Author: Wayne Weaver

A Graduate Certificate is a defined collection of courses that form a coherent program of study that recognizes acquiring knowledge and skills in a given field. Graduate Certificates are academic credentials that Michigan Technological University awards to students who meet the requirements. Graduate Certificates will be noted on official transcripts, and a certificate will be awarded to the student upon completion of the requirements.

A full list of certificates available at MTU can be found here: https://www.mtu.edu/gradschool/programs/certificates/?tags=grad-cert

But notable certificates in the MEEM department are:

AERODYNAMICS, AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AND CONTROLS, COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS, CONTROL SYSTEMS, HYBRID ELECTRIC DRIVE VEHICLE ENGINEERING, QUALITY ENGINEERING, SAFETY AND SECURITY OF AUTONOMOUS CYBER-PHYSICAL SYSTEMS, VEHICLE DYNAMICS.

Most certificates are 9 credits, but some are 15. You may not know that all the credits from certificates can be applied towards an MS or PhD. Degree.

You may not know that one-third (1/3) of the credits for a Graduate Certificate may be used to satisfy requirements for other Graduate Certificates earned at Michigan Tech. This means that you can get two 9-credit certificates with only 15 credits!

For more information, ask the MEEM Graduate Director, Dr. Weaver.

Unlike undergraduate degree programs, graduate degrees have considerable flexibility so a student 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 -11 credits (3 courses), and coursework students are limited to 12 credits of 4000-level, including math which is 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. Course titles in red are outside of MEEM.  Some courses are listed in more than one category.

Prerequisites Are Enforced in ME-EM

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 MEEM course, submit the waiver request here.

Processing of waivers takes place 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 taken. Course equivalency is determined by content, not course title.

Required Courses

MEEM 6000 Graduate Seminar (2 credits required for on-campus MS, 1 may be substituted by co-op(s)).
Presentations/seminars on issues related to mechanical engineering and engineering mechanics. It may include invited speakers from industry, government labs, and academe. It is strongly recommended to take the first seminar in your first semester.

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 a mathematical tool, 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 MEEM 5800 Advanced Engineering Mathematics, offered in the summer.

On-Line courses

Courses offered with online sections (+OL) are generally not available to on-campus students.

Design and/or Manufacturing

MEEM 4150 Intermediate Mechanics of Materials
Basic concepts of three-dimensional stress and strain. Inelastic behavior of axial members, circular shafts and symmetric beams. Deflections of indeterminate beams. Unsymmetrical bending, shear flow and shear center for open sections. Energy methods for structures made up of one-dimensional elements. Introduction to theories of failures.

MEEM 4405 Intro to Finite Element Method
Introduces the use of the finite element method in stress analysis and heat transfer. Emphasizes the modeling assumptions associated with different elements and uses the computer to solve many different types of stress analysis problems, including thermal stress analysis and introductory nonlinear analysis.

MEEM 4430 Advanced CAD and CAM 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.

MEEM 4701 Analytical and Experimental Modal Analysis
Combined experimental and analytical approach to mechanical vibration issues; characterization of the dynamic behavior of a structure in terms of its modal parameters; digital data acquisition and signal processing; experimental modal analysis procedures; parameter estimation for obtaining modal parameters; model validation and correlation with analytical models; structural dynamics modification.

MEEM 5110 Continuum Mechanics/Elasticity
Covers the 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.

MEEM 5160 Experimental Stress Analysis
Review of elastic stress-strain relationships. Covers theory and use of resistive strain gages, strain gage circuits, rosette analysis, static and dynamic strain measurement; discusses other current strain measuring techniques; introduces photoelasticity, Moire, and other optical techniques.

MEEM 5170 Finite Element Methods in Engineering (+OL)
Presents fundamental concepts of variational methods including Rayleigh-Ritz technique. Introduces foundations of finite element modeling through direct method, variational method, and weighted residual method. Reviews elements commonly used in static structural analysis and heat transfer problems. Advanced topics such as nonlinearity and time-dependent problems may also be discussed.

MEEM 5640 Micromanufacturing 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.

MEEM 5650 Advanced Quality Engineering
Concepts and methods for 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; Monte Carlo simulation, multi-variate situations; and computer-based workshops. No credit for both MEEM4650 and MEEM5650.

MEEM 5670 Experimental Design in Engineering (+OL)
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.

MEEM 5702 Analytical Vibroacoustics
First in a series of two courses on vibro-acoustics to provide a unified approach to study noise and vibration. Emphasizes interaction between sound waves and structures. Presents advanced vibration concepts with computational tools. Discusses wave-modal duality.

