About Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
The Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) in the USA is a versatile degree program that attracts thousands of international students every year.
Students who pursue an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA can choose from a variety of degree options. Some common program variations include:
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
- Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and Design
- Master of Science in Ocean Engineering/Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering
Some programs also offer dual degrees. For instance, students can secure an MBA degree alongside their MS in ME. In doing so, they can acquire a broader skill set and enjoy more career opportunities.
The program structure for an MS in Mechanical Engineering offers three tracks. You can select an all-coursework option, a project-based option, or a thesis option. This means you can choose one that best suits your career goals and interests.
Credit requirements usually range from 30 to 42 credits. Course curriculum covers core courses, electives, and thesis or project work. This flexibility lets you tailor your education to your specific interests. Moreover, many programs allow you to take electives from other engineering departments. If you are a working professional, you can even consider online or part-time study options.
There are several specializations within MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA programs. Some examples are Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Materials Engineering, and Robotics and Controls. Some programs offer advanced specializations in fields like Aerospace Engineering, Ocean Engineering, and Naval Architecture.
Top universities in the world for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Almost every engineering institute in the USA offers the MS in Mechanical Engineering program. This gives students the option to choose from hundreds of universities. However, the choice can be overwhelming.
Here are some of the universities that rank among the top 50 globally for the MS in Mechanical Engineering program, according to QS Rankings:
| Global Rank (2024) | Institution | Score |
| 1 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 96.8 |
| 2 | Stanford University | 93.2 |
| 5 | Harvard University | 90.1 |
| =7 | University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 89.1 |
| 14 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 87.5 |
| 15 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 87.1 |
| 16 | Purdue University | 86.8 |
| 17 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 86.0 |
| 26 | Pennsylvania State University | 81.4 |
| 27 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 81.1 |
| =30 | Texas A&M University | 80.0 |
| 33 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 79.5 |
| =34 | University of Texas at Austin | 79.3 |
| 41 | Princeton University | 77.7 |
| 47 | Northwestern University | 76.3 |
These universities are among the best for Mechanical Engineering in the USA. However, apart from rankings, there are many other factors to consider when you choose a university for your MS in Mechanical Engineering. Factors such as location, eligibility requirements, and placement records play a huge role in determining the right university for you.
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Course Curriculum for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
An MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA typically takes two years to complete, and the degree involves a variety of courses and projects. Over these two years, you will need to earn between 30 to 36 credit hours. The number of credit hours you need to earn also depend on whether you choose a thesis or non-thesis option.
All MSME programs can be understood as a mix of core subjects, electives/specializations, and research/ projects.
Core Courses
Core courses form the foundation of your engineering education. Similar to how we learn the alphabet in school, these courses cover essential concepts in mechanical engineering that help you build strong basics, so you can understand more advanced concepts easily. Typical core courses include:
- Engineering Mathematics
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Heat Transfer
- Mechanics of Materials
- Dynamics and Controls
- Design and Manufacturing
Electives/Specialization Courses
Electives allow you to focus on specific areas of mechanical engineering. Options include:
- Robotics and Control
- Aerospace Engineering
- Energy and Sustainability
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Biomechanics
- Nanotechnology
Note: Most programs require you to take courses across multiple sub-disciplines. This ensures you gain a broad understanding of mechanical engineering.
Research/Projects
Your program may require a research component. If you choose the thesis option, you’ll complete a research thesis, typically worth 6-9 credits.
Eligibility for studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
The requirements for an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA vary widely. Top institutions have stricter eligibility criteria, which is understandable. Let’s explore the general pattern of these requirements.
Educational Qualifications
You will need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, from an accredited institution. Top-rated universities expect a minimum GPA of 3.0-3.5 on a 4.0 scale. This translates to more than 75% marks throughout your degree.
GRE Scores
Many universities suggest that you submit your GRE scores, even though they are not mandatory. A score higher than 290 can make your candidature stronger.
English Language Proficiency
International students must demonstrate English proficiency. This is done through language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and DET. For a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, you should aim for:
- TOEFL iBT: 80-96 (depending on the university)
- IELTS: 6.5-7.0
- Duolingo: 115-120 (if accepted by the university)
4. Letters of Recommendation
Most universities require 2-3 letters of recommendation. You can get these LORs from academic or professional references who can endorse your qualifications and potential.
5. Statement of Purpose
Students are expected to submit a well-written statement of purpose outlining their academic and career goals.
6. Work Experience
Relevant work experience of 1-2 years can strengthen your application. However, it’s not mandatory.
7. Transcripts and Resume/CV
To complete your application, you must submit official transcripts from all academic institutions you previously attended. Additionally, a comprehensive resume or curriculum vitae is required.
8. Visa Requirements
International students must obtain an F-1 visa to study in the USA.
GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA
The GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA vary across universities. The COVID-19 era saw a surge of universities waiving the GRE requirement for admissions, and this practice is being continued. Many prestigious universities have now made the GRE optional or eliminated it entirely for their Master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering MS programs.
Here are some examples of universities embracing this approach:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Michigan
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Cornell University
- Northwestern University
Many of these universities still suggest students submit their GRE/GMAT scores, as that can boost the academic credentials of the application.
So, while it is possible to pursue a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering in the USA without GRE scores, you should still submit your scores to strengthen your application.
However, some universities make it mandatory for students to submit their GRE scores. For programs that still require the GRE, competitive scores are typically around 165 for Quantitative and 157 for Verbal.
