Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science
of All Higher-Ed Institutions
-Center for World University Rankings, 2022
In Best Value Among Arizona's Public Universities
- Payscale, 2022
Quick Facts

College of Engineering
Program Details
According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a master's degree is becoming a standard requirement to advance into higher-paying supervisory and management roles.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) is the only online graduate degree offered in this discipline in Arizona. It provides excellent value compared to similar programs across the nation. The courses offered in the program seek to deepen the knowledge acquired at the bachelor's level to prepare you for increasingly more complex and interdisciplinary tasks in the modern workplace. The courses are supported by world-class faculty with relevant expertise. The MSME degree may also be an entry point for students seeking a PhD to pursue research or academic careers in national laboratories or universities.
You can tailor your study plan to fit your interests in one or more core areas, including dynamics and control systems, fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and thermal sciences. Customize your program further by choosing from microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) or design and optimization options. A broad range of courses and faculty with relevant expertise supports the core areas and specializations.
As a graduate of the MSME program, you'll be in high demand across various employers in industries ranging from aerospace, automotive, and mining to electronics, software, and biomedical device sectors.
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
Courses in the MSME program include:
Outcomes
As a result of this program, students will build core skills, including:
- Advanced engineering analysis
- Advanced simulation & modeling
- Modeling of physical phenomena
- Cutting-edge research activities Writing & presentation skills
Graduates of the Mechanical Engineering MS program will be prepared to pursue careers in the following fields:
- Aerospace/Defense industries
- Automotive/Machinery industry
- Electronics/Chip manufacturing industry
- Biomedical devices
- Space technologies

MASTER'S THESIS OPTION
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.

MASTER'S THESIS OPTION
Courses in this track include:
- AME 910: Thesis

MASTER’S REPORT OPTION
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.

MASTER’S REPORT OPTION
Courses in this track include:
- AME 909: Master's Report

NON‑THESIS/COURSEWORK ONLY OPTION
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.

NON‑THESIS/COURSEWORK ONLY OPTION
Courses in this track may include:
- AME 599: Independent Study
- AME 900: Research
4th Aerospace Manufacturing,
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