ME-MS - Mechanical Engineering (MS)

“Depth” refers to a cluster of courses with thematic and/or technical continuity that enables a student to study a part of mechanical engineering in more depth, with more focus, and over a period of time. A depth cluster or area typically comprises nine units (2-3 courses). Courses taken in the depth area must be taken for a letter grade.

“Breadth” refers to graduate-level ME courses outside the student’s depth area. The intent is for students to engage in coursework in areas of mechanical engineering outside of the depth to broaden their understanding and competency in the broader range of topics.

Two courses are required from the list of eligible breadth courses from area(s) outside your depth. They can come from the same area or two different areas. Courses taken in the breadth area must be taken for a letter grade.

Students must take a minimum of 15 units of coursework in mechanical engineering. Only courses with a 200+ ME course number and lecture (LEC) designation are considered mechanical engineering topics, with the addition that the specific courses course can count toward this requirement. Research (independent study) units and seminars cannot count toward the 15 units of ME coursework.

Additional graduate (numbered 200+) engineering, math, and science courses will bring the total number of units to at least 39. The student’s advisor must approve all of these units. Graduate engineering, math, and science courses are typically approved. 100-level CS courses that satisfy the program program are also allowed.

Of these 39 units, no more than six units may come from independent study (course and course), and no more than three units may come from seminars. Students planning to pursue the PhD should discuss taking course or course during the master’s program with their academic advisor. course and course/course may not be included in approved electives.

Students may use one of the following courses as an approved elective without petition: course, course, course, course.

Approved electives must be taken for a letter grade unless grades are optional (e.g., seminars and course and course), except those taken during Spring 2020 and AY20-21.

Note: Students participating in course or course should make the necessary arrangements with a faculty member. In addition, the faculty member and the student should determine the number of units for the course. course and course may only be taken on a credit / no credit basis. If a student takes an independent study in a different department, the grading option should be credit/no credit.

These courses will bring the total number of units submitted for the MS degree to 45. Students are strongly encouraged to take these units outside engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Students should consult their advisor for recommendations on course loads and on ways to use the unrestricted electives to make a manageable program.

Unrestricted electives must be level 100+ and may be taken credit/no credit.

IntroSems courses (those appended with N and Q) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT, course/course) cannot fulfill MS requirements.

Within the courses satisfying the requirements above, there must be at least one graduate-level course with a laboratory component. The following courses can satisfy this requirement.

Similarly, directed study/research courses offered by faculty in other departments will satisfy this requirement if three units are taken for work involving laboratory experiments.