Scholarships to study MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
Many universities offer scholarships for students pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering in USA. Some universities even cover all tuition fees through scholarships. Many others offer partial scholarships ranging from 10% to 40% of tuition fees.
MIT offers a fully funded Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (SMME) program. Most students in the Mechanical Engineering department at MIT get research assistantships (RA). These assistantships provide a full tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend which cover fees for the entire duration of the master’s program as long as students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Similarly, UC Berkeley offers various financial aid options and scholarships for mechanical engineering students. One example is the Sedman-Packard Scholarship, which supports students transferring from junior college to UC Berkeley. The Iain Finnie Fellowship Fund is another endowment that supports high-achieving graduate students.
Some other examples of university-specific scholarships for mechanical engineering students are:
University | Scholarship |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | The George W. Woodruff Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering |
| University of Michigan | Merit-based scholarships and specific departmental scholarships for mechanical engineering |
| University of California, Berkeley | The Alexander & Ethel Levens Mechanical Engineering Award |
| American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) | Scholarships for mechanical engineering students at both undergraduate and graduate levels |
Beyond university-specific scholarships, students can also apply for scholarships sponsored by governments and philanthropic organizations. Some examples include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships for Indian Students
- Rotary Foundation Global Scholarship Grants
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Career Scope of MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
The career outlook for mechanical engineers in the USA is promising. Here’s why:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the 2023 median pay for mechanical engineers at $99,510 per year ($47.84 per hour).
- The job outlook for 2022-2032 is projected at 10%. This is much faster than the average for all occupations.
- With an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, you can work in diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, construction, defense, and consumer goods.
- You can also explore non-engineering roles in finance, management, law, research, technical sales, and consulting.
- States like Michigan, California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio have particularly high employment rates for mechanical engineers.
- Mechanical engineering roles offer high job satisfaction due to their problem-solving nature and opportunities for innovation.
- US News ranks mechanical engineering as the #1 engineering job, with the highest ratings for upward mobility, advancement opportunities, and salary.
Top recruiters in the USA for MS in Mechanical Engineering
When you complete your MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, you can look forward to opportunities with top recruiters. These companies include:
- Apple
- Altair Product Design
- Cummins
- Cyient
- FCA US
- HCL America
- L&T Technology Services
- Rivian Automotive
- Tech Mahindra
- 180 Engineering
- Alpha Apex Group
- DAVRON
- Goodwin Recruiting
- MAC Executive Recruiters
- Scion Technical
Job prospects and salaries offered after studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
You can expect a promising career after completing your MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA. According to PayScale, salaries for graduates in this field vary widely depending on the role.
For Senior Mechanical Engineers, the salary ranges from $87,000 to $137,000, with an average of $108,167. Other common roles and their average salaries include:
- Mechanical Engineering Manager: $96,726
- Robotics Engineer: $92,210
- Automation Engineer: $86,990
- Mechanical Engineer: $80,530
- Manufacturing Engineer: $77,679
- Equipment Engineer: $84,916
- Project Engineer: $78,158
Salaries depend on several factors, such as location, industry, company size, and individual experience level. Entry-level salaries typically start around $60,000-$70,000. Experienced engineers with an MS degree can earn over $100,000 annually in many cases.
Location and university reputation also play significant roles in salary variations. For example, the average salary for a mechanical engineer in Michigan is $92,498. However, Master of Engineering alumni from Michigan State University earn 17% more, with an average of $110,131 (according to PayScale).
With an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA, you can work in various sectors, including:
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Biomechanics
- Construction
- Dynamics and Control
- Fluid & Solid Mechanics
- Manufacturing
- Nanotechnology
- Robotics
FAQs
How long does it take to complete an MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA?
Full-time programs generally take 2 years to complete. However, some universities offer degrees that can be finished in 1 to 2 years. For example, you can complete the Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.ME) program at the University of Illinois in just one year of full-time study. If you choose an online program, you will have more flexibility. For instance, the online M.Eng.ME program at the University of Illinois allows up to 5 years to complete the degree. This is helpful if you are working full-time while studying.
Is work experience required for admission to MS in Mechanical Engineering programs?
Most MS Engineering programs do not require work experience before applying. Some programs may suggest it for certain degrees, but it’s not common. In fact, admissions committees tend to focus more on GRE scores, Statement of Purpose essays, and reference letters. Whether or not to gain work experience before pursuing an MS in Engineering is a personal choice. There are pros and cons to both paths.
Can I work part-time while studying for my MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA?
Yes, you can. Many universities offer part-time options for MS in Mechanical Engineering programs. These programs are aimed at working professionals or those with other commitments. They offer more flexible schedules than full-time programs. However, note that part-time programs usually take longer to complete. For example, a full-time MS typically takes 1-2 years, ut part-time programs may take 2-4 years, depending on your course load and the university. Some universities also offer evening or weekend classes. Also, online or blended learning options may be available for part-time programs.
What are the common specializations or focus areas within MS in Mechanical Engineering programs?
There are several common specializations within MS in Mechanical Engineering programs. These include:
- Design and Manufacturing
- Dynamics and Mechatronics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Solid Mechanics and Mechanical Design
- Transport Phenomena and Energy
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Controls and Automation
- Acoustics and Vibrations
Is MS in Mechanical Engineering STEM-designated?
Yes, MS in Mechanical Engineering programs are typically STEM-designated. This designation allows international students to stay in the USA for an additional 24 months beyond the standard 12 months. Therefore, you can extend your stay to a total of 36 months. This is a significant advantage for gaining work experience and establishing a career in the USA.
