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: Biomechanics, Robotics and Automation, Solid 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 Programs. Visit the program’s website for more specific degree and application requirements.

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
Admission and Application Requirements
Admission Requirements
The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee reviews applicants for admission for the Fall and Spring semesters. Complete applications must be submitted to the Graduate School by the posted admission deadlines to be considered for admission.
We strongly encourage thesis-seeking students (Master’s Thesis and PhD) to meet the Fall admission priority deadline of December 15 to secure funding support from a research advisor, which is required for admission. Fall admission decisions with funding are typically determined by early February.
Details about funding, campus visit opportunities and more will be communicated directly to accepted students. Accepted students must complete their intent to enroll by April 15.
Our minimum requirements for admission are:
- A baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, a physical science or mathematics with a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale.
- Prior math: For students with a degree other than mechanical engineering, the student must have successfully completed a Differential Equations college course with a grade of “B-” or better; the course needs to be documented on a transcript.
- Competitive Graduate Record Examination scores, particularly the Quantitative Reasoning section. The strongest applicants will have a Quantitative Reasoning score of 160 or higher. Applicants who have graduated with an engineering degree from Mines within the past five years are not required to submit GRE scores. For the ME-Thesis and PhD, GRE score submission can be waived upon faculty approval.
- TOEFL score of 79 or higher (550 or higher paper-based or 213 computer-based) for applicants whose native language is not English
The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee may require that an admitted student complete undergraduate remedial coursework to overcome technical deficiencies. Such coursework may not count toward the graduate degree. The committee will decide whether to recommend regular or provisional admission and may ask the applicant to come to campus for an interview.
Application Requirements
MASTER’S NON-THESIS (Residential and Online)
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required
- GRE: Not Required
- Letters of Recommendation: Required. Letters of recommendation are not required for current Mines students.
- Online: Two letters are required.
- Residential: Three letters are required.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
- Statement of Purpose: Required
MASTER’S THESIS and DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
- Bachelor’s Degree: Required
- GRE: Required. GRE waived for current Mines students. For external applicants, waivers available with faculty approval.
- Letters of Recommendation: Required – three letters. Letters of recommendation are not required for current Mines students.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): Required
- Statement of Purpose: Required
- Transcript(s): Required. Must be submitted for all schools attended (unofficial transcripts accepted for admissions review and must show successful completion of any required prerequisite course(s).
- For international applicants or applicants whose native language is not English, please review the ENGLISH PROFICIENCY requirement
- Application Fee (Non-Refundable): $75 for US Citizens and Permanent Residents. $95 for International Citizens. Application Fee is Waived for current Mines Students.
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.
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
Mine’s 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 requirements. This 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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