35 Best Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

The following 35 Best Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering is perfect for anyone who wants to know how things work.

Updated October 12, 2022

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The field of Mechanical Engineering is one of the oldest and most diverse practices of professional engineering to date, as it deals with the study and design of objects and systems that are in motion. Individuals in the field not only conceptualize and develop different machines to be used in a variety of environments but also study the ways in which those different environments can affect the performance of a given mechanical device. From biomechanics to aerospace, to electrical grids, to information services, the field of mechanical engineering embraces innumerable areas. Individuals who possess a master’s degree are ensuring not only that they will have access to entry positions. To the contrary, a master’s degree in the field is a sure bet that you will have access to higher level positions, dealing with complex issues. Typical jobs include robotics engineers, aerospace engineers, automotive engineers, as well as HVAC engineers, project coordinators in industry, and biomedical engineers. Though many of these fields are accessible with a bachelor’s degree, higher level positions often require additional training in the form of a master’s degree. Overall, mechanical engineers are expected to be in high demand, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that through 2026, mechanical engineering positions will grow at a nine percent rate, which is above the national average for all professions. So, if you are interested in finding ways to advance your career, then check out our list of the 35 Best Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering!
Methodology
Best College Reviews provides degree rankings, such as the 35 Best Master’s Degrees in Mechanical Engineering, from carefully researched data sets published from government and non-profit organizations across the United States. Five primary factors affect how we rank degrees: – 25% Student Satisfaction   – 30% Earning Potential – 15% Retention Data – 20% Affordability – 10% Acceptance Rates For an in-depth breakdown of how we calculate each ranking, check out our Methodology page.  

Featured Online Schools

#35 UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 72.6 A large public research university, the University of Florida is located in Gainesville, FL. The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering offers several degrees, including a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program consists of 30 credits and students have a thesis and non-thesis option. Students who opt for the non-thesis track have to complete a comprehensive exam. Admission to the program requires a Bachelor of Science degree for acceptance. The DMAE conducts significant research in a variety of areas, including Dynamics, Systems, and Control, Solid Mechanics, Design and Manufacturing, and Thermal Sciences and Fluid Dynamics. Faculty and graduate students are working on multiple projects within each of these areas which means that prospective students should have no trouble finding an opportunity to work on a significant research project. Net Price: $10,770 in-state; $27,335 out-of-state

#34 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - SANTA BARBARA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 72.9 One of ten campuses in the state system, the University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university with over 25,000 students. UCSB offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. UCSB’s MS in Mechanical Engineering provides either a thesis or a project-based option. There are several areas where research can be focused including Dynamic Systems, Control, and Robotics, or Micro and Nano Technology. Students are required to choose between five different areas for their concentration. Options to choose from include Computational Science and Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials and Structures, and Fluid Mechanics and Thermal Transport, among others. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and are required to submit GRE scores for consideration. The program only accepts applications for the Fall Quarter. Net Price: $11,442 in-state; $26,544 out-of-state

#33 ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 73 Arizona State University has five different campuses in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. ASU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering through their Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. The program is research focused, preparing students for further graduate work or for work in any number of different industries. The degree consists of 30 credits and either a portfolio of project work or a thesis. The degree program offers a broad base of courses in topics like mechanics and dynamics of solids and structures, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and fluid dynamics and aerodynamics. ASU accepts applications for both a fall and spring start, and students are required to have a bachelors degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, as well as GRE scores, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation. Net Price: $11,406 in-state; $25,160 out-of-state

#32 RICE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 73.2 Located in Houston, TX, Rice University is a small private research university with an annual student enrollment of over 7,000. The Department of Mechanical Engineering awards a Master of Science in Engineering. The program is to be completed within two years and consists of 30 credits, 24 of which must be taken at RU. The program at RU also offers a Graduate Seminar course that students are expected to attend. Students are required to complete a thesis which can either have an analytical or experimental focus. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s with a 3.0 GPA as well as GRE scores from within the last five years. Applicants should also have three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate their academic achievements. Net Price: $37,855

