Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Virginia Tech

The thesis MS program seeks to prepare graduate students by providing them with practical and theoretical engineering knowledge, training the students to be able to become technical leaders, design a research methodology which solves an existing engineering problem, to present on their research, and to contribute to the scholarly work of the global mechanical engineering community.

The non-thesis MS program seeks to educate graduate engineering students by providing them with preparation in the essential sciences and technology of Mechanical Engineering. This option complements our current offerings and provides potential graduate students with another opportunity which may better suit their needs, than the MS with thesis option. The non-thesis MS program involves academic course work, a research component related to coursework or, a review of research papers and concludes with a final presentation to the Examination Committee. The purpose is to ensure a research component is preserved through this MS degree program. This degree option may be more applicable for those applicants who are interested in part-time studies, who are employed and pursuing professional development, or careers in industry.

Master of Science (MS) Thesis Degree Requirements

The Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering requires students to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of technical graduate course study beyond the baccalaureate, and complete a research thesis. MS students must submit a Plan of Study before completing the first semester registered as a MS student.

Master of Science (nt-MS) Non-thesis Degree Requirements
Departmental funding is not available for the non-thesis Master of Science (nt-MS) program as this program does not require research hours but does require more coursework (24).