About
The Master of Science degree is designed to give post-baccalaureate students a broad understanding of the mechanical engineering field while providing some depth in a specific option area. Option areas include Dynamic Systems and Controls, Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Materials and Mechanics, Engineering Management, Mechanical and Environmental Systems, Nuclear Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. Applicants who choose the M.S.E. program usually have an interest in more than one aspect of Mechanical Engineering. They are interested in gaining research and/or design experience to become better prepared for the workforce or further graduate study. Graduates from the program have gone to work in a broad range of industries including automotive, aerospace, nuclear, energy, oil, entertainment, HVAC, defense, utilities, and manufacturing.
Available Options
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Non-Thesis Track
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Thesis Track
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Integrated BS-MS Track
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
M.S.M.E. Non-Thesis Track
The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering non-thesis track strives to provide a learning centered environment where accomplished faculty share their experience and knowledge with students so that graduates of the program can:
- Demonstrate an advanced technical knowledge of state-of-the-art and evolving areas associated with the mechanical engineering field so that they can lead and direct engineering and scientific industry teams in their chosen field of study.
- Demonstrate the ability to solve open-ended design problems.
Outcomes
Graduates of the program will demonstrate a strong technical knowledge in chosen mechanical engineering field by passing a comprehensive exam or a design project in the student's major area of study near the completion of the degree program.
Assessment
- Comprehensive exam/design project.
- Track graduates career shortly after graduation.
Requirement
Requires 30 credits of approved graduate courses. At least 18 credits must be earned from 700-level courses, of which 15 credits must be in engineering. To complete the Non-Thesis option, students must also successfully complete the Design Project course (ME 796-Design Project in Mechanical Engineering) or pass a comprehensive written and oral exit exam before receiving their degree.
M.S.M.E. Thesis Track
The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering thesis track strives to provide a learning centered environment where accomplished faculty share their experience and knowledge with students so that graduates of the program can:
- Demonstrate an advanced technical knowledge of state-of-the-art and evolving areas associated with the mechanical engineering field so that they can lead and direct engineering and scientific industry teams in their chosen field of study.
- Demonstrate the ability to work creatively and independently on research topics.
Outcomes
Graduates of the program will:
- Demonstrate a strong technical knowledge in chosen mechanical engineering field by successfully completing course work and integrating knowledge learned in their course work into a thesis.
- Demonstrate the ability to learn independently by completing a creative or research project and reporting on this activity in a thesis which should include:
- A hypothesis (or hypotheses).
- A set of objectives and goals.
- A critical literature review.
- A theoretical, experimental and/or modeling study.
- A conclusion.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate technical information both orally and in writing at an acceptable level of proficiency.
Assessment
- MS thesis.
- Thesis defense (oral exam).
- Track graduates career shortly after graduation.
Requirement
Requires 30 credits of approved graduate courses. At least 18 credits must be earned from 700-level courses, of which 15 credits must be in engineering. To complete the Non-Thesis option, students must also successfully complete the Design Project course (ME 796-Design Project in Mechanical Engineering) or pass a comprehensive written and oral exit exam before receiving their degree.
Career Possibilities
Mechanical engineers are concerned with the principles of force, energy and motion. They are professionals with expert knowledge of the design, manufacture, and maintenance of all sizes of mechanical systems, thermal devices and processes. Products and processes developed by mechanical engineers include engines and control systems for automobiles and aircraft, electric power generation plants, lifesaving medical devices and consumer products. Virtually every aspect of life is touched by mechanical engineering. Typical career options are:
- Automotive
- Defense
- Environmental engineering
- Food processing
- Heating and air conditioning
- Heavy equipment
- Machine tools
- Manufacturing
- Nuclear
- Petroleum
- Public utilities
- Solar energy
A Master of Science degree is often the extent of postgraduate education that an individual interested in entering into the practice of mechanical engineering would need. Some of graduates advance into a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering degree mainly for academic careers.
Requirements
Documents/Downloads
Master of Science in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
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Additional Downloads
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Related Links
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Contacts
Graduate Coordinator
Hui Zhao, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering prepares students for the lifelong practice of mechanical engineering and related engineering disciplines. Our students to become problem solvers through applying science to deal with the relations among forces, work, or energy, and power in designing systems, which ultimately contributes to the betterment of the human environment.
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Phone
Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering
The College of Engineering provides students a well-rounded foundation in several engineering disciplines for a successful career in engineering and computer science. Through the hands-on, experiential education experience we offer, students are enabled to achieve excellence in their respective fields.