MS in Mechanical Engineering

From biologically inspired robotics to experimental and computational solid mechanics, learn the next level of mechanical engineering.

student working in metal shop

Degree: Master of Science (MS)
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Looking to further your career with graduate study in mechanical engineering? Our master of science degree can bring you to the forefront of this fundamental field of engineering, and prepare you for a successful career in industry or government labs. 

Our program explores the convergence of physical science and data science in spaces like the emerging fields of cyber-physical systems, the Industrial Internet of Things, digital and sustainable manufacturing, biomanufacturing and biologically inspired robots, to name just a few. We teach with a multidisciplinary approach in order to give you a fuller perspective on how to tackle the world’s most complex challenges. 

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve has a legacy of scholarly contributions that have pushed the frontiers of the field, from microgravity flows to robotics. Ranked in the top 23 percent of graduate programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, we offer exciting opportunities for high-quality graduate studies in diverse specialty areas, including design and control of biologically inspired robots, biomechanics, biosensing, digital and sustainable manufacturing, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, batteries and energy storage, thermal system management, fire spread and safety, and more. We work across departments, and our proximity to world-renowned health care institutions provides you with unique opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students in the medical and biomedical fields. 

Our program allows you to choose the specialized track just right for you:

  • Biomechanics

  • Dynamics, Control and Manufacturing

  • Fluids and Thermal Sciences

  • Solid Mechanics

Plus, we make it easy for you to obtain your degree in the way that works best for you. Our master’s program is available in three different formats, allowing you to tailor your education to best meet your needs:

  • Our course-only master of science degree program lets you earn your degree in just a year-and-a-half through full-time study, allowing you to move ahead in your career faster. Completed in just three semesters, we encourage you to choose your elective courses from across the engineering school’s various departments, allowing you to enhance interdisciplinary opportunities and craft a degree just right for your interests.  

  • Our project-focused master of science degree program allows you to align your final capstone project with your personal interests or even a professional project you are working on at your company, allowing you to bring your learning to life on the job even before you graduate. Whether you’re working on a team project to develop the next generation of manufacturing controls or robotics system, our leading-edge coursework and flexible final project lets you learn in ways that are most relevant to your career.

  • Our research-focused master of science degree program combines the coursework of our other two programs with a personalized research project and thesis—letting you delve deeper into an area of mechanical engineering that contributes in meaningful ways to the advancement of the field. Choose to study full time or part time, if you are already working in industry. Plus, unlike many other programs, our admissions policies allow you to transition into our PhD program at the completion of your MS if you choose to continue your research and academic endeavors.

Our master of science degree is also available 100% online. We also offer a master’s degree with a specialization in fire science, allowing you to focus in fire protection engineering. 

Our graduates are in high demand across industry, academic and government agencies. Recent employers include Carnegie Mellon University, Texas A&M University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ohio State University, Cairo University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Explore degree requirements, courses and more in the university's general bulletin