Nov 15, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2023-2024 Previous Edition

Mechanical Engineering, M.S.M.E.


The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science offers a program of study and research leading to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.).

The objectives of the M.S.M.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 Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science (MEES) seeks the following from applicants to the Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering:

  • An earned undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.) or a closely related field of engineering or sciences
    • Applicants with baccalaureate degrees in fields other than Mechanical Engineering (e.g., engineering technology, physics, mathematics, chemistry, etc.) are required to take additional post-baccalaureate courses to supplement the undergraduate curriculum and ensure success in graduate coursework and research. Remediation of certain deficiencies as specified by the department for each area of concentration. Such courses should be taken before applying for the M.S.M.E.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • A satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test score
  • Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from faculty members. All three must be from professionals working in the applicant’s field of interest.
  • An acceptable TOEFL, IETLS, or Duolingo score as required by UNC Charlotte for international students

GRE Waiver

The GRE requirement will be waived for the following applicants:

  • Current UNC Charlotte undergraduate students who have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and completed at least 75 earned credit hours
  • Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 from an ABET-accredited program in a U.S. institution 
  • Applicants who have passed the FE exam and/or earned the PE license
  • Applicants who have completed a master’s degree in engineering or related fields, and earned a graduate GPA of 3.5 or higher from an ABET-accredited program in a U.S. institution

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)


Concentration Courses (12 credit hours)

Complete 12 credit hours from one of the concentrations listed under Option B. 

Elective Courses (6 credit hours)

Select 6 credit hours of Elective Courses from the list below under Option B.  If more than 6 credit hours of elective courses are proposed to be taken from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, approval from the Associate Chair for Graduate Programs is required.

Thesis (6 credit hours)


6 credit hours of thesis research is required.

Plan of Study

Students must meet with their thesis 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 thesis 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 two weeks before the defense within the department to allow attendance by interested faculty members and students.

Option B: Non-Thesis/Project


Successful completion of 30 credit hours of graduate-level coursework.

Concentration Courses (12 credit hours)


Declare a concentration and take 12 credit hours of courses listed in that concentration:

Machine Learning in Mechanical Engineering Concentration

The Machine Learning in Mechanical Engineering concentration consists of foundational courses offered by other departments (i.e., non-MEGR courses), and discipline-specific courses offered by the MEES department (i.e., MEGR courses). Currently, the discipline-specific courses are offered as special topics courses each semester.  In consultation with the academic advisor or Associate Chair for Graduate Programs, select two MEGR discipline specific courses and two non-MEGR foundational courses from the following:

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Concentration

In consultation with the academic advisor or Associate Chair for Graduate Programs, select four courses from different concentrations and courses listed below.

Dual Concentration

Students may request to complete two concentrations. However, an additional 12 credit hours are required with no course double-counting toward two concentrations.

Elective Courses (9 credit hours)


Select three of the following. No more than 6 credit hours may be taken from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science. No more than 6 credit hours may be in Individual Study.

  • Any MEGR 5000, 6000, or 7000-level course

Capstone Course (3 credit hours)


A capstone course has a class project component.  No capstone course can be double-counted to also satisfy a Concentration or Elective Course requirement.  With prior approval from the Associate Chair for Graduate Programs, an offering of MEGR 7892  that includes a project may be approved to count as the required capstone course.

Select one of the following:

Plan of Study


Students must formulate and submit a plan of study. The plan of study must be submitted after completing 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


Financial assistance for qualified students is available on a competitive basis in the form of graduate teaching and research assistantships.  All M.S. students who entered “Yes” in the application form on the question “Assistantship Interest” are automatically considered. No separate assistantship application is required.

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.