The mechanical engineering masters produces graduates who are leaders in their respective fields who are ready to tackle high-level problems as practicing professionals. Designed for students who desire advanced training in specific areas of mechanical engineering, the master of science acts as a prelude to a career in either research or industry. Students can choose to focus on a variety of disciplines including dynamics, robotics, nanotechnology, biomechanics, energy systems, or more.<br>The master's in mechanical engineering includes core courses, focus area courses, elective courses, and a thesis. All full-time and full-time equivalent students are required to attend the weekly graduate seminar each semester they are on campus.<br><br>Focus Area Courses: You will develop a focus area of study in mechanical engineering related to your technical and professional development interests and goals. Examples of focus areas include automotive systems, business, controls, manufacturing, mechanics-design/materials, product development, sustainability, thermo/fluids engineering, and vibrations engineering.<br><br>Independent Study: You may earn a limited number of credit hours through independent study with guidance from a member of the graduate faculty. Areas for independent study include selected topics in applied mathematics, analytical mechanics, nonlinear mechanics, fracture mechanics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, control systems, optimal control, thermal stresses, composite materials, and biomechanics.<br><br>Thesis: Prior to completing course work in the mechanical engineering MS degree, you will prepare and present a formal thesis proposal to your faculty advisor. An acceptable proposal (which includes a statement of work, extensive literature search, and proposed timeline), signed by you and approved by your faculty advisor and department head, is required prior to registering for thesis credits. You will form a graduate thesis committee in coordination with your advisor and present your proposal to the committee for review and approval during the first semester in which you have registered for thesis credit. You are required to deliver a successful written and oral