MSE 4100 Mech. Behavior of Materials
An introduction to the deformation and fracture behavior of materials. Topics include multiaxial stress and strain, elastic and plastic deformation, hardening mechanisms, viscoelasticity, fracture, fatigue, creep, and microstructure/property relationships.

MSE 4110 Intro to Polymer Engineering
Introductory study of polymeric materials and polymer engineering. Basics in polymer science including molecular characteristics, synthesis, structure and properties of polymers, with strong emphasis on thermodynamics of polymers. Various processing techniques and mechanical/ structural applications of polymers.

MSE 4310 Principles of Metal Casting
Principles of metal casting, including melting practice, casting design, mold design, heat transfer and solidification, fluid flow and gating design. Introduction to computer simulation techniques for mold filling, solidification, and development of residual stress. Structure-property relations in cast metals. Recycling and environmental issues of the cast metals industry.

MSE 5140 Mechanical Behavior of Matls
Deformation-related physical behaviors of materials in the mathematical framework of tensor analysis. Material symmetry and tensor property. Stress, strain, and elastic constitutive relation. Non-elastic strain, thermomechanical, electromechanical, and magneto-mechanical behaviors.

EET 5144 Real-Time Robotics Systems
Covers the components of a robot system, safety, concepts of a work-cell system, geometry, path control, automation sensors, programming techniques, hardware, and software.

ENG 5510 Sustainable Futures I
Covers introductory and intermediate concepts of Sustainable Development. Explores methods/tools for assessing sustainability (economic, environmental, societal impacts) of current and emerging industrial technologies. Explores relationships between government policies and markets for introducing sustainable technologies into national economies and corporations.

Energy, Thermo-Fluids, Alternative & Renewable Energy

MEEM 4202 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer
Fluid mechanics and heat transfer topics are covered. These include control volume forms of balance laws for viscous flows, dimensional analysis, steady and unsteady heat conduction, isothermal and non-isothermal internal flows, and simple heat-exchanger considerations.

MEEM 4240 Combustion & Air Pollution
Introduces sources of emissions from combustion, applies thermo-chemical principles to model the formation of pollutants, and identifies impacts of air pollutants on the environment and human health. Addresses pollution regulation and societal impacts including emissions, climate change, and air quality.

MEEM 5210 Advanced Fluid Mechanics (+OL)
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.

MEEM 5212 Intermediate Thermodynamics
A graduate-level thermodynamics course with emphasis on chemically reacting mixtures, thermodynamic property relations, entropy production/exergy destruction, and chemical and phase equilibrium.

MEEM 5215 Computational Fluids Engineering (+OL)
Introduces computational methods used to solve fluid mechanics and thermal transport problems. Discusses theoretical and practical aspects. Modern computer-based tools are used to reinforce principles and introduce advanced topics in fluid mechanics and thermal transport.
 
MEEM 5220 Fuel Cell Technology (+OL)
Fuel cell technology basics, operating principles and performance will be discussed from energy and thermodynamic viewpoints. Major types will be described and emphasis will be on construction features, performance behavior and analysis. The balance of fuel cell power plant and thermal system design and analysis that affect power generation; as well as hydrogen infrastructure and issues related to delivering electrical power generated from the fuel cell will be covered.

MEEM 5235 Wind Energy
Students will be introduced to the underlying principles of wind energy conversion, including wind turbine design, aerodynamics, construction, control, and operation. The evaluation of concurrent aspects such as wind resource turbine siting, grid integration, and environmental and social impact will be covered.

MEEM 5290 Principles of Energy Conversion (+OL)
Introduces fundamentals of energy conversion and storage. Topics include fossil and nuclear fuels, thermodynamic power cycles, solar energy, photovoltaics, and energy storage. Students will apply energy economics and complete semester-long project.

ENG 5510 Sustainable Futures I
Covers introductory and intermediate concepts of Sustainable Development. Explores methods/tools for assessing sustainability (economic, environmental, societal impacts) of current and emerging industrial technologies. Explores relationships between government policies and markets for introducing sustainable technologies into national economies and corporations.

Hybrid Electric Vehicles – Automotive

MEEM 4202 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer
Fluid mechanics and heat transfer topics are covered. These include control volume forms of balance laws for viscous flows, dimensional analysis, steady and unsteady heat conduction, isothermal and non-isothermal internal flows, and simple heat-exchanger considerations.

