Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2020-2021 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2020-2021 Previous Edition

Mechanical Engineering, M.S.M.E., or Engineering, M.S.E.


The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science offers programs of study and research leading to the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.M.E.) and the Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.). The M.S.M.E program of study is for students who have completed a B.S.M.E. degree while the M.S.E. degree is for students who may not possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering.

The objectives of the M.S.M.E and M.S.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 seeks the following from applicants to the Master’s programs in Mechanical Engineering:

  • An earned undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) for the MSME program or a closely related field (e.g., biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc.) for the MSE program.
  • A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • A satisfactory Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test score
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • An acceptable TOEFL score as required by UNC Charlotte for international students
  • Remediation of certain deficiencies as specified by the department for each area of concentration.

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 five 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 Graduate Program Director is required.

Thesis (6 credit hours)


6 credit hours of thesis research is required.

Plan of Study

Students must meet with their 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 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 of 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:

Interdisciplinary Biomedical Engineering Concentration

In consultation with the academic advisor or Graduate Program Director, 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.

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 Graduate Program Director, 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.