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There are eight focus areas for mechanical engineering students enrolled in the Master of Science Thesis program. Each has a unique curriculum. Click the links below for curriculum information on each focus area.

MS Thesis Degree Requirements

MS Thesis students must complete the following requirements:

• Coursework: 30 graduate-level credit hours must be completed with a grade of C or higher in each course. All MS Thesis students must complete the following courses: MCEN 5020 Methods of Engineering Analysis 1 (3 credits), MCEN 5030 Introduction to Research (3 credits), MCEN 6959 MS Thesis (6 credits). Note: At least 18 credits must be mechanical engineering credits, including the 6 required thesis hours. Up to 12 credit hours may be taken outside the Department, inclusive of any transfer credits applied towards the degree. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing. 
• Thesis Advisor Selection: In order to enroll in the MS Thesis program, students must first secure a thesis advisor. Upon finding a research advisor, MS Thesis students should complete the MS Thesis Research Expectations Form. This form should be completed no later than the end of the first semester of enrollment in the MS Thesis program. This form is also a required element of MCEN 5030 Introduction to Research. Note: MS Thesis students are eligible to work with ¶¶ÒõÂÃÐÐÉä research advisors outside the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering; in such cases, the MS Thesis Research Expectations Form must still be completed in its entirety. MS Thesis students should also consult with their thesis and graduate advisors for course selection recommendations.
• Declaration of MS Thesis Degree Track: Beginning Spring 2025, official transition and the timing of a student's record change to the MS Thesis Degree Track depends on that student's residency status for tuition classification (in-state resident or out-of-state/international non-resident). Please contact MS Academic Advisor/Senior Graduate Program Specialist, Megan Varra, for more information. 
• MS Thesis Hours: 6 credits of MS thesis hours (MCEN 6959) must be completed, typically in the final two semesters of the program. Students are not able to register for MS thesis credits on their own and should submit a request for thesis hours through the Thesis/Dissertation Hours Enrollment Request Form.
• Research Development Requirement: A passing grade in MCEN 5030: Introduction to Research is required. This course is offered each fall semester and provides a strong foundation in a variety of topics related to research that will prove valuable both as a student and professional. Covered topics include ethics in research, literature review and grant writing, among others. This requirement should be completed during the first fall semester. 
• Written Thesis: The written thesis must comply with Graduate School rules and procedures in terms of format and submission and meet set deadlines. Students are required to submit the full written thesis electronically at the .
• Thesis Defense: Students must pass a thesis defense, which is a final examination on the thesis and related topics. In the defense, students are expected to explain their research clearly and concisely and to discuss how it relates to other research in the field. This is an opportunity for recognition of completed MS Thesis research. It is also an opportunity for discussion and formal evaluation of the thesis. The thesis defense may occur before or after the final electronic submission of the written thesis to the Graduate School but must take place prior to the end of the final semester.