Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Program Advisors: Franco Capaldi, Ph.D.

Program Advisor: Maureen W. Sakakeeny, P.E., M.S.Eng.

 

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering is a highly versatile degree which reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of the practice of engineering.  The program emphasizes a holistic, systems view of the various disciplines in which the students may concentrate.    

The program provides student with the flexibility to design academic programs tailored to their interests, and provides advanced technical knowledge and practical skills for advancement in the engineering profession.  It addresses the significant demands for advanced degrees to address society’s engineering challenges in robotics, manufacturing, defense systems, medical devices, and other high tech industries.

The program is housed in the Mendel Center, home to the School of Science and Engineering.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the College’s requirements, including English proficiency test scores if necessary, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology from an accredited college or university.  

Applicants who hold a Bachelor of Science in another engineering discipline or another closely related field (i.e. chemistry, physics, mathematics, etc.) will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Such applicants may be required to take additional prerequisite courses, based upon guidance from the faculty advisor, to prepare them for their advanced studies in civil engineering.    

Required prerequisite courses:

• Calculus I-III
• Differential Equations
• Applied Statistics
• Physics I and II
• Chemistry I
• Mechanics I and II
• Fluid Mechanics

Transfer of Credit from other Institutions

A maximum of two graduate-level electives may be transferred in from other institutions with the approval of the Department Chair.  If two elective courses taken at other institutions bearing 3 credits each are accepted for transfer into Merrimack’s MSCE program, then the student may earn their master’s degree with 30 total credits, instead of 32 total credits.   

Master’s Comprehensive Examination

The master’s degree candidate must successfully complete a final written comprehensive examination that is administered by an examining committee. The members of this committee are chosen by the candidate, in consultation with his or her advisor.  The committee must consist of at least three members.

The comprehensive written examination, administered by the Graduate Advisor, will be given only once each semester and not earlier than six weeks before the last Friday of the semester. The candidate will receive a passing grade if all, or all but one, of the member’s votes to pass. A student who fails the examination must take it again at the next regularly scheduled examination time. A student who fails the examination a second time will no longer be eligible to receive a graduate degree from the program.

Comprehensive Exam may be waived at the Graduate Advisor’s discretion.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Program at Merrimack College, graduates will:

• have expert-level knowledge and a high level of competence in applying it within his or her chosen area of engineering;
• be able to communicate technical challenges, ideas, and results across disciplines and with local communities, managers, and policy makers;
• understand group dynamics associated with leadership, membership, and peer-to-peer interactions;
• be able to conduct research from a perspective well-grounded in their chosen area of engineering and with a broad understanding of scientific, engineering, and policy dimensions

Engineering Fellowships

Engineering Graduate Fellowships are highly competitive programs that build and enhance students’ professional skills as well as defray the student’s costs and assist engineering faculty with their teaching and research.   A limited number of fellowships may be offered to exceptional, full time graduate students upon entering the MSME program. 

The fellowship covers half the cost of graduate tuition, while the graduate student works up to 20 hours per week in their academic department, assigned to a specific faculty member.  Graduate Fellows have faculty mentoring to support their learning and strengthen their professional and leadership skills.  They also enjoy department based activities, leadership and professional networking opportunities.

The number and type of fellowships vary each year and positions may include:

• Graduate Teaching Fellow
• Graduate Research Fellow
• Graduate Fellow (other)

Fellowship applications are accepted annually with a deadline in the spring.  Please refer to website for application details and deadlines.