Unlike undergraduate degree programs, graduate degrees are flexible, so students can tailor the program to their goals and interests. An MS student can take courses of their choosing as long as they conform to the degree requirements found here.
The normal semester course load is 9 to 11 credits (3 courses), and coursework students are limited to 12 credits of 4000-level, including math, most often at 4000-level. Math the first semester is not required and not always a good thing as you are just starting your graduate career, adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment, and math courses can be challenging. Keep this in mind when selecting courses. The following list is lengthy. Some courses are listed in more than one category.
Prerequisites Are Enforced in MAE
Many of the 4000-level and some 5000-level courses have required prerequisites. You have
probably had the prerequisite for 4000-level, but our registration system does not know that.
If you get a prerequisite error for a MAE course, submit the waiver request here.
Waivers are processed in the order submitted, with those having the published prerequisite
course first. Waivers are not intended to allow you into a course for which you are unprepared. Waivers are to override the registration system for similar courses. Course equivalency isdetermined by content, not course title.
Required Courses
ME 6000 – Graduate Seminar (2 credits required for on-campus MS, 1 may be substituted by co-op(s).
Presentations and seminars on issues related to mechanical engineering and engineering
mechanics. It may include invited speakers from industry, government labs, and academia.
It is strongly recommended that you take the seminar in your first semester. NOTE: Seminarcourses in other departments cannot be used as a substitute for ME 6000 or for credit toward any MAE degree.
Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)
All graduate students are required to complete Basic RCR and Advanced RCR. Basic RCR is most easily completed by attending the required Graduate Orientation on the date specified in your acceptance letter. Advanced RCR must be completed after you are here and by the end of your second semester, or you will not be permitted to register. There are options for completing Advanced RCR that you will learn after you arrive. More information can be found here.
Mathematics
The MS requires 3 credits of math. The credits must come from MA-department 4000 level
or higher courses and be mathematical tools, such as differential equations, linear algebra,
regression analysis, etc. It may not be a math appreciation course like History of Math. The
only other course outside MA that can be counted is ME5800 Advanced Engineering
Mathematics, offered in the summer.
On-Line Courses
Important!! As of March 2 the online sections are not assigned yet. Online sections will be
added soon.
Online sections of the courses offered with on-campus sections (+OL) are unavailable to oncampus students. However, a student on CPT can take online courses. Courses offered
online only are open to on-campus students as well.
Special Topics
ME 5990/6990 Study of selected subjects related to mechanical engineering or engineering
mechanics. This course requires a faculty member to agree to offer the credit to a student
under an agreed-upon subject, assessment, and deliverables. Faculty members should
work with the student and the Director of Graduate Studies to document the course
description. The outcome should contain the same basic information as a typical course
syllabus. In addition to the course description, the course deliverables (exams, homework,
and/or report, etc.) and their relative contribution to determining the final grade must be
included.
Coursework MS student may take a total of 4 credits of Special Topics spread over a
maximum of 2 occurrences, with a maximum of 3 credits in any occurrence. A Thesis or
Report MS student may take a total of 3 credits of Special Topics spread over a maximum of 2 occurrences, with a maximum of 3 credits in any occurrence.
Useful Course for All Topic Areas
ME 5670 – Experimental Design in Engineering
Review of basic statistical concepts. Models for testing significance of one or many factors.
Reducing experimental effort by incomplete blocks, and Latin squares. Factorial and
fractional factorial designs. Response surface analysis for optimal response.
ME 5700 – Dynamic Measurement/Signal Analysis
Assessment of measurement system requirements: transducers, conditioners, and displays
of dynamic measurands. Time-, frequency-, probabilistic-, and correlative-domain
approaches to dynamic signal analysis: sampled data, discrete Fourier transforms, digital
filtering, estimation errors, system identification, calibration, recording. Introduction to
wavelet analysis. All concepts reinforced in laboratory and simulation exercises.
Design and Manufacturing
ME 4430 – Advanced Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing Methods
Students apply advanced solid modeling techniques to construct solid models of
mechanical systems, document the design using GD&T conventions as per ASME standards, simulate the motion of the system, and learn the computer aided manufacturing and additive manufacturing techniques.
