The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). The Ph.D. program is administered by the College of Engineering. These programs offer high-level graduate courses and a close student-faculty interaction. The master's program requires 30 semester credit hours of study, including at least 24 course credits and 6 credits of research for the thesis option. All students except graduate and research assistants may elect to write a thesis or choose a non-thesis option. The main objective of the M.S. graduate programs is to provide a balance of theory and practical knowledge needed either to practice in the profession or to advance to a doctoral program.
The Mechanical Engineering graduate program is embarked on an exciting phase of growth. While the program has been and continues to be anchored by the Masters program, the Ph.D. program has become prominent of late. The M.S. program caters to full and part-time students and is well established. It provides a modern, relevant, all-round education that prepares our graduates to understand their role in a technical society, make constructive lifelong contributions, communicate well, and provide ethical leadership. In the span of two to three years, with the growth of sponsored and unsponsored research in the department, the Ph.D. program has started growing in a significant way.
The courses offered in the program as well as the research performed reflect the specialties of the faculty. There are three broad areas including thermal sciences, mechanics and materials, and dynamics and controls. Besides these, there are emerging areas like bioengineering and nanotechnology. Enrollment in classes is healthy with strong representation from full and part-time students. Three graduate classes are offered each week night. Most classes are offered in distance education mode as well, providing a great deal of flexibility to part time students.
Highly distinguished and dedicated faculty members are providing the impetus for the growth in the graduate program. Several faculty members are recognized national leaders in their disciplines. The Mechanical Engineering Department utilizes several modern, new laboratories including the NSF-funded High Resolution Microscopy Lab, the NSF-funded Genomics Lab, the NovaTherm facility, and the Unmanned Surface and Underwater Vehicles Lab.
