MS Degree

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

The Master of Science (thesis) degree emphasizes graduate research and culminates in the creation of a thesis and associated oral exam. A minimum of 30 graduate credits must be earned for the MS degree with the following requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a MS in Mechanical Engineering will be able to

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
  2. Demonstrate a deep understanding and expertise in one area of Mechanical Engineering specialization.
  3. Develop and demonstrate through their research projects a strong theoretical and/or experimental and/or computational background.
  4. Discuss and apply an understanding of the current literature in mechanical engineering and related disciplines.
  5. Conduct independent research project that addresses problem in the area of mechanical engineering.
  6. Organize results into a coherent thesis and may produce scholarship (articles and/or books and/or conference paper) that appear in peer-reviewed venues.
  7. Develop the ability to communicate technical material to broad range of audiences.
  8. Present and defend their research findings effectively through oral and written presentations and through the development of supporting materials.
  9. Understand and be able to identify their post-graduation career options: industrial, entrepreneurial, and academic.
  10. Demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct.

Degree Requirements

Credits
GR ST 5650: Responsible Conduct of Research in Science and Engineering 1
Mechanical Engineering Core
Any 5000 or above level ME course as well as specific non-ME courses approved by the graduate committee.		 9
Mathematics/Statistics
Any 3000-level or higher Math or Statistics class labeled “non-major graduate credit” (EXCEPT Math 3070 and Math 3170) will count towards this requirement. Non-Math/Stat courses with strong math or statistics content that are approved by the graduate education committee may also count towards this requirement.		 3
Electives
Choose any courses that you feel would round out your education; these can be from Mechanical Engineering or outside the major.		 6
Research credits
ME 6990		 11
Total 30 credits

See the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook for approved courses and additional degree requirement details. To help you decide what courses to take, many courses have been grouped by disciplinary area emphasis.

Course descriptions can be found on the Iowa State Course Catalog. Availability of courses will be on the Schedule of Classes. Students should review the ME Grad Student Handbook and Graduate College Handbook for guidelines on courses, such as independent study, transferring courses and minimum needed at Iowa State, undergraduate courses, and credits earned during non-degree-seeking status.

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