ME 5110 – Continuum Mechanics/Elasticity
Covers development of Cartesian tensors and indicial notation applied to vector analysis;
analysis of stress, principal stresses, invariants, strain tensors, material derivatives, and
continuity equations; basic conservation laws and constitutive relationships; the theory of
elasticity, including 2-D problems in plane stress/strain, stress functions, and 3-D problems
with polar symmetry.
ME 5640 – Analysis of Manufacturing Processes
Introduction, analysis and reporting of the processes and equipment for fabricating
microsystems and the methods for measuring component size and system performance.
Fabrication processes include microscale milling, drilling, diamond machining, and
lithography. Measurement methods include interferometry and scanning electron
microscopy.
ME 5650 – Advanced Quality Engineering
Introduction to the concepts and methods of quality and productivity improvement. Topics
include principles of Shewhart, Deming, Taguchi; meaning of quality; control charts for
variables, individuals, and attributes; process capability analysis; variation of assemblies;
multi-variate situations; and computer-based workshops.
Energy, Thermo-Fluids, Alternative & Renewable Energy
AE 4530 – Compressible Flow
Fundamentals of one-dimensional gas dynamics, including flow in nozzles and diffusers,
normal shocks, frictional flows, and flows with heat transfer or energy release; introduction
to oblique shocks.
AE 4550 – Spacecraft Thermal Engineering
This course covers fundamentals of heat transfer with applications to spacecraft thermal
control. Heat transfer topics focus on steady and transient heat conductions (1D and 2D) as
well as single and multiple surface radiation. Passive and active thermal control
components along with simulation are used to demonstrate thermal management.
ME 4202 – Applied Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer
Intermediate fluid mechanics and heat transfer topics are covered. These include necessary
considerations of: differential analysis of fluid flows based on Navier-Stokes equations, lift
and drag, convective heat transfer in external flows, radiation, and simple considerations of
condensation and boiling.
ME 4220 – Internal Combustion Engines I
This course teaches the operational principles of spark-ignition and compression-ignition
internal combustion engines through the application of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics,
and heat transfer. Course studies engine performance, efficiency, and emissions using
cycle-based analysis, combustion thermochemistry, and compressible fluid flow.
ME 5210 – Advanced Fluid Mechanics
Develops control volume forms of balance laws governing fluid motion and applies to
problems involving rockets, pumps, sprinklers, etc. Derives and studies differential forms of
governing equations for incompressible viscous flows. Some analytical solutions are
obtained and students are exposed to rationale behind computational solution in
conjunction with CFD software demonstration. Also covers qualitative aspects of lift and
drag, loss of stability of laminar flows, turbulence, and vortex shedding.
ME 5215 – Computational Fluids Engineering
This course introduces students into the theoretical and practical aspects of computational
methods in fluid mechanics and thermal transport problems. Computer based tools are
used to reinforce principles on advanced topics in thermo-fluids science.
ME 5235 – Wind Energy
This course introduces students to the underlying principles of wind energy conversion, with
an emphasis on the theoretical aspects of wind turbine design, aerodynamics, construction,
control, and operation.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Automotive
ME 4220 – Internal Combustion Engines
IThis course teaches the operational principles of spark-ignition and compression-ignition
internal combustion engines through the application of thermodynamics, fluid dynamics,
and heat transfer. Course studies engine performance, efficiency, and emissions using
cycle-based analysis, combustion thermochemistry, and compressible fluid flow.
ME 4295 – Introduction to Propulsion Systems for Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicle analysis will be developed and applied to examine the operation,
integration, and design of powertrain components. Model based simulation and design is
applied to determine vehicle performance measures in comparison to vehicle technical
specifications. Power flows, losses, energy usage, and drive quality are examined over drivecycles via application of these tools.
ME 4707 – Autonomous Systems
The main concepts of autonomous systems will be introduced including motion control,
navigation, and intelligent path planning and perception. This is a hands-on project based
course. Students will have the opportunity to work with mobile robotics platforms. Having a
foundational understanding of programming is recommended to make the most of this
course.
ME 4775 – Analysis & Design of Feedback Control Systems
This course covers topics of control systems design. Course includes a review for modeling
of dynamical systems, stability, and root locus design. Also covers control systems design
in the frequency domain, fundamentals of digital control and nonlinear systems.
