University of Washington’s MSME program
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree is intended for students with undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering or a closely related field, such as aerospace engineering. Students’ undergraduate backgrounds should include mechanical engineering core courses in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics of materials, dynamics of mechanical systems, systems analysis, machine design, manufacturing, and design. This degree is intended for students presenting themselves as professional mechanical engineers, with academic backgrounds covering both the BSME and MSME curriculum.
Students with undergraduate degrees in physics who would like to earn the MSME degree will be required to complete all of the core undergraduate courses for both the MSE and MSME degrees.
To learn about the MSME curriculum and graduation requirements, view the master’s degree procedures.
The student can request that equivalent courses taken elsewhere be used to satisfy these requirements. This requires a petition that includes enough information (normally the course syllabus) to allow the UW Mechanical Engineering course coordinator to determine equivalency.
Online option
In addition to the on-campus program, the MSME curriculum is offered in an online format that uses the latest internet and video technologies and is taught by expert UW faculty. Students can enroll on a full- or part-time basis to accommodate their work schedules. Additionally, distance learning students can enter the program any quarter.
Students with non-ME undergraduate backgrounds
Students with undergraduate degrees in disciplines other than mechanical or aerospace engineering are encouraged to apply to the Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree. If you have completed standard math, natural science, and engineering fundamental courses, you may qualify for admission to the MSE degree. The MSE degree has the same curriculum and graduation requirements as the MSME. Learn more about the differences between the MSME and MSE programs in the MSE FAQ.
MSME core undergraduate courses
Those applying to the MSME program should have taken the following undergraduate mechanical engineering courses or their equivalent:
- ME 323 – Thermodynamics
- ME 331 – Heat Transfer
- ME 333 – Fluid Dynamics
- ME 354 – Materials Laboratory
- ME 355 – Manufacturing Processes
- ME 356 – Machine Design
- ME 373 & 374 – Systems, Dynamics, Controls
- ME 395 – Introduction to Design
Those pursuing the MSME degree who do not have an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering are required to pass these courses as undergraduate deficiencies. Students can request that equivalent courses taken elsewhere be used to satisfy these requirements. This requires a petition that includes enough information (normally the course syllabus) to allow the UW Mechanical Engineering course coordinator to determine equivalency.
