This program assists students who wish to further their engineering education and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle challenging contemporary engineering problems. The plan of study features courses, on classical and contemporary topics, that prepare students on how to use traditional and modern engineering analysis, characterization and design tools to generate efficient and economic engineering solutions for dynamically evolving societal environments.
The knowledge gained during this program, will prepare you for tackling real world engineering challenges, providing solutions to complex engineering problems, and creating products that will benefit the society. The Mechanical Engineering Master of Science will help you enter a satisfying, productive and exciting profession, or continue on to a doctoral degree.
The program will help you understand the application of your profession to a wide range of mechanical engineering problems. Faculty are engaged in research and its creative application to relevant problems, and you will have the opportunity to work closely with them.
Students wanting to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously may qualify for our Accelerated Program which allows students to count six units toward both degrees, shortening the time to graduation.
To receive a master’s degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject areas, consisting of at least 30 units of graduate-level courses. Many master’s degree programs require more than 30 units.
You must additionally complete:
Read the full policy here.
In addition to University Requirements:
| Minimum Units for Completion | 30 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Thesis | Thesis is required. |
| Oral Defense | Oral Defense is required. |
| Research | Individualized research is required. |
| Progression Plan Link | View Program of Study |
Purpose Statement
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering aims to educate mechanical engineers in advanced topic related to fluid mechanics, heat transfer, advanced materials, dynamics and controls, and applied mathematics. Through coursework and research, students are exposed to modern theories and techniques required to tackle modeling, analysis, and characterization of advanced mechanical systems. Upon completion of the program, students acquire knowledge and skills that provide them with a high level of versatility toward practicing successfully in the contemporary mechanical engineering environment, advancing their existent careers, or pursuing further studies in a doctoral program. Many mechanical engineers with advanced degrees are at the forefront of technological advances, researching, designing, creating, and testing nearly everything. Students’ exposure to the diverse topics covered in the coursework and research enhance their competitiveness in the local, regional, and global job markets. Our graduates can practice in many industries, including automotive, robotics, bioengineering, wind energy, solar energy, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate the ability to apply graduate level critical thinking skills to formulate and solve advanced mechanical engineering (ME) problems:
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Take the following 30 units:
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree. Departments may allow students to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by approving up to 12 units applicable toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.