MS in Mechanical Engineering

Our Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) equips students with advanced skills in one of the most versatile fields of engineering. The program is designed to provide both students and practicing engineers with advanced studies across multiple areas of specialization. Mechanical engineering is essential to numerous innovations, from power plants and robotics to space exploration and environmental systems.

The degree is available through either a thesis or a non-thesis track, catering to different career goals and interests. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, research opportunities and advanced coursework to prepare students for impactful careers in academia, industry or research. All coursework for the MS degree must be completed within six years of admission.

Students enrolled in the program with or without a thesis are required to pass a comprehensive oral or written examination.

Program Curriculum

The MS in Mechanical Engineering is a 30-credit program with two pathways: the thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis path focuses on research, offering students the chance to collaborate with expert faculty and contribute innovative ideas to the field. The non-thesis path emphasizes advanced coursework, preparing students with specialized knowledge and practical skills for industry roles.

Students work with an advisor to create a personalized study plan and can specialize in one of three focus areas:

Thermo/Fluid
Mechanics/Materials
Design and Manufacturing

This program supports diverse career goals, from research and teaching to professional engineering.

Thesis Option

Students must complete at least 24 semester credit hours of coursework, including at least six semester credit hours of EML6971, Master’s Thesis Research and take the MME Graduate Seminar.

The course requirements include at least 12 hours of 6000-level course credit, encompassing thesis hours. Up to six credit hours of courses from other departments may be included within the 24-credit hour minimum.

Up to six graduate credit hours can be transferred from other accredited institutions, provided they have not been used for another degree, have a minimum letter grade of “B” and meet university requirements. The advisor and the Graduate Coordinator must approve transfer courses.

Early in the program, students will meet with an advisor to complete a study plan that specifies the courses that will make up the program.

Thesis Defense
Once thesis research is completed, the student must schedule a defense with an examining committee appointed by the Graduate School, consisting of at least three graduate faculty members, two from MME. The thesis, accompanied by an approval cover letter from the advisor, should be submitted to the committee for review at least four weeks before the defense.
The candidate will present a summary in a technical paper style, using visual aids in 40 minutes or less. After the presentation, the candidate will answer questions, and the committee will determine the outcome (pass or fail) and report the results to the Graduate School.
Following the exam, the student will revise the thesis based on committee suggestions. Each committee member must sign the approval form on the final document and copies of the approved thesis must be provided to the advisor, department and library.

Non-thesis Option

Students must complete at least 30 semester credit hours of graduate coursework and one semester of Graduate Seminar. Non-thesis students are required to complete a three-credit project under the independent study course registration.

Non-thesis students are required to take a final oral comprehensive exam. If a project has been completed, the student will briefly summarize the project report (20 minutes) as part of the exam. The examining committee will include at least three faculty members, with at least two faculty members from MME.

Application Requirements

Applicants can choose between the thesis and non-thesis options to tailor their education to their career goals. Only complete application packets will be reviewed. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Requirements

Graduate admission application 
Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution

International Applicants

Graduate admission application 
Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions.
Official transcripts translation: if transcripts are not in English, submit the original and a second copy translated by an official translation agency to FIU.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution.
English language proficiency: if you earned your bachelor’s degree from a non-English-speaking country, submit a passing score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Use FIU Institution Code 5206 when requesting official scores. View TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries.
TOEFL minimum score is 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based), IELTS required minimum score is 6.5.
Certified copy of diploma if you obtained your degree at a foreign institution

Financial Aid

FIU’s Academic Works platform connects students with scholarship opportunities tailored to their needs. Students can use Academic Works to explore and apply for more than 100 scholarships.

Visit Academic Works

Speak with an Advisor

Are you interested in learning more about the MS in Mechanical Engineering? Email Bilal El-Zahab, graduate program director, at belzahab@fiu.edu or Markus Downey, graduate program co-director, at mdowney@fiu.edu.