Mechanical Engineering Master of Science (M.S.)

Specializations:  Energy Systems, Manufacturing and Materials Systems, Mechanical Systems

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. The program includes course work in engineering, mathematics and science with the following requirements:

• A minimum of 24 credit hours of course work.
• A minimum of 3 credit hours of an approved math course (MEEN 6101 Advanced Engineering Analysis 1, MEEN 6102 Advanced Engineering Analysis 2, MEEN 6103 Approximate Methods in Engineering Analysis, EECE 6010 Advanced Engineering Mathematics) or equivalent. An equivalent math requirement from another department must be approved by the student's adviser and the director of graduate studies.
• A minimum of one half of the total course work must be at the 6000 level.
• A minimum of one half of the total course work must be taken from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. No more than 12 credit hours may be taken outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and these courses must be approved by the student's adviser and the director of graduate studies.
• At most, a maximum of 3 credit hours of an Independent Study course may be included in the course work total.
• Six (6) credit hours of thesis work, completion of an oral thesis defense/comprehensive exam and submission of an approved thesis.
• Continuous participation in the departmental graduate seminar series (MEEN 6960 Seminar in Mechanical Engineering).
• A maximum of 6 credit hours of graduate-level credit from other approved institutions may be accepted toward the requirement of the degree as long as requirements are met, and prior approval must be received from the student's adviser and director of graduate studies.

Specialization Requirements

Energy Systems

The energy systems specialization 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 disspersive materials, and soot modeling.

Manufacturing and Materials Systems

The manufacturing and materials systems specialization 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 complex. 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.

Mechanical Systems

The mechanical systems specialization 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. Modeling, simulation and control involve 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 machine mechanisms, metal cutting/forming mechanics, finite element methods and multiscale material modeling.

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.

Accelerated Bachelor's-Master's Degree Program

The accelerated program enables students to earn both a master of science degree and a bachelor of science degree from the College of Engineering in the span of five years. Only the thesis option is available with this program. Qualified students (3.500/4.000 GPA) who are enrolled in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University may apply for admission to this program during their undergraduate junior year. Students must submit an application to the Graduate School, indicate their interest in the five-year program, and meet all other admission criteria as stated in the Application Requirements section.

Students select graduate-level courses in their senior undergraduate year as their electives; these elective courses count toward both the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, only a maximum of 6 credit hours can apply toward the graduate degree. Upon completion of the first term as a master’s candidate, the student must petition the Graduate School to transfer courses taken as an undergraduate to the master’s degree.

Students begin their research for the thesis the summer between their junior and senior years. Their research is continued the summer between their senior and fifth years and throughout their fifth year, culminating in the preparation of a written thesis and defense.