ME 5811 – Automotive Systems
Automotive systems for light duty vehicles are examined from the perspectives of
requirements, design, technical, and economic analysis for advanced mobility needs. This
course links the content for the automotive systems graduate certificate in controls,
powertrain, vehicle dynamics, connected and autonomous vehicles.
Noise, Vibration, Harshness, Dynamic Systems, Controls
ME 4702 – Vibrations
Theory and experimental techniques in vibration control, Shock, structural health
monitoring, condition based maintenance, dynamic measurements, test methods, and
planning.
ME 4707 – Autonomous Systems
The main concepts of autonomous systems will be introduced including motion control,
navigation, and intelligent path planning and perception. This is a hands-on project based
course. Students will have the opportunity to work with mobile robotics platforms. Having a
foundational understanding of programming is recommended to make the most of this
course.
ME 4775 – Analysis & Design of Feedback Control Systems
This course covers topics of control systems design. Course includes a review for modeling
of dynamical systems, stability, and root locus design. Also covers control systems design
in the frequency domain, fundamentals of digital control and nonlinear systems.
ME 5680 – Optimization I
Provides introductory concepts to optimization methods and theory. Covers the
fundamentals of optimization, which is central to any problem involving engineering
decision making. Provides the tools to select the best alternative for specific objectives.
ME 5715 – Linear Systems Theory and Design
Overview of linear algebra, modern control; state-based design of linear systems,
observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear timevarying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, linear quadratic regulator, Kalman filter.
ME 5750 – Model-Based Embedded Control System Design
This course introduces embedded control system design using model-based approach.
Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event
control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and
communications protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles are highly
recommended.
Solid Mechanics & Materials
AE 4560 – Aerospace Materials & Structures
Course covers the mechanical behavior of materials and structures used in aeronautical
and space vehicles. The fundamentals of lightweight alloys and composite materials will be
covered, including failure and durability. Structural behavior of thin-walled structures,
including torsion, warping, bending, and buckling will be covered.
ME 5110 – Continuum Mechanics/Elasticity
Covers development of Cartesian tensors and indicial notation applied to vector analysis;
analysis of stress, principal stresses, invariants, strain tensors, material derivatives, and
continuity equations; basic conservation laws and constitutive relationships; the theory of
elasticity, including 2-D problems in plane stress/strain, stress functions, and 3-D problems
with polar symmetry
Cyber-Physical Systems
ME 5300 – Cyber Security of Industrial Control Systems (Online only, can be taken by oncampus students)
General introduction to cybersecurity of industrial control systems and critical
infrastructures. Topics include NIST and DHS publications, threat analysis, vulnerability
analysis, red teaming, intrusion detection systems, industrial networks, industrial malware,
and selected case studies.
Suggested Mathematics Courses
The following MA courses offered in fall are those most taken by MAE students. That is not to say that other MA courses may not be appropriate. The MA course must be a mathematical tool, not an appreciation such as History of Mathematics.
MA 4620 – Numerical Methods for PDEs
Derivation, analysis, and implementation of numerical methods for partial differential
equations; applications to fluid mechanics, elasticity, heat conduction, acoustics, or
electromagnetism.
MA 4700 – Prob and Stat Inf I (OL)
Introduction to probabilistic methods. Topics include probability laws, counting rules,
discrete and continuous random variables, moment generating functions, expectation, joint
distributions, and the Central Unit Theorem.
MA 4710 – Regression Analysis
Covers simple, multiple, and polynomial regression; estimation, testing, and prediction;
weighted least squares, matrix approach, dummy variables, multicollinearity, model
diagnostics and variable selection. A statistical computing package is an integral part of the
course. Some prior experience with R is expected.
MA 5510 Ordinary Differential Equations
Qualitative theory of solutions of ordinary differential equations, including existence,
uniqueness, and continuous dependence; theory of linear equations; solution of constant
coefficient systems; phase plane analysis; design and analysis of numerical methods.
MA 5701 – Statistical Methods
Introduction to design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies, with an introduction to
statistical computing and preparation of statistical reports. Topics include design,
descriptive, and graphical methods, probability models, parameter estimation and
hypothesis testing.