Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science
Quick Facts
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#1
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- Payscale, 2024
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona Online is a flexible, fully online graduate program designed for working professionals and students seeking to advance their careers. The program builds on foundational knowledge from the bachelor’s level and prepares students to tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges in modern engineering.
Students can customize their studies with a broad range of courses taught by experienced faculty. Core topics include dynamics and control systems, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and thermal sciences, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), design, and optimization.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering also provides a pathway for students interested in pursuing a PhD or research-focused careers in universities, national laboratories, and industry. Graduates join a vibrant, well-funded research community and are well positioned for roles across aerospace, automotive, electronics, software, biomedical, and other engineering sectors. Many graduates find advanced-level positions with competitive salaries, reflecting the growing value of a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
A Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is required for admission into the program.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
Courses in the MSME program include:
This course will cover vector calculus, linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, and calculus of variations.
Learn complex variables, partial differential equations, eigenfunction expansions, and transform methods
Explore reversible and irreversible macroscopic thermodynamics; selected engineering applications.
In this course, you will cover convective energy, mass, and momentum transfer; internal and external flow; exact, approximate, and numerical solutions; application to current problems.
Learn the fundamental equations of motions; surface tension; kinematics of vorticity; integral solutions; irrotational flows; simple viscous flows.
This course provides fundamental knowledge into the phenomena of high-temperature, non-equilibrium, and rarefied flows.
Learn about solar radiation intensity and location; basic concepts of solar thermal and photovoltaic processes; solar collectors; economic system design for electric power and water heating; active and passive building heating and cooling processes.
This course will introduce you to the finite element method to solve boundary value problems in structural mechanics (statics and dynamics), heat transfer, and acoustics.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering will build core skills, including:
- Advanced engineering analysis
- Advanced simulation and modeling
- Modeling of physical phenomena
- Cutting-edge research activities
- Writing and presentation skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering (MS) program will be prepared to pursue careers in the following fields:
The report option consists of 29 units of coursework, plus 3 units of Master's report coursework. No other independent study units are allowed for the report option.
If you choose to pursue the report option, you will complete a report and pass a final oral examination. This examination consists of a 30-minute presentation by the student followed by 15 minutes of questioning.
Courses in this track include:
If you choose to pursue the thesis option, you will need to complete a thesis and pass a final oral examination. The examination lasts from 1-2 hours and includes a defense of the research results.
The thesis option consists of 26 units of coursework, plus 6 units of thesis coursework.
If you choose to pursue the thesis option, you will need to complete a thesis and pass a final oral examination. The examination lasts from one to two hours and includes a defense of the research results.
Courses in this track include:
Research for master's thesis (whether library research, laboratory or field observation or research, artistic creation, or thesis writing).
The non‑thesis option consists of 32 units of coursework following the general requirements of the M.S. degree program. A maximum of 3 units of independent study or 3 units of research may be included in the program.
If you are interested in independent study, you will need to make arrangements for supervision by a faculty member in the Department and submit the independent study proposal form to the Graduate Administrative Associate. The non‑thesis option does not require a final oral examination.
This option will not be available if you receive financial support from the University in the form of teaching or research assistantships or fellowships.
Courses in this track may include:
Qualified students working on an individual basis with professors who have agreed to supervise such work. Graduate students doing independent work which cannot be classified as actual research will register for credit under course number 599, 699, or 799.
Individual research, not related to thesis or dissertation preparation, by graduate students.
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$5.5 million Annual Research Expenditures
22nd R&D Ranking, Public Universities
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