#31 VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 73.3 Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private research university with an annual enrollment of over 12,000 students. VU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering which includes 24 credits of course work, as well as a thesis. The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers several areas of research to concentrate on, including nanotechnology, surgical robotics, and mechatronics. Students get to select their courses with the assistance of a graduate advisor. Classes offered in the program include Aerospace Propulsion, Non-linear Control Theory, and Robot Manipulators, among many, many others. The program has both a fall and a spring start date and students are required to submit GRE test scores as well as transcripts for consideration for admission to the program. Net Price: $47,208

#30 IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 73.8 Iowa State University is a large public research university located in Ames, IA. ISU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering which consists of 30 credits. Students are required to take core classes, one class in statistics, additional electives, and then focus on research and writing a thesis. The core classes are grouped according to an area of interest. Options include Design and Optimization, Dynamic Systems and Controls, Thermo-Fluid Sciences, and Materials Processing and Mechanics. The elective option allows students to take an additional course or two to fill out their area of study as they prepare to move towards their thesis. Applicants need to submit GRE scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation. Net Price: $9,302 in-state; $23,564 out-of-state

#29 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 74.8 Located in Los Angeles, CA, the University of Southern California is a private research university with over 45,000 students enrolled every year. USC awards a 27-credit Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering where students choose between a thesis or non-thesis degree track. There are two required core classes, and students choose between four distinct areas of emphasis, such as Engineering Design; Thermal and Fluid Sciences; Mechanics and Materials; and Microelectromechanical Systems. Within each area of emphasis, students take core classes as well as electives. Offering both a fall and spring start time, applicants should submit their transcripts, GRE scores, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation. Net Price: $44,712

#28 RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL, AEROSPACE, AND NUCLEAR ENGINEERING Website Score: 74.8 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, NY, and is a private research university. The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering offer a Master of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering. The program consists of 30 credits which include a required thesis. Students choose their thesis topic in consultation with a graduate advisor. Coursework is typically chosen and structured according to the research interest of the student. The DMANE includes 13 different research areas for students to choose from, including Dynamics and Controls, Fluid Dynamics and Aerodynamics, and Mechanics and Materials. Assistantships are available for qualified students either as teaching assistants or research assistants. Net Price: $52,550

#27 LEHIGH UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 75 Located in lovely Bethlehem, PA, Leigh University is a small private research university with an annual student body of over 6,000 students. The P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program consists of 30 credits with a mixture of core and elective courses. The program offers four options including a thesis option, a project option, an applied engineering option, and an interdisciplinary option. Among the required courses are classes like Integrated Product Development, and Fundamentals of Solid Mechanics. The program also includes a required seminar where students hear from one another and professors on their research and current projects. Net Price: $27,000

#26 NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 75.8 North Carolina State University is a significant research university residing in Raleigh, NC. NCSU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering where students can choose between a thesis or a non-thesis option. For the thesis option, students must complete up to 21 credits in coursework as well as an additional nine credits in research and writing, while in the non-thesis option students have 27 credits in coursework and an additional three focused on a project. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering oversees the MSME at NCSU and provides six broad areas of expertise where students can focus their research. Areas of expertise include Thermal Sciences and Energy Systems; Biomedical and Biological System; and Structural Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing. Admission to NCSU requires a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and evidence of undergraduate coursework in engineering. GRE scores are not required.   Net Price: $8,917 in-state; $25,405 out-of-state

#25 UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 76.5 The University of Washington of Seattle, WA, has an annual student enrollment of over 45,000 and nearly 15,000 postgraduate students. The University awards a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering geared toward students with a strong academic background. The MSME features a thesis option, a project-based option, and an all-coursework option. All students earn a minimum of 42 credits, but the distribution is different depending on which option a student selects. Courses are grouped together in concentrations such as Biomechanics, Dynamics & Vibrations, or Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing. Net Price: $15,510 in-state; $27,801 out-of-state

#24 UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 77.3 The University of Maryland is a state research university established in College Park, MD. UMD’s Department of Mechanical Engineering awards a 30-credit Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The DME offers a thesis and non-thesis option for students to choose between, and students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Technical areas of expertise in the DME include Design and System Reliability, Mechanics, Materials, and Manufacturing, and Thermal, Fluids, and Energy Sciences. Classes include Mechanical Fundamentals of Electronic Systems, Elasticity of Advanced Materials and Structures, and Mechanical Fundamentals of Electronic Systems. The degree is also offered online. Net Price: $12,906 in-state; $27,864 out-of-state