MEEM 4240 Combustion & Air Pollution
Introduces sources of emissions from combustion, applies thermo-chemical principles to model the formation of pollutants, and identifies impacts of air pollutants on the environment and human health. Addresses pollution regulation and societal impacts including emissions, climate change, and air quality.

MEEM 4295 Intro Propulsion Sys for HEV (+OL)
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 drive-cycles via application of these tools.

MEEM 4296 Intro Prop Sys for HEV Lab
Hybrid electric vehicles and their powertrain components will be examined from the aspects of safety, testing and analysis, energy conversion, losses, and energy storage, and vehicle technical specifications and vehicle development process. The lab will culminate with vehicle testing to perform power flow and energy analysis during a drive-cycle.
 
MEEM4707 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.

MEEM 4775 Control System Analysis & Design (+OL)
This course covers topics of control systems design. The 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. This course may have very strict prerequisite content.

MEEM 5700 Dynamic Measurements & 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, and recording. Introduction to wavelet analysis. All concepts are reinforced in laboratory and simulation exercises.

MEEM 5715 Linear Systems
Overview of linear algebra, modern control; state-based design of linear systems, observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear time-varying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, linear quadratic regulator, Kalman filter.

MEEM 5750 Distributed Embedded Control Systems
This course introduces embedded control system design using a 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 is highly recommended.

MEEM 5811 Automotive Systems (+OL)
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, and connected and autonomous vehicles.

MSE 5760 Vehicle Batt Cells and Systems
The behavior and application of batteries will be examined by introducing concepts from thermodynamics, materials science, transport processes and equivalent circuits. The non-ideal power source behavior of rechargeable batteries in applications will be treated using electrolyte: electrode transport and electrode materials chemistry. Prior exposure to freshman chemistry, elementary electrical circuits, and elementary transport theory is assumed.

Noise, Vibration, Harshness, Dynamic Systems, Controls

MEEM 4701 Analytical and Experimental Modal Analysis
Combined experimental and analytical approach to mechanical vibration issues; characterization of the dynamic behavior of a structure in terms of its modal parameters; digital data acquisition and signal processing; experimental modal analysis procedures; parameter estimation for obtaining modal parameters; model validation and correlation with analytical models; structural dynamics modification.

MEEM 4775 Control System Analysis & Design
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.

MEEM 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.

MEEM 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.

MEEM 5700 Dynamic Measurements & 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.

MEEM 5702 Analytical Vibroacoustics (+OL)
First in a series of two courses on vibroacoustics to provide a unified approach to study noise and vibration. Emphasizes interaction between sound waves and structures. Presents advanced vibration concepts with computational tools. Discusses wave-modal duality.

MEEM 5715 Linear Systems (+OL)
Overview of linear algebra, modern control; state-based design of linear systems, observability, controllability, pole placement, observer design, stability theory of linear time-varying systems, Lyapunov stability, optimal control, linear quadratic regulator, Kalman filter.

MEEM 5750 Distributed Embedded Control Systems
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 is highly recommended.

EET 5144 Real-Time Robotics Systems
Covers the components of a robot system, safety, concepts of a work-cell system, geometry, path control, automation sensors, programming techniques, hardware, and software.

Solid Mechanics & Computational Mechanics

MEEM 4150 Intermediate Mechanics of Materials
Basic concepts of three-dimensional stress and strain. Inelastic behavior of axial members, circular shafts and symmetric beams. Deflections of indeterminate beams. Unsymmetrical bending, shear flow and shear center for open sections. Energy methods for structures made up of one-dimensional elements. Introduction to theories of failures.

MEEM 4405 Intro to Finite Element Method
Introduces the use of the finite element method in stress analysis and heat transfer. Emphasizes the modeling assumptions associated with different elements and uses the computer to solve many different types of stress analysis problems, including thermal stress analysis and introductory nonlinear analysis.

MEEM 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.

MEEM 5160 Experimental Stress Analysis
Review of elastic stress-strain relationships. Covers theory and use of resistive strain gages, strain gage circuits, rosette analysis, static and dynamic strain measurement; discusses other current strain measuring techniques; introduces photoelasticity, Moire, and other optical techniques.

MEEM 5170 Finite Element Methods in Engineering (+OL)
Presents fundamental concepts of variational methods including Rayleigh-Ritz technique. Introduces foundations of finite element modeling through direct method, variational method, and weighted residual method. Reviews elements commonly used in static structural analysis and heat transfer problems. Advanced topics such as nonlinearity and time-dependent problems may also be discussed.

