Master's and PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Cultivating broadly educated mechanical engineers

Deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of analysis, design, manufacture and improvement of machines. Engineering principles are applied not only to traditional equipment and methods but also to modern and emerging technologies. Typically, the engineering course work and research are augmented by laboratory studies.

Although the study of advanced engineering mathematics and, often, basic science is necessary in all programs of study, the selection of subjects may vary depending upon the field of specialization and the student’s professional objectives.

Choose from two master's degrees or our doctoral program

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Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science (M.S.)

Upon enrolling in the master of science program in mechanical engineering, a student selects one of three areas of specialization: energy systems, manufacturing and materials systems, or mechanical systems. During the first term, a curriculum, along with a research program, is designed with an academic adviser which is specific to the goals of the individual student.


Master's learning outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of specialized mechanical engineering concepts in engineering analysis and design in a chosen area of specialization.
  2. Effectively communicate ideas on design and analysis to peers, clients and customers.
  3. Conduct guided research in a chosen area of specialization.

Mechanical Engineering, Master of Engineering (M.E.)

Upon enrolling in the master of engineering program in mechanical engineering, a student selects one of three areas of specialization: energy systems, manufacturing and materials systems, or mechanical systems. A curriculum is designed along with an academic adviser which is specific to the goals of the individual student.

Master's learning outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of specialized mechanical engineering concepts in engineering analysis and design in a chosen area of specialization.
  2. Effectively communicate ideas on design and analysis to peers, clients and customers.
  3. Conduct guided research in a chosen area of specialization.

Mechanical Engineering Doctoral

A doctoral student must complete a program of study prepared in collaboration with their permanent adviser. This program of study is outlined on an approved Doctoral Program Planning Form which must be submitted within the first year of the student’s doctoral studies.

Doctoral learning outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of advanced concepts (i.e., concepts beyond those learned during the master of science program) in engineering mathematics and two out of three areas of specializations offered in the department (mechanical systems, energy systems, manufacturing and materials systems).
  2. Communicate ideas (specific to an area of specialization) via peer reviewed published and/or presented materials.
  3. Conduct original research in a chosen area of specialization.

 

Choose from three specializations

Energy Systems Engineering

A specialization in energy systems typically entails advanced study of (a) thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer and combustion; (b) the application of these principles to phenomena and devices which constitute energy-conversion systems; and (c) the analysis, simulation and design of such systems as well as plants; e.g., chemical, metallurgical, food, etc., which are energy-intensive. Current research topics include: plant optimization, cogeneration systems, fluid mechanics and heat transfer in surface mount technology, engine emissions/process effluents and jet engine propulsion systems, energy dispersive materials, combustion and soot modeling.

This program typically entails advanced study of:

  • Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, and combustion
  • The application of these principles to phenomena and devices that constitute energy-conversion systems
  • The analysis, simulation and design of such systems as well as plants; e.g., chemical, metallurgical, food, etc., that are energy intensive

Current research topics include: plant optimization, fuel cells, cogeneration systems, fluid mechanics and heat transfer in surface mount technology, engine emissions/process effluents and jet engine propulsion systems.

Manufacturing and Materials Systems Engineering 

A specialization in manufacturing and materials systems typically entails advanced study in (a) evaluation of materials and their behavior; (b) processes for changing material shape and properties; (c) approaches to economizing complex systems; (d) material-man-machine interfaces; and (e) analysis of the manufacturing process. Normally, each of these multi-disciplinary areas requires certain core courses along with specialized studies, which may include advanced courses in other engineering disciplines, courses in mathematics and statistics and/or courses in business administration. Current research topics include: cellular manufacturing, polishing and mass finishing processes, flexible assembly, robotic systems, production integration, ergonomics, reliability/quality estimation, human performance and safety evaluation, and materials forming and joining processes.

Allows students to focus on a broad range of topics. These topics range from micro issues, such as material-related issues and cutting mechanisms in material removal processes, to macro analysis of complex manufacturing systems from either a process or ergonomics perspective.

The focus of this concentration may be computer-integrated manufacturing, material processing, mechanical behavior of materials, manufacturing processes, quality systems or ergonomics within manufacturing.

Mechanical Systems Engineering

A specialization in mechanical systems typically entails advanced study of (a) mechanical system design and analysis; and (b) modeling, simulation, and control. Mechanical design and analysis focuses on the use of physical and mathematical principles to understand the behavior of mechanical systems. It includes computer-aided optimal design, such as the design of multi-body, multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems. The modeling, simulation and control area involves the study of theoretical mechanics in conjunction with computational applications including advanced dynamics, kinematics and stress analysis. Other applications include the modeling and control of manufacturing processes, including robotics and automated deformation processing. Current research areas include: composite and polymeric materials, control in automated assembly, design of compliant mechanisms, metal cutting/forming mechanics, finite element methods and multiscale material modeling.

Entails advanced study of:

  • mechanical system design and analysis
  • modeling, simulation and control

Mechanical design and analysis focuses on the use of physical and mathematical principles to understand the behavior of mechanical systems. It includes computer-aided optimal design, such as the design of multi-body, multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems.

 

Career Opportunities

Potential careers post-graduate study are in industry, research facilities, government or academia and encompass jobs that include:

  • Product designer
  • Manufacturing positions
  • Machine designer
  • Structural designer

Our mechanical engineering program is a STEM-designated program, which means international students are eligible to apply for 36 months of Optional Practical Training, allowing employers to potentially hire international students for up to three years instead of only one.

Earn Your Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Five Years

Mechanical Engineering is also available as an Accelerated Degree Program (ADP), where students can earn a bachelor's and master of science in electrical engineering in five years.

Take the next step towards your future

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  • Admission Requirements
  • Application Details
  • Application Deadline
  • Financial Aid

Ready to learn more about Marquette's Mechanical Engineering graduate program? Request more information now or schedule a campus visit.

Graduate Program Recruiter

Tim Carter

(414) 288-7139

tim.carter@marquette.edu

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate School at Marquette University, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Applicants to the mechanical engineering program must have completed a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or similar, and if not, the faculty admissions committee may require prerequisite course(s) to be completed. A master's degree is not required to apply to the doctoral program. 

 

Application Requirements

Read all application instructions prior to beginning an application.

  • A brief statement of purpose (not required for master of engineering and M.E. applicants). For doctoral students, we require copies of any published work, including master’s thesis and essays.
  • GRE scores scores (general test only). Scores from the GRE exam are a requirement of admission for all students in the master's, doctoral and accelerated degree programs.
  • For international applicants only: TOEFL score or other acceptable proof of English proficiency.

1Upon admission, final official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities, with certified English translations if original language is not English, must be submitted to the Graduate School within the first five weeks of the term of admission or a hold preventing registration for future terms will be placed on the student’s record. 

This program has rolling admission, which means you may apply and submit all application materials any time before the following dates:

  • Fall term admissions – August 1 (June 1 for international applicants)
  • Spring term admissions – December 15 (October 1 for international applicants)

Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based financial aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) should be aware of the merit-based financial aid deadlines by which all applicant materials must be received by the Graduate School:

  • Fall term: February 15
  • Spring term: November 15

Merit-based aid (graduate assistantships/fellowships) is available. Private scholarships may also be available. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for need-based federal aid (loans) to help fund their educational expenses as well.