The Master of Science Thesis is a degree program that is well suited for students pursuing a career in academia or industry with a research component. MS Thesis students may choose from focus areas including (but not limited to) air quality, biomedical, design, energy and environment, materials, mechanics of materials, microsystems, and robotics/control. Students declare the MS Thesis program only after confirmation of a faculty member willing to serve as their thesis advisor. With support from the thesis advisor, students in this program have the option of smoothly transitioning into the PhD program.
If a student plans to earn a master's degree and then immediately continue on to a PhD, they can apply directly to the PhD program; it is not necessary to earn a master's degree separately.
For more information, visit the department’s Master of Science Thesis webpage.
Requirements
Students must complete at least 30 graduate-level credit hours, to include at least 18 credits in mechanical engineering, including 6 credits of thesis work. Students must also take MCEN 5020 Methods of Engineering Analysis 1 (3) and MCEN 5030 Introduction to Research (3). Up to 12 credits may be taken outside of the department. To have courses count towards the degree, they must be numbered 5000-level or above secure a thesis advisor for research and earn a C or above.
Students must secure a thesis advisor for research and course guidance. Submission of thesis and successful defense of thesis required. Please see Graduate School Rules for information.
For more information, visit the department’s Master of Science Thesis webpage.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| MCEN 5030 | Introduction to Research | 3 |
| MCEN 5020 | Methods of Engineering Analysis 1 | 3 |
| MCEN 6959 | Master's Thesis | 6 |
| Mechanical engineering (MCEN) graduate-level (5000-level or higher) courses | 6 | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| 5000-level or higher graduate-level courses from any department (MCEN or otherwise) 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | Approval to enroll in non-MCEN courses is at the discretion of the department offering the course. Approval is not guaranteed. |
Learning Outcomes
By the completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate working knowledge of core theoretical concepts utilized within the discipline of mechanical engineering, including opportunities for hands on and/or virtual learning.
- Design and conduct high-quality original research.
- Demonstrate expertise in the history of the development of knowledge in the discipline, proficiency with current research methodologies, formulation of well-posed research plans, and appreciation of their work’s (field’s) potential impact on areas such as human health, security and sustainability. Exposure to experts in the field.
- Effectively communicate and present disciplinary knowledge and research to academic and public audiences in written, visual and/or oral form that may include peer reviewed journal articles and/or conference proceedings.