Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 Previous Edition

Mechanical Engineering, M.S.M.E., or Engineering, M.S.E.


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The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science offers programs of study and research leading to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.) and the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.). The M.S.M.E program of study is for students who have completed a B.S.M.E. degree while the M.S.E. degree offers a more generic program of study for students who may not possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

The objectives of the M.S.M.E and M.S.E. program are:

  • To provide our students with the opportunity to develop a breadth of knowledge in mechanical engineering so that they can adapt to the changing requirements of the technological workplace.
  • To produce graduates who are able to practice as mechanical engineers with advanced skills and serve state, regional, and national industries.
  • To prepare graduates for personal and professional success, both as individuals and in team environments.

Admission Requirements


In addition to the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School, the following are required for study toward the Master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering:

  • Applicants must demonstrate evidence of satisfactory undergraduate preparation in engineering, usually manifested by the possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in some area of engineering, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Special consideration may be given to candidates with substantial engineering work experience.
  • Applicants with baccalaureate degrees from fields other than engineering (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc.) may be considered for admission to graduate study. Typically these applicants complete mathematics, science, and engineering courses, as determined by the Director of Graduate Programs, before entering the graduate program.
  • The applicant must receive a satisfactory score on the verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
  • Acceptability for admission is based upon the applicant’s record and background as determined by the department.

GRE Waiver

The GRE requirement will be waived for the following applicants:

  • Current UNC Charlotte MEES undergraduate students who have earned a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and completed at least 75 earned credit hours
  • Applicants who have earned a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA and graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UNC Charlotte

Early Entry Program

Exceptional undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte may apply for the Early Entry Program and begin work toward the graduate degree before completion of the baccalaureate degree.  See the Undergraduate Catalog for details and requirements.  Also see the Degree Requirements and Academic Policies  section of the Graduate Catalog for more information about Early Entry Programs.

Degree Requirements


A total of 30 credit hours of approved graduate coursework are required.  Students select one of the two following options after completing no more than 18 credit hours.

Option A: Thesis


Successful completion of 24 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and 6 credit hours of thesis research.

Coursework (24 credit hours)


Mathematics Courses (3 credit hours)

Select one Mathematics Course from the list below.

Core Courses and Elective Courses (21 credit hours)

Select seven courses from the Core Courses and Elective Courses lists below.  If more than 6 credit hours of elective courses are proposed to be taken from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Director of Graduate Programs approval is required.

Thesis (6 credit hours)


6 credit hours of thesis research is required.

Plan of Study

Students must meet with their advisor to formulate a plan of study and establish a thesis committee. The plan of study must be submitted after completing no more than 18 credit hours.

Thesis Committee

The student must establish a thesis committee that is composed of at least 3 members of the graduate faculty, with up to one member from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science. The faculty advisor serves as the chairperson of the committee.

Admission to Candidacy

Students must hold a proposal defense for approval of their thesis topic (the proposal defense format is left to the discretion of the advisor).

Thesis Defense

A copy of the thesis should be distributed to each member of the program committee at least two weeks prior to the defense. Students should make a public announcement of the defense within the department to allow attendance by interested faculty members and students.

Option B: Design


Successful completion of 24 credit hours of graduate-level coursework and 6 credit hours of graduate design to satisfy “the capstone design requirement.”

Coursework (24 credit hours)


Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

Select four of the following.  Not more than 6 credit hours may be taken from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science.​

Plan of Study

Students must formulate and submit a plan of study. The plan of study must be submitted after no more than 18 credit hours.

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours


Grade Requirements/Academic Standards


Only grades of A, B, or C are accepted towards a graduate degree. A grade of U in any graduate course will suspend the student’s enrollment subject to readmission as prescribed in the Graduate Catalog. Similarly, an accumulation of three C grades will result in suspension of the student’s enrollment, subject to readmission to a program. A student in any graduate program is required to maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree. Continued enrollment is at all times subject to review on the basis of academic record and actions with regard to observance of University rules and regulations.

Application for Degree


Students preparing to graduate must submit an online Application for Degree by the filing data specified in the University Academic Calendar.  If a student does not graduate in the semester identified on the Application for Degree, then the student must submit a new Application for Degree for graduation in a subsequent semester.

Assistantships


Research and Teaching Assistantships (RAs and TAs, respectively) are available on a competitive basis.

Transfer Credit


At the time of admission, up to six hours of transfer credit may be accepted from an ABET accredited engineering institution. Transfer courses are considered as Elective Courses unless a direct replacement of a Core Course is warranted.

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