#23 PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 78.1 Pennsylvania State University is a large public research university based in University Park, PA. The School of Science, Engineering, and Technology offer a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 31 credits and must be completed within six years. The degree requires a thesis and a course in mathematics. The SSET offers three concentration areas including Mechanical Science, Materials Science, and Thermo-Fluids Science. Courses include Numerical Solutions Applied to Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics Problems, Stochastic Systems for Science and Engineering, and Mechanical Properties of Materials. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or mechanical engineering with a 3.0 GPA, GRE scores, etc. Net Price: $21,540 in-state; $36,974 out-of-state

#22 VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 78.2 Virginia Polytechnic Institute, or Virginia Tech, is located in Blacksburg, VA, and is a large public research university. The Department of Mechanical Engineering provides a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program is very flexible as students work with an advisor to craft a course of study and research plan that is tailored to their specific interests or needs. Students can study subjects like combustion, roto dynamics, thermodynamics, nanotechnology, and acoustics, among many others. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option and all students are eligible to graduate after accumulating 30 credits. The DME also offers the possibility of receiving a Nuclear Engineering Graduate Certificate after students take at least nine credits in the field. Net Price: $13,310 in-state; $26,825 out-of-state

#21 MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 78.9 East Lansing, MI is where the main campus of Michigan State University is located. The Department of Mechanical Engineering awards a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits and is available in either a thesis or non-thesis version. Students must take at least one course from three of four concentrations offered by the department, and are allowed to take the rest of their courses as electives, enabling them to focus their degree according to their interests. Concentrations in the department include Dynamical Systems, Solid and Structural Mechanics, Thermal Sciences, and Fluid Sciences. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s in engineering or a related field, and must also submit GRE scores for consideration for admission. Net Price: $18,132 in-state; $35,628 out-of-state

#20 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 79.9 The University of Wisconsin is a large public research university located in Madison, WI. The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers several different Master of Science options, as well as a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The 30-credit MSME can be pursued with or without a thesis, and UW students are expected to maintain a 3.0 GPA for graduation. There are also additional tracks in the program in Automotive Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, and Controls. Undergraduate students at UW can also choose to pursue a one-year accelerated MSE through the department as well. The program offers three different start dates, and applicants must submit GRE scores, and three letters of recommendation as well as transcripts. Students should hold a bachelor’s in engineering or a related field.   Net Price: $10,728 in-state; $24,054 out-of-state

#19 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 80.3 A private Ivy League research university, Columbia University is located in Upper Manhattan, in New York City. The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits and students can either choose to take prescribed courses in one of four concentrations or can construct their own course of study in consultation with a graduate advisor. Concentrations include Micro/Nanoscale Engineering, Energy Systems, Robotics and Control, and Biomechanics. Courses include Energy Dynamics of Green Buildings, Modeling of Biological Tissues with Finite Elements, and Sensors, Actuators, and Electromechanical Systems, among many others. Net Price: $46,216

#18 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 80.5 Located in College Station, TX, Texas A&M University is a large public research university. The J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits and students are required to prepare a portfolio of their work over the course of the degree which is assessed at the end of the program. Students take core classes like Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics, Intermediate Heat Transfer, and Control System Design. The program also offers some of its courses online, which adds to the convenience of the program. Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and GRE test scores for consideration for the program. Net Price: $6,552 in-state; $17,904 out-of-state

#17 OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 81.2 One of the largest universities in the country, Ohio State University is a public research university located in Columbus, OH. The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. Overall the degree consists of 30 credits. The DMAE offers specializations in several areas, including energy and environmental quality, robotics, automation and autonomy, bioengineering, and micro and nanotechnology, among others. Prospective students should already hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and must also submit GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. International students must verify their English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB. Net Price: $11,560 in-state; $34,064 out-of-state

