The mission of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is to educate leaders in engineering and applied sciences through a rigorous graduate program that defines the frontiers of knowledge in our field and prepares them for careers in academia, industry, and government. Our program emphasizes achieving fundamental understanding in a broad range of topics, a deep understanding in a particular area, and excellent communications skills. The majority of outstanding technical problems in today's engineering and applied sciences require a multi-disciplinary approach. Our department has a strong tradition in defining and pursuing new research areas at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and applied mathematics. We offer exciting opportunities for graduate study in areas as diverse as applied physics, biomechanics, and biomaterials, control, robotics, and dynamical systems, fluid mechanics, materials science, and propulsion and energy sciences. In addition, Princeton University is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research. Students are encouraged to sample the opportunities provided by other departments and programs within the School of Engineering and Applied Science and allied departments and programs across campus. There are normally about 100 students in residence selected from a diverse pool of applicants worldwide. The size of the student population ensures close collaboration between each student and a faculty adviser that continues from arrival to the completion of the degree program. The department offers three separate degree programs: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Applicants interested in the Ph.D. program may apply directly to that program, a master's degree is not required.