The master's degree in mechanical engineering is the oldest graduate program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The program combines engineering practice with analysis. Approximately two thirds of the program requirements are in the broad area of mechanical engineering, where a student can freely select among courses in such areas as mechanical and thermal/fluid sciences, materials, manufacturing, automotive technology, instrumentation, and controls. The remainder of the courses are spread over mathematics, cognates, and distribution requirements. A thesis option is also available. Students must complete 30 credit hours to receive a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree in mechanical engineering. The micro/nano engineering research group works on a wide spectrum of technological and scientific problems related to small-scale materials, devices and biological systems.