms & Control - computer aided engineering, mechanisms, biomechanical & medical devices, robotics and controls.

     Mechanics & Material Processing - tissues & biomechanics, continuum mechanics, plastics, micro/nano materials, particle technology.

    Thermo-Fluid Systems & Energy - biofluids, computational & multiphase fluid dynamics, granular science, HVAC, energy.

The student consults the graduate advisor to plan and develop an individualized and cohesive sequence of courses that meet program requirements of at least 30 degree credits.

Seminar: In addition to the minimum 30 degree credits required, every student must take a minimum of two semesters of ME 794 Mechanical Engineering Colloquium. Students who receive departmental or research-based awards must enroll every semester in ME 794.

Project, Thesis:
A thesis is required of all students who receive departmental or research-based awards. For all others, a project or thesis is optional.

The following PhD level courses are also available:

General Elective Courses: (9 or less credits)
Graduate courses from other departments or programs.

Admission Requirements:
Applicants should have a master's degree from an accredited institution, and have successfully taken courses in applied mathematics and engineering sciences. In addition, applicants must fulfill the admissions requirements for doctoral study as specified in the Admissions section of this catalog. Students who lack an appropriate background will be required to take additional courses before gaining admission to the program. These courses are prescribed by the department on an individual basis and may not be applied as degree credit.

Degree Requirements:
Specific degree requirements and dissertation topics are approved by the department on an individual basis. Before being permitted to register for dissertation research, students must complete courses specified by the department, pass qualifying examinations and demonstrate that there are facilities and a faculty member available to supervise the research. Should dissertation research not be completed within the normal 36 credits of ME 790, students must register for a minimum of 3 credits per semester until the dissertation is completed and approved. An oral defense of the dissertation is required after submission of the final document to the department for approval.

Qualifying Examination: Once admitted to the program, candidates are expected to pass a qualifying examination. Qualifying in Subject Area will be based on students passing a minimum of 4 Mechanical Engineering graduate courses, one of which must be ME 616, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.6/4.0. Qualifying in Examination of Research Potential will be based on the student's formal research prospectus submitted in written form and an oral examination concerned with student's research ability and general knowledge of mechanical engineering.