Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics MSME
Degree Awarded: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.1901
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2141
About the Program
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) at Drexel University prepares engineers to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Graduates gain advanced expertise in mechanical engineering fundamentals while developing the analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills needed to tackle complex engineering challenges.
The program offers a flexible curriculum that combines core courses in mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, systems and control, and advanced manufacturing with opportunities to specialize in areas such as robotics, automation, energy systems, and computational mechanics. Students can tailor their studies through curated electives that align with their career goals, whether in industry, research, or advanced study.
Full-time students who begin in the fall semester may participate in Drexel’s Graduate Co-op Program, a hallmark of experiential learning that provides a semester-long, full-time, paid industry experience during the summer and fall terms. This unique opportunity allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects, build professional networks, and gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Co-op is available only to full-time, on-campus students who begin in the Fall semester. Students must enroll in COOP 5000 (0 credits) during their first Fall term to participate in the co-op program, which runs July-December (Summer B through Fall). This requirement ensures compliance with visa regulations for international students.
MSME graduates are prepared for leadership roles in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The program emphasizes practical skills and innovation, equipping students to contribute to cutting-edge technologies and sustainable solutions.
Students benefit from Drexel’s strong industry connections, state-of-the-art research facilities, and a collaborative learning environment that fosters interdisciplinary engagement. Evening course offerings and part-time options provide flexibility for working professionals, while full-time students can accelerate their careers through co-op and research opportunities.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
Applicants must meet the graduate requirements for admission to Drexel University. Students holding a bachelor's degree in a science or engineering discipline other than mechanical engineering are advised to take several undergraduate courses as preparation for graduate studies. Though these courses are not counted toward the required credits for the degree, they also must be listed in the student's plan of study. Outstanding students with a GPA of at least 3.5 in their master’s program will be considered for admission to the program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics.
Degree Requirements
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| Applied Engineering Mathematics I 1 | ||
| Applied Engineering Mathematics II 1 | ||
| AI and ML Methods in Engineering Mathematics 1 | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| Advanced Thermal Engineering I | ||
| Advanced Fluid Mechanics I | ||
| Advanced Control Systems I | ||
| Advanced Manufacturing I | ||
| Advanced Solid Mechanics I | ||
| Advanced Dynamics I | ||
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| Advanced Thermal Engineering II | ||
| Advanced Fluid Mechanics II | ||
| Advanced Control Systems II | ||
| Advanced Manufacturing II | ||
| Advanced Solid Mechanics II | ||
| Advanced Dynamics II | ||
Select any untaken course from the above Core/Foundational Courses list | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select two of the following courses: | 6.0 | |
| Data Analysis and Machine Learning for Science and Manufacturing | ||
| Foundations of Robotics Engineering | ||
| Finite Element Methods | ||
| Nondestructive Evaluation Methods | ||
| Introduction to Composite Materials | ||
| Robotics Engineering for Healthcare | ||
| Aircraft Flight Dynamics and Control | ||
| Advanced Computational Design Optimization | ||
| Advanced Thermodynamics | ||
| Compressible Fluid Dynamics | ||
| Gas Turbines and Jet Propulsion | ||
| Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer | ||
| Robust Control Systems | ||
| Applied Optimal Control | ||
| Theory of Nonlinear Control | ||
| Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip | ||
| Manufacturing Processes | ||
| Fundamentals of Plasmas | ||
| Applications of Thermal Plasmas | ||
| Application of Non-Thermal Plasmas | ||
| Mechanics of Biological Tissues | ||
| Introduction to Plasticity | ||
| Fracture Mechanics | ||
| Master's Research | ||
Select any 5800-7800 level MEM Special Topics course | ||
Select no more than one 5900-7900 level MEM Independent Study course | ||
Select any untaken course from the above Core/Foundational Courses and/or Subject-Area Focused Courses lists | ||
Select no more than two College of Engineering and Computing (CoEC) courses at the 6000-7999 level with advisor approval | ||
Select no more than one 6000-7999 level course from outside CoEC with advisor approval | ||
| Optional Thesis | ||
| Select one of the following options: | 6.0 | |
| Non-Thesis | ||
Select two courses from the Electives list above | ||
| Thesis | ||
| Master's Thesis Writing Stage and Master's Thesis | ||
| Optional Co-op Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. Students choosing this option will be required to complete COOP 5000 as preparation for their co-op experience. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |
- 1
Equivalent courses from MATH, ECE, or CIVE may fulfill this requirement with Associate Head for Graduate Programs’ approval.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply advanced principles of mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, systems and control, and advanced manufacturing to design and analyze complex mechanical systems for high-performance applications.
- Develop and optimize mechanical components and systems using computational modeling, simulation, and modern engineering software, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
- Integrate control strategies and automation techniques into mechanical systems to enhance functionality and adaptability in emerging technologies such as robotics and smart manufacturing.
- Evaluate and select advanced manufacturing processes and materials to meet design requirements for aerospace, automotive, energy, and other high-tech industries.
- Analyze experimental and simulation data critically to validate models, improve designs, and support evidence-based engineering decisions.
- Communicate technical concepts and project outcomes effectively through professional reports, presentations, and collaborative discussions with multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrate leadership and ethical responsibility in engineering practice, considering global, societal, and environmental impacts of mechanical engineering solutions.