MSE 4100 Mech. Behavior of Materials
An introduction to the deformation and fracture behavior of materials. Topics include multiaxial stress and strain, elastic and plastic deformation, hardening mechanisms, viscoelasticity, fracture, fatigue, creep, and microstructure/property relationships.

MSE 5140 Mechanical Behavior of Matls
Deformation-related physical behaviors of materials in the mathematical framework of tensor analysis. Material symmetry and tensor property. Stress, strain, and elastic constitutive relation. Non-elastic strain, thermomechanical, electromechanical, and magneto-mechanical behaviors.

Cyber-Physical Systems

MEEM 4850 Naval Systems and Platforms
Concepts of semi- and fully-autonomous naval and marine sensors and sensing platforms demonstrated through classroom learning and hands-on experiences. Laboratories will focus on operating sensors and sensor packages, in oceanographic and other applications.

MEEM 5300 Cyber Security of Industrial Control Systems (+OL)
General introduction to ICS systems security and critical infrastructure, including but not limited to threat and vulnerability analysis, industrial networks, survey of attacks, etc.

MEEM 5750 Distributed Embedded Control Systems
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 is highly recommended.

Broadening Courses for All Technical Areas (permission required for BA & EC courses)

BA 5700 Managing Behavior in Organizations
Discusses managing effectively within the environmental context of the organization. Topics include corporate culture, managing in a global environment, planning and strategy, organizational structure, human resources management, managing change, leadership, motivation, communication, conflict management, and teamwork.

BA 5800 Marketing, Tech, & Globalization
The course facilitates students’ improvement of analytical skills, information processing techniques, and cultural competence in the globalized marketing environment. Focuses are placed on strategic marketing management, high-tech product marketing, global consumer behavior, branding, and online marketing.

EC 5650 Environmental Economics
Considers the efficient and equitable use of environmental resources. Measures the benefits and costs of decreasing pollution and protecting scarce ecological resources; addresses market failures and the economic valuation of environmental amenities. Requires students to learn quantitative and technical techniques to determine the efficient use of resources.

ENG 5510 Sustainable Futures I
Covers introductory and intermediate concepts of Sustainable Development. Explores methods/tools for assessing sustainability (economic, environmental, societal impacts) of current and emerging industrial technologies. Explores relationships between government policies and markets for introducing sustainable technologies into national economies and corporations.

The MS degree has three options: Coursework, Report, and Thesis.  Most students are in the Coursework MS as it can be completed in 3 semesters and has the most flexibility for courses and industrial co-op (CPT).  The Coursework MS does not have a formal research component, but students can engage in faculty-sponsored projects in the latter semester(s) of their program by MEEM 5990 Special Topics.  These are different from MEEM 5990 with a specific course name, which is a new offering of a new formal course.

Because the coursework MS is the most sought after by students, its requirements are:

• 30 total semester credits, all at 4000-level or above
• A minimum of 18 are at the graduate level (5000 and 6000-level),
• A minimum 15 from MEEM courses at 4000, 5000, 6000-level. The other 15 can be course credits from other departments,
• 3 math credits (4000 or 5000-level) included in the 15 maximum for outside MEEM,
• 2 MEEM 6000 Graduate Seminar credits (counts as graduate level MEEM credits).  No more than 1 Seminar credit may be replaced by co-op credit(s). 
• An international student must have completed 2 full-time academic semesters before being eligible for CPT.  Full-time in Fall and Spring semesters requires a minimum of 9 credits.
• MEEM 5999 or MEEM 6999 research credits can NOT be used for the Coursework MS Degree option.

Only grades of B or higher in MEEM courses can count toward the degree.  Cumulative GPA must remain at or above 3.0/4.0 to be in good academic standing.

Students often focus inwardly on just MEEM courses and, unfortunately, miss opportunities to broaden their knowledge into areas that the industry values.  Feedback from the industry through co-op reports is that the technical ME background is solid, but they wish students had more exposure to areas including written communication, reports, presentation skills, and engineering and business/economics subjects outside MEEM.  The course recommendations below help fill some of these gaps.

We know that courses are sometimes filled.  That is normal.  Students often over-enroll in courses against better judgment.  We are always looking at additional seats in the heavy-demand courses; enrolled students often drop courses to go on co-op, and students sometimes enroll in courses that they will later drop.  There are often unfilled seats when the semester finally starts, which is months away.  Students can add/drop courses to adjust their schedule through the first week of Fall classes.  We only allow you to register for 10 credits to minimize this problem. The normal semester course load is 9 -11 credits (3 courses), and coursework students are limited to a total degree maximum of 12 credits of 4000-level, including math which is 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.