Graduate Studies
Go Further at Clemson
The need for mechanical engineers continues to increase at an accelerated rate as automation, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies transform our world.
At Clemson, our graduate degrees can open doors to specialized engineering and R&D careers, greater earning potential and leadership opportunities. The mean starting salary for students after graduating is $91,000. For international students, 83% of Clemson ME graduate students who applied for OPT secured U.S. employment from Spring 2022 to Fall 2025.
Whether hands-on or online, our graduate programs are offered virtually or on one of our campuses across South Carolina.
Ready to turn your expertise into impact? Explore Clemson Mechanical Engineering graduate programs and find the path that’s right for you.
Research that matters. Expertise that moves you forward.
Clemson's mechanical engineering faculty members are making an impact in ways that are both deeply human and of the moment. If you have ever wondered, “Will I do meaningful work?” or “Where will this degree take me?”, then come to Clemson to earn more than an advanