Prospective Students

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Description

Are you looking to pursue a graduate degree and advance your career?  The Mechanical Engineering department offers the Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Mechanical Engineering. The program demands academic rigor and depth to address real-world engineering problems. Our areas of research focus stem from core fields of mechanical engineering: BiomechanicsRobotics and AutomationSolid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing and Thermal Fluid and Energy Systems. Note that in many cases, individual research projects encompass more than one focus area. We also have faculty representing Interdisciplinary Programs that blend traditional ME concepts with other engineering disciplines to advance research and education in evolving fields.

Degree Options

The degree programs in ME are offered both in an Online format and in Residence here on campus.   Certificates and Degrees are available from Mechanical Engineering and affiliated Interdisciplinary ProgramsVisit the program’s website for more specific degree and application requirements. 

Machine shop students
Certificates

A graduate-level certificate will utilize advanced, high-level courses without awarding a full degree. Earning this credential allows students to acquire specialized knowledge to help advance career goals, prepare for a graduate degree, meet licensing requirements and more. Certificates can be achieved along the way of pursuing a higher degree or independently on their own.

MS Non-Thesis

MS non-thesis requirements are 30 credit hours of coursework. All MS students must complete nine credits of course work within one research division area. The program demands academic rigor and depth, and also addresses real-world engineering problems. The department has four broad divisions of research activity that stem from core fields in Mechanical Engineering: 1) Biomechanics, 2) Thermal Fluid and Energy Systems, 3) Solid Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing, and 4) Robotics and Automation.

MS Thesis

MS thesis requirements are 24 credit hours of coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research. All MS students must complete nine credits of course work within one research division area. The program demands academic rigor and depth, and also addresses real-world engineering problems. The department has four broad divisions of research activity that stem from core fields in Mechanical Engineering: 1) Biomechanics, 2) Thermal Fluid and Energy Systems, 3) Solid Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing, and 4) Robotics and Automation.

**Admission into the thesis program must be with Faculty Advisor approval

PhD

The program demands academic rigor and depth, and also addresses real-world engineering problems. The department has four broad divisions of research activity that stem from core fields in Mechanical Engineering: 1) Biomechanics, 2) Thermal Fluid and Energy Systems, 3) Solid Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing, and 4) Robotics and Automation.

**Admission into the PhD program must be with Faculty Advisor approval

Post Doctorate Options

Focus Areas

Our graduate program curriculum and research are grouped into four core areas of mechanical engineering: Biomechanics, Robotics and Automation, Solid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing and Thermal Fluid and Energy Systems. 

Robotics and Automation

Biomechanics

Solid Mechanics, Materials and Manufacturing

Thermal Fluids and Energy Systems

More Information

Application Requirements
Cost of Attendance
Funding Options

Mechanical Engineering funds thesis degrees through Graduate Assistantships, Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Teaching Fellowships.  Definitions of these opportunities are available at the Office of Graduate Studies.  To obtain a Research Assistantship, prospective students are encouraged to learn about Research Faculty by visiting the research division Faculty list.  Students are then encouraged to contact Faculty to learn about hiring opportunities for the coming academic year.  Admission into the PhD or MS-Thesis program is based on acquiring a Faculty Advisor. 

Certificates and MSNT Along the Way

Mines graduate program affords students the option to stack certificates toward a master’s degree and vice versa, students enrolled in the master’s degree can obtain a ‘certificate along the way’ when they satisfy the certificate criteria.  For more information visit the Office of Graduate Studies.

Master's Along the Way

PhD Students can obtain a ‘master’s along the way’ by satisfying master’s degree requirementsThis program allows students to obtain formal degrees in pursuit of a PhD.  Students with a Master’s degree can participate in the Graduate Teaching Fellowship and summer internships, where qualified. 

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits can be applied towards Mines’ degrees.  Details about transfer limits can be found on the Graduate catalog: Transfer limits. 

Students can reference the ME Graduate Canvas page to initiate the transfer process.

Support & Student Life

Mines offers an active and engaged student experience.  Information about Graduate Student Government and other involvement opportunities can be found by visiting the Office of Graduate Services. 

Contact Us

Need help or have questions?
Alison Bodor
Graduate Program Manager
303-273-3467
megrad@mines.edu

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program

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