#16 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 81.8 The primary campus of the University of Minnesota is located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. The Department of Mechanical Engineering grants a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program has a thesis option, a project option, and a coursework option to choose between. Both the thesis and project options require a final oral defense for graduation. The program is large, with 150 students enrolled. The DME offers research specialization and courses in a wide variety of areas, including Fluid Power, Multiphase Systems: Plasmas & Particulate Flows, and Nanotechnology, Micro-Electromechanical Systems. Application requirements include unofficial transcripts, a personal statement, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation. Net Price: $17,064 in-state; $26,412 out-of-state

Featured Online Schools

#15 DUKE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 82.8 Duke University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science offers a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering. The private research university designed its MEME as an alternative to a traditional Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This decision is meant specifically to assist student leaders in business and deepen their knowledge of technology. The program offers 13 concentrations, which include Thermal Fluids; Mechanics, Dynamics, and Controls; Robotics; Materials Science; and Aerospace. The Aerospace concentration also comes with an Aerospace Graduate Certificate. Students are required to completed 30 credits of specialized graduate-level courses, an internship experience, or conduct a research project. Net Price: $53,540

#14 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 84.2 Johns Hopkins University is located in Baltimore, MD, and is a large private research university. The Whiting School of Engineering provides a Master of Mechanical Engineering which is designed as an engineering program for professionals in a variety of fields. The degree consists of ten courses which must be completed within five years. Students choose an area of study which determines the focus of their coursework. Concentrations offered by the WSE include Solids/Mechanics of Materials, Manufacturing, Thermofluids, and Robotics and Controls. Potential classes include Optimal Control and Reinforcement Learning, Manufacturing Systems Analysis, and Thermal Sciences for the Build Environment. Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree by the time of matriculation in a technical discipline. Net Price: $53,740

#13 CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 84.3 Located in Pasadena, CA, California Institute of Technology is a small private research university, whose programs focus on postgraduates. The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree is designed primarily to be paired with the Ph.D., but on some occasions, students who are only interested in the MSME are admitted to the program. Courses in the program include Design and Fabrication, Experiments and Modeling in Mechanical Engineering, and Design for Freedom from Disability. Students take core classes in engineering, then have elective courses in engineering, mathematics, and research focused classes. All students are required to participate in the Graduate Engineering Seminar held by the department, where students are introduced to the research of faculty and other students. Net Price: $50,487

#12 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 85.9 Northwestern University awards a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering through its McCormick School of Engineering. The large, private research university offers several specializations with three interdisciplinary MS programs. Such degree programs include Engineering Design and Innovation; Robotics; and Product Design and Development. Specializations are also offered in Nanotechnology, Robotics and Control, Simulation-Driven Engineering, and Energy and Sustainability, among others. Student can choose a thesis or non-thesis option and the program can be completed in as little as nine months. Net Price: $54,120

#11 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 86 The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university and part of the states university system. UCLA offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 36 credits and students can choose to pursue a capstone or thesis option. The capstone option requires a comprehensive examination. There are six areas of study for students to choose between. Options include structural and solid mechanics, micro-electro-mechanical systems, and heat and mass transfer, among others. The average time for students to complete the program is one and a half years, though students must finish within three years. Admission requires three letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE scores, and a personal statement. Net Price: $11,442 in-state; $26,544 out-of-state

#10 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING Website Score: 86.6 The University of Michigan is a public research university providing a 30-credit Master of Science in Engineering. Students of U of M can choose between a coursework option, a thesis option, or a project option. The MSE program allows Michigan students to pursue a variety of dual master’s degrees while offering several areas of study, such as Thermal Sciences and Energy; Design and Manufacturing, and Controls; and Mechatronics and Robotics. There are two start times and applicants must submit GRE scores, transcripts, letters of reference, and a personal statement. Net Price: $23,128 in-state; $46,678 out-of-state

#9 MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 86.7 Located in Cambridge, MA, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university. Individuals can obtain a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering through the Department of Engineering, among many other degrees. The program requires a thesis and there are numerous potential areas of study for students to focus their research. Among the over two-dozen areas of research are Systems Design and Management, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, and MEMS and Nanotechnology. MIT allows students to pursue dual degrees. Students have to meet separate coursework requirements but can have a common single thesis. Admission to the program requires GRE scores, transcripts, and writing sample. Net Price: $51,520

