Graduate Programs

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Mechanical Engineering (M.M.E.), Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).  The programs are:

1. Professional Master's Program - for recent graduates and practicing engineers interested in specialized areas to enhance their careers.  The program emphasizes advances in existing and emerging technologies.  Master's thesis is optional.
2. Master's Program (pre-doctoral) - for students interested in pursuring a Ph.D.  Master's thesis is required. 
3. Doctoral Program - This program emphasizes strong foundations in mechanical engineering as well as advanced courses in a specialized area of concentration.  Doctoral dissertation is required. 

Dual Master's degrees are available in conjunction with biomedical, civil, and electrical engineering, and engineering management.

RESEARCH AREAS

• Active Control and Smart Materials/Systems
• Advanced and Non-linear Dynamics
• Air Pollution Control and Indoor Air Quality
• Biomechanics and Imaging Technologies
• Clean Energy Production and Use
• Combustion and Multiphase Systems
• Computational Methods (FEM & CFD)
• Heat/Mass Transfer and Thermodynamics
• HVAC & Refrigeration
• Reliability of Electronic Packaging
• Mechanics
• MEMS/NEMS
• Optical Measurements
• Solar Wind and Magnetohydrodynamics
• Vibration of Mechanical Systems
• Human Thermal Comfort

THE MASTERS DEGREE
Candidates for graduate studies plan their program in consultation with an adviser.  Maximum flexibility in scope of studies is afforded by utilization of courses offered in other departments of the university or other area universities through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan area.

THE DOCTORAL DEGREE
The minimum requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) are the successful completion of an approved program of study consisting of a minimum of 53 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, the successful passing of a doctoral comprehensive examination upon completion of the course work, the approval of a dissertation proposal submitted by the candidate on the planned research for the dissertation, and the approval and successful defense of the dissertation in an oral examination conducted as specified by university procedures. The comprehensive examination is directed at assessing the student's preparation in advanced courses for doctoral research, and understanding of the research literature and his or her ability to define the frontiers of the proposed areas of investigation. If a student has completed an appropriate master's degree at another university, a maximum of 24 credit hours is transferable toward the requirements for the doctoral degree.