Graduate Programs

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers both MS (thesis & non-thesis options) and PhD degree programs aimed at preparing students for successful careers in industry, R&D, and academia by acquiring strong engineering background and research capabilities. In partnership with the Graduate School, our graduate programs are structured to achieve the established Learning Outcomes.

MS Program – Accelerated Track

Undergraduate engineering and engineering physics students can choose the accelerated pathway toward earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering starting in their senior year. Qualified students can complete up to three graduate-level courses (9 credits) that can fulfill both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. Both thesis and non-thesis options are available.

MS and PhD Degrees in Mechanical Engineering

Current areas of research include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Biomedical Engineering and Biomimetics
  • Composite Materials and Structures
  • Computational and Experimental Fluid Mechanics
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Design Optimization
  • Engineering Education
  • Floating Offshore Structures
  • Marine Renewable Energy
  • Nano and Smart Materials
  • Ocean and Marine Engineering
  • Radiative Heat Transfer
  • Reduced-Order Modeling
  • Robotics
  • Solid and Structural Mechanics
  • Solar Thermal Energy
  • Thermal Sciences and Engineering
  • Uncertainty Quantification
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Admission is based on an appropriate bachelor’s degree and satisfying the requirements of the Graduate School at UMaine. Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in another science or engineering discipline may be admitted; however, some undergraduate courses may be required without graduate credit.

Each graduate student, in consultation with his or her graduate committee, prepares an individual program of study. The PhD degree program is more narrowly focused on a topic of interest to the student and the faculty advisor.

For students with a strong interest in other disciplines, excellent opportunities exist for an interdisciplinary program of study in which up to 40% of the MS degree credit is earned in another department in the university. 

Interdisciplinary PhD research can be performed in collaboration with faculty in other disciplines as a part of a coherent graduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering.

The MS degree with thesis requires a minimum of six credit hours of thesis research in addition to 24 credit hours of acceptable coursework. The non-thesis Master’s degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework and a comprehensive examination. 

Application submission deadlines: 

  • July 31 for Spring semester 
  • February 15 for Fall semester  

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the mechanical engineering faculty to discuss their interest when submitting an application. 

For general inquiries about the graduate programs (MS and PhD) in mechanical engineering, contact MEE Graduate Coordinator, Dr. Andy Goupee.

Graduate Concentrations

Mechanical engineering graduate students can pursue a concentration in

  • Aerospace
  • Offshore Wind Energy
  • Robotics & Mechatronics
  • Smart Manufacturing

These concentrations are designed to provide MS and PhD students an opportunity to gain more knowledge in each specific area and broaden their future career options. Descriptions, Application

Graduate Composites Certificate

The graduate Composite Materials and Structures Certificate program requires completion of 12 credits (4 courses) with a minimum of 3 courses (9 credits) at the graduate level as described in the program description to achieve the established Learning Outcomes. Apply here.

Funding Opportunities

The Department offers a limited number of teaching assistantship positions on a competitive basis. Research assistantships may be offered by the individual faculty. Other forms of support through external fellowships are possible and strongly encouraged. A typical graduate assistantship in mechanical engineering covers 100% tuition, up to 100% health insurance plus a monthly stipend, with amount depending on the source of funding. More information

Sample MS Theses & PhD Dissertations