Oct 01, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
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2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Mechanical Engineering, M.S.

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Minimum number of credits required to complete the program:  34

Minimum cumulative GPA required:  3.0

 

School: School of Engineering and Computational Sciences

Learn more about the program

 

The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering is a highly versatile degree that 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. 

Our graduate program curriculum is designed to educate students with bachelor’s degrees in STEM. Our curriculum will train students to be subject matter experts through a project master program option or Master’s Thesis option. During the completion of the program, students will make a significant contribution to the state-of-the-art mechanical engineering field as judged by a committee of 3 subject matter experts with advanced degrees and a track record of published research. Additionally, the students are expected to be independent contributors to the research, conducting much of the literature review, research design, experimentation and authorship of scholarly products, such as conference papers and academic journals. These activities will be under the mentorship and supervision of their graduate advisor.   

 

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 Civil Engineering.  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. 

Recommended Prerequisite Courses

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

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 three credits each are accepted for transfer into Merrimack’s M.S.M.E. program, then the student may earn their master’s degree with 30 total credits, instead of 32 total credits.   

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.S. 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

Program Requirements

There are TWO options for the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  These options have the same first year of coursework.

  • The thesis option emphasizes academic research and is ideal for students interested in diving deeply into a specific topic within their field.  Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will conduct original research, analyze their findings, and present them in a formal written thesis.  This process culminates in a defense before a committee.  Opting for the thesis route provides a foundation for those considering further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D., and hones skills in research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly writing.  In year 2, the thesis student will take two semesters of thesis work (8 credits) under the mentorship and supervision of a faculty member.
     

  • The project option focuses on practical application, allowing students to apply their coursework knowledge to real-world challenges.  Instead of extensive academic research, students undertake a significant project, which may be collaborative.  This project demonstrates their ability to solve problems, innovate, and produce tangible outcomes.  A final report or presentation is typically required, detailing the project’s objectives and results. This option is well-suited for students aiming to enhance their practical skills for direct application in industry or professional settings.

Thesis Option

Program Requirements (18 total credits)

 

Project Option

Program Requirements (18 credits total)

 

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