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  1. Home
  2. School of Science, Engineering, and Technology
  3. Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)

Courses Overview

Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree graduates assimilate into the workforce in a broad variety of industries. Many graduates have some engineering career exposure prior to graduation, and the advanced degree and on-the-job experience together help them qualify for elevated career jobs. Engineering education does not end with receiving a diploma. As there is no professional school, engineers learn the specifics of their chosen career while on the job. The MSME program courses are designed to prepare graduates for the broad variety of industries and jobs they will encounter.

The MSME program contains three options: thermo-fluids, mechanical science, and materials science. While the program requires concentration in one of the options, students are also required to take courses outside their options. The advanced study builds on engineering principles learned during a ME undergraduate program. Thermo-fluids courses such as Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics (ME 504) and Foundations of Fluid Mechanics (ME 521) can lead to careers in the aerospace and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) industries. Mechanical science courses including Mechatronics (ME 545), Digital Process Control (ME 554), and Solid Mechanics (ME 560) prepare students for employment in mechanical design and testing, robotics and automation, and manufacturing processes. Materials science coursework in Biomaterials Surface Science (MATSE 507), Surface Characterization of Materials (MATSE 510), and Metals in Electronics (MATSE 565) provide students a working background in a variety of industrial materials applications.

The MSME faculty members are as varied in the background as the courses they teach; its graduate faculty members are career researchers who have varying tenures in industry and in academia. MSME students approach the degree on a full-time or part-time basis, and as such, the individual student’s thesis research, analysis, and writing will fit the student’s schedule.  


This page is not a part of the official Penn State University Bulletin.

Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)

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Mechanical Engineering Programs

Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
Mechanical Engineering Technology (B.S.)
Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)
Accelerated B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (IUG)
Mechatronics (Minor)
Mechatronics Technology (Minor)

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Penn State Harrisburg

A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs.
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