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Jun 15, 2026
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University General Course Catalog 2026-2027 (DRAFT)
Mechanical Engineering, M.S.
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The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering provides advanced knowledge and research opportunities in the field of mechanical engineering. This program allows individuals to deepen their expertise and contribute to cutting-edge developments in the areas of:
- Smart, active, and soft materials: sensing and actuation, stimuli-responsive shape-programmable matter, artificial muscles, biomimetic and soft robotics
- Advanced manufacturing and materials processing: 3D printing and bioprinting, laser processing, composite materials and structures, tribology and surface science, micro-/nanomanufacturing
- Micro-/nanoscale transport, energy conversion and storage
- Theoretical and computational mechanics: micromechanics, multi-scale modeling of material electrical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, continuum mechanics
- Experimental mechanics: in situ microscale mechanical testing, plasticity and fatigue of high-strength, light-weight alloys
- Elasticity, dynamics, and control of structures: fluid-structure interaction, atomic force microscopy
- Data-driven and nonlinear control, bioinspired sensory integration
- Rarefied gas, large fire, and augmented heat transfer, porous media heat and mass transfer
- Nuclear packaging safety
The program of courses and research for the master’s degree is tailored to the background, needs and interests of the individual student.
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Program Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to: - apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline.
- design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data.
- understand research methodology.
Contact Information
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Director megrad@unr.edu Admission Requirements
We expect applicants to have a grade point average of 3. 0 (4. 0 scale) or better for the B. S. degree program. The GRE is highly recommended, but not required to apply. Candidates with a combined GRE verbal and quantitative score of at least 300 and quantitative scores above 155 are especially encouraged to apply. For the English language requirement, please refer to the graduate school website: https://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions/requirements/international. Research and/or industrial experience, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are important parts of the application package. I. Program Requirements
Both the Thesis Plan (requiring the completion of a thesis) and Non-Thesis Plan (course-based) master’s degree programs are available. All master’s degree candidates are initially accepted into the Non-Thesis Plan, but may be invited to complete the Thesis Plan in cooperation with a faculty research advisor. Graduate students in the Thesis Plan are eligible to apply for teaching assistantships. In addition to the requirements for a MS degree established by the graduate school (for details see graduate catalog), Thesis and Non-Thesis plans have the following requirements: A. Thesis Plan
In the thesis program, at least 30 acceptable graduate credits must be completed, comprising 21 credits of coursework and 9 credits of thesis research. At least 18 of those credits must be earned in on-campus courses at the university. Any transfer credits from another institution must be approved for inclusion in the program of study by the advisory/examining committee, and must be officially accepted by the Office of Admissions and Records. At least 12 credits of coursework in the program must be at the 700 level. Thesis credits do not count towards coursework credits. A maximum of 12 graduate units completed prior to admission to graduate standing may be applied to a master’s degree program of study. A maximum of 18 graduate credits completed from a relevant University of Nevada, Reno graduate certificate may be applied to a master’s degree program of study. A maximum of 6 graduate S/U units may apply towards a master’s degree, excluding S/U units allowed for comprehensive examination, professional paper and thesis units, but including transfer units. Coursework (21 units)
Please contact your graduate advisor for course approval. B. Non-Thesis Plan
The program of study requires the satisfactory completion of at least 30 credits of acceptable graduate courses. At least 18 credits must be earned in on-campus courses at the university. At least 18 of the 30 total credits must be earned at the 700 level. A maximum of 12 graduate units completed prior to admission to graduate standing may be applied to a master’s degree program of study. A maximum of 18 graduate credits completed from a relevant University of Nevada, Reno graduate certificate may be applied to a master’s degree program of study. A maximum of 6 graduate S/U units may apply towards a master’s degree, excluding S/U units allowed for comprehensive examination, professional paper and thesis units, but including transfer units. Coursework (30 units)
Please contact your graduate advisor for course approval. II. Total Units
Thesis Plan (30 units) Non-Thesis Plan (30 units) Notes
For more information, refer to the Graduate School section of this catalog or contact the graduate program director. Undergraduate Prerequisites
Incoming students should have a background in the core areas of Mechanical Engineering, including Statics, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Dynamic Systems and Control, Fluid Mechanics, and Solid Mechanics. For students lacking in this background, the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Committee will specify undergraduate and graduate courses that must be taken before completion of the degree program. |
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