Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering
The graduate program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering prepares students for either the M.S. or Ph.D. degree, and expands their knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
Faculty have strong research programs in a variety of areas, including dynamics, vibrations and controls, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and energy systems, materials and manufacturing, solid mechanics, and systems engineering. Students are encouraged to devise a plan of study that fits their interests, regardless of how it cuts across these traditional disciplines.
THE GRADUATE DEGREES
Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering expands students’ understanding of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering while introducing them to modern technologies and equipping them with in-depth knowledge of their specialty area.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering is an interdisciplinary doctoral program. It is designed to give students a broad background in engineering sciences together with intensive study and research in a specialized area of the student’s own design.
Why UA?
Our program
- Is flexible, with options for evening classes
- Accommodates varied educational backgrounds
- Provides options for research-based and coursework-based degrees
Our faculty
- Consists of 29 nationally and internationally renowned experts who actively conduct research in their respective areas
- Have strong research programs
- Are active in industry collaborations locally
Opportunities for you
- Access to the latest equipment and software that is used in companies and academia
- Participate in entrepreneurship programs
- Graduate level classes are small enough to ensure personal attention by the professors while large enough to facilitate group projects and interactions
- Work in world-class labs including the Center for Tire Research (CenTiRe), FAA Center for Excellence for Technical Training and Human Performance, and Conquer Chiari Research Center
RESEARCH
Our research relies on a mix of engineering principles and innovation. We develop cutting-edge solutions to solve problems. Faculty, in partnership with graduate students, have made exciting discoveries, from developing a solution to improve tire treads inspired by frog toe pads to designing a portable storage device to organize and transport wheelchairs.
Research and labs include:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Acoustic/Elastic Composite Metamaterials
- Computational Mechanics
- Electrospun Polymer Adhesives
- Micro/Nano Engineering Lab
- Microelectromechanical Systems Lab
- Multi-scale Modeling of Damage and Failure of Materials
- Performance, Failure Mechanisms and Life of High Temperature Composites
- Surface Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing
- Joint Laboratory for Flow Visualization and Lubrication
- Nonlinear Dynamics and Structural Mechanics
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology of Information Storage Systems
- Modeling/Testing of Wear of Materials
- Advanced Energy and Sensor Lab
- Human Factors Engineering Lab
CAREER PATHS
Mechanical engineering is the one of the broadest engineering disciplines. A mechanical engineer can work in sales, research, technical work, administration, management and production operations. According The Center for Education and Workforce, mechanical engineers with master’s degrees make 20% more than individuals with bachelor’s degrees.
Employment:
Recent mechanical engineering graduates are employed as product engineers at Ford, mechanical engineers at Babcock & Wilcox, and wind turbine controls engineers at Phillips, to name a few.
Student spotlight
“Many of the managers, directors and vice presidents at Goodyear that I admired and got to know also had their Ph.D. I would like to someday pursue that kind of career path, so it seemed like the logical thing to do.”
Allen Mathis, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, pursuing Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Read Allen's story.
TUITION & GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS
Tuition & Fees
Current graduate student tuition and fees can be found in the Office of Student Accounts.
Graduate Assistantships & Financial Aid
Graduate assistantships help pay for school. They are available for doctoral students on a competitive basis. The deadline for receipt of assistantship applications is February 1 for Fall admission and three letters of recommendation are required.
It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.
Also, visit the The Graduate School for more information and to apply.