#8 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 86.9 The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the state’s university system and is a large public research university known for excellence in a variety of areas. The Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program has three options with different credit requirements including a thesis option with 30 credit, a project option with 33 credits, and coursework only option with 36 credits required. The program can generally be completed in one and a half years. There are eight areas of study where students can concentrate including Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Dynamic Systems and Control, among others. There are two start dates available and applicants need to submit GRE scores, as well as transcripts for their undergraduate transcripts. The average GPA for applicants in 2018 was 3.59. Net Price: $11,742 in-state; $22,564 out-of-state

#7 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 87.5 Cornell University is an Ivy League private research university located in Ithaca, NY. The Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program at CU has been consistently ranked in the top ten nationally for its program. The program can be completed in two years, and the program is not funded. A thesis is required and there are seven different concentrations where students can focus their research and coursework including solid mechanics and materials, thermal science, and energy and sustainability. The program only starts in the fall, and applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in engineering or one of the physical sciences, and must also submit GRE scores, and recommendation letters. Net Price: $29,500

#6 PURDUE UNIVERSITY NORTHWEST

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 87.8 Located in Hammond and Westville, IN, Purdue University Northwest is a public research university. PUW offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree consists of 30 credits and students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good standing. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option, and students are also required to take one advanced mathematics course. Some of the core courses from the program include Electronics System Cooling, Design and Analysis: Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Intermediate Heat Transfer. Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field with a 3.0 GPA and must submit GRE scores, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. Net Price: $9,208 in-state; $28,010 out-of-state

#5 CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 88.1 A private research university located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University annually enrolls over 13,000 students. CMU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering which can be completed in two years at full-time status. There are three different degree tracks that students can choose from, including a Research track with a thesis, an Advanced Study track with concentration option, and a standard track. In the Advanced Study track, students can choose between concentrations like Robotic and Control Systems, Energy and Thermal Fluid Systems, or Design and Manufacturing of Mechanical Systems. The program offers numerous co-curricular opportunities like the MechE Graduate Research Symposium, and the MechE Master Makers organization for students to take advantage of while in the program. Net Price: $43,815

#4 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA - CHAMPAIGN

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 89.2 A large public research university, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering through the Grainger College of Engineering. The program can generally be completed in two to three years and is designed as a terminal degree for professionals. It does not require a thesis. Students enrolled in the program take a mix of required core courses, electives, and professional development courses. Classes include Elastodynamics and Vibrations, Intermediate Gas Dynamics, and Finite Element Analysis. Admission to the program requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.25, as well as GRE test scores. The program is very competitive with an acceptance rate of only 15 percent. Net Price: $15,068 in-state; $28,221 out-of-state

#3 GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 91.5 Georgia Institute of Technology’s George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The MSME is designed for students with a previous background in mechanics, engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, and the life sciences. Most of the coursework is elective allowing students to tailor the degree to fit their interests and needs. Courses in the program include Dynamics of Mechanical Systems, Wave Propagation in Solids, Advanced Control System Design, and Implementation. The MSME program offers both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in engineering or its equivalent.   Net Price: $13,788 in-state; $28,568 out-of-state

#2 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 94.7 The University of California, Berkeley offers several graduate degrees in engineering, including a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The program generally takes one and a half years to complete. Classes in the program include Modeling and Simulation of Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Nanoscale Processing of Materials, and Advanced Tissue Mechanics. There are 13 broad areas where faculty are conducting ongoing research including Biomechanical Engineering, MEMS/Nano, and Ocean Engineering, offering opportunities for students both in terms of research and coursework. Net Price: $11,442 in-state; $26,544 out-of-state

#1 STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Website Score: 100 Stanford University is located in Stanford, CA, near San Francisco, and is a private research university. SU offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. The degree is 45 credits and generally takes one and a half years to complete. A thesis is not required for the degree, though students invariably are involved in research in areas of interest to them. Classes in the program include Modeling and Identification of Mechanical Systems for Control, Experimental Methods in Fluid Mechanics, and Advanced Micro and Nano Fabrication Laboratory. Stanford expects students to maintain a 3.0 GPA for good standing within the program. Students are also required to enroll on a full-time basis in the program. All prospective students need to apply with an obtained Bachelor of Science degree in either physics, engineering, or a comparable discipline. Net Price: $50,703

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