School of Engineering—Department of Mechanical Engineering
Contact Information
- Department Chair: Minking Chyu, PhD
- Main Office: 648 Benedum Hall
- 412-624-9784
- Fax: 412-624-4846
- E-mail: pittme@engr.pitt.edu
- www.engr.pitt.edu/mechanical/index.html
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers graduate studies in core areas, as well as an opportunity to carry out research in many highly interdisciplinary fields. The curriculum is an integrated program of study with applications to fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, thermal systems, and dynamic systems and control. The graduate faculty is committed to high-quality research and teaching, and to maintaining sophisticated experimental and computation facilities. Research areas include fluid mechanics (non-Newtonian fluids, rheology, biofluids), heat transfer, applied mechanics (computational mechanics, fracture mechanics, biomechanics, composites), smart materials and structures, acoustics and vibrations, bioengineering, microelectromechanical systems (MEMs), rehabilitation engineering and strip handling and metals processing. In addition to the MS and PhD degrees, the department also offers a dual degree program with the Katz Graduate School of Business.
An application for either the MS in mechanical engineering or PhD program is judged on the student's prior academic record, GRE scores (required for PhD applicants), the accreditation of the prior degree granting school, and the capability of the department to match the applicant's interest with the program. Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in another engineering field, mathematics, or physics will also be considered for the graduate program with the possibility that prerequisite courses may be required.
A part-time program is available for students who are employed in local industries. Part-time students usually carry from 3 to 6 credits per term in either day or evening classes.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (MSME) can be pursued as either a Professional MS Track (for practicing engineers) or a Research MS Track. The Professional Track is best suited to those currently in industry who are looking to increase their knowledge.
Professional Master of Science Track
Students must take at least one of the following mathematics courses:
- ME 2001: Differential Equations
- ME 2002: Linear and Complex Analysis
Mechanical engineering courses from at least two of the following subject course lists:
Dynamic Systems
- ME 2020: Mechanical Vibrations
- ME 2027: Advanced Dynamics
- ME 2045: Linear Control Systems
- ME 2046: Digital Control Systems
- ME 2080: Intro. to Microelectromechanical Systems
Fluid Mechanics
- ME 2055: Computer Analysis Transport Phenomena
- ME 2074: Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1
Solid Mechanics
- ME 2003: Introduction to Continuum Mechanics
- ME 2004: Elasticity
- ME 2022: Applied Solid Mechanics
- ME 2033: Fracture Mechanics
- ME 2047: Finite Element Analysis
Thermal Systems
- ME 2050: Thermodynamics
- ME 2053: Heat and Mass Transfer
- ME 2074: Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1
A student may take up to 9 credits from other engineering, mathematics, or physics departments.
Research Master of Science Track
The Research MS Track is designed for individuals seeking an in-depth research experience in mechanical engineering. A total of 24 course credits and a master’s thesis are required for this degree. Upon entering the program, students plan a program of study with the aid of their faculty advisor.
Students must take:
- ME 2997: MS Research (3 credits)
- At least 6 credits of ME 2999: MS Thesis
- At least one of the following mathematics courses: ME 2001: Differential Equations or ME 2002: Linear and Complex Analysis
In addition, students must take mechanical engineering courses from at least two of the subject course lists specifically under the Professional MS Track.
A student may take up to 9 credits from other engineering, mathematics, or physics departments.
The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to develop the student for the rigorous career demands of engineering research either in the industrial or academic fields. The student is educated at the pioneering edge of technical, management, systems design, and decision-making concepts. This work requires a strong background in mathematics and one of the specialty areas of mechanical engineering. The PhD student is expected to attend full time. It is possible, however, to seek candidacy as a part-time student with the stipulation that the PhD candidate must spend at least one full-time academic year on campus.
A graduate student who has completed eight courses of the master’s program in good standing can go directly into the PhD program. An applicant who has received the Master of Science in mechanical engineering from a university with an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited mechanical engineering curriculum, or who has substantially equivalent preparation, is eligible to enter the Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
If deficiencies in engineering preparation are noted, as in the case of science majors from accredited institutions, admission may be granted after the completion of such designated undergraduate courses as may best correct the deficiencies. Only those individuals whose preparation has been judged satisfactory for graduate study in the Department of Mechanical Engineering will be admitted to full graduate status.
Minimum course requirements (beyond the MS or equivalent degree, or beyond 24 MS-level course credits for those students permitted to bypass an MS) include:
- Eighteen course credits at an advanced graduate level (approved by the student's advisor and the graduate committee)
- Eighteen dissertation credits, 12 of which must be for ME 3999
- Thirty credits for the MS degree (or equivalent)
- Six additional credits approved by advisor and graduate committee
- Preliminary (qualifying) and comprehensive examinations
- PhD dissertation proposal
- PhD dissertation and final defense
- 72 credits total
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