MS Mechanical Engineering
MS in Mechanical Engineering
The MS in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) is a comprehensive degree program that is administered by the Department of Engineering in the College of Engineering and Technology. The program has two topical focus areas:
- Advanced energy systems: Research includes sustainable and efficient energy systems, wind-energy, ocean wave energy generation and storage, energy harvesting, and energy transport and conversion processes, and
- Mechanics of biomaterials: Research includes mechanical behavior of structural tissues, cellular materials, metals for medical implants and biological tissues.
The thesis option allows students to investigate a scholarly topic under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The nonthesis option allows students to prioritize coursework, fostering the development of practical skills and their real-world application. Students are prepared for employment in a variety of areas of industry, and the program provides training and research experience for students who are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or related fields.
Program
The university confers the Mechanical Engineering, MS when the candidate has earned at least 32 semester hours of graduate credit. Students choosing the nonthesis option complete an approved selection of coursework and build a comprehensive portfolio demonstrating mastery of select engineering skills. Students choosing the thesis option must complete a research-based thesis, a comprehensive defense of their thesis proposal, a seminar based on thesis research and a thesis defense in addition to their coursework. At least 18 semester hours of the coursework will come from the Department of Engineering, with the remaining semester hours coming from the Departments of Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, the College of Business or other disciplines as required to support the interests of individual students. To view the full program requirements, please check the ECU Graduate Catalog.
Core Courses
The following three core courses provide a strong foundation for the MS in Mechanical Engineering program by equipping students with essential computational, experimental and analytical skills. Together, they ensure proficiency in numerical modeling, hands-on data acquisition and advanced simulation techniques necessary for solving complex engineering problems.
- MENG 5100 Numerical Methods in Engineering
- MENG 5600 Experimental Methods in Engineering
- MENG 6100 Finite Element Analysis of Solids and Fluids
Research and Area-of-Focus Courses:
Depending on the choice of thesis or nonthesis track, students will select additional courses from this list to tailor their education to specific interests and career goals. These courses allow for deeper exploration in specialized areas of mechanical engineering, complementing the strong core foundation.
- MENG 6000 Introduction to Engineering Research
- MENG 6210 Thermal Systems Design
- MENG 6220 Advanced Thermodynamics
- MENG 6230 Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems
- MENG 6310 Advanced Mechanics of Materials
- MENG 6320 Advanced Engineering Design
- MENG 6330 Advanced Vibration and Structural Dynamics
- MENG 6343 Advanced Composite Materials
- MENG 6350 Theory of Elasticity
- MENG 6410 Bioheat and Mass Transfer
- MENG 6700 Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering
- MENG 7000 Thesis
Where appropriate, students have the opportunity to structure their course selection to meet the requirements for a certificate program offered by the College of Business. Certificate topics include, but are not limited to, business analytics, finance, international management, marketing and project management, allowing students to enhance their technical expertise with valuable business and leadership skills.
Application
How to Apply:
Application for admission to the graduate program in mechanical engineering must meet the general requirements of admission set forth by the Graduate School. The graduate admission process and application forms can be found on ECU’s Graduate School website.
Requirements for Admission
Applicants for study in mechanical engineering are expected to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a minimum 3.0/4.0 grade point average in the last two years of undergraduate study.
The following preparatory courses are recommended:
- Mathematics – calculus through differential equations, probability and statistics
- Physics – one semester
- Chemistry – one semester
- Biology – one semester
- Engineering – one course in basic thermodynamics
- Engineering – one course in basic materials science
- Engineering – one course in basic electrical engineering
- Engineering – one course in three of the following five areas: biomaterials, fluid mechanics, heat and/or mass transfer, mechanics of materials, energy systems
- Engineering research or design experience
Conditional Admission
Applicants may be granted conditional admission if they do not qualify for regular admission. Students entering from disciplines other than engineering may find it necessary to take preparatory undergraduate and/or graduate level courses that serve as prerequisites. Preparatory courses that are for undergraduate credit only may not be applied toward credit hours required for a graduate degree.
Faculty
Dr. Brian Sylcott, Graduate Program Director
Accelerated BS/MS
This program is designed for advanced undergraduate engineering students who complete their bachelor’s degree requirements ahead of schedule. Graduate coursework typically begins in the fourth year of undergraduate study and is completed with one additional year of study beyond the bachelor’s degree. It is expected that students will need a full academic year beyond the completion of undergraduate requirements to finish the program. Students in the accelerated program may choose either the thesis or nonthesis track. Engineering students may apply after completing a minimum of 80 eligible undergraduate credit hours and may formally enter the program upon completing at least 95 credit hours (with 125 credit hours required for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree). A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required at both the time of application and entry into the program.
Students interested in applying to the accelerated program should contact the graduate program director for more information and guidance on eligibility, course planning and the application process.
Contact
For additional information, contact the engineering department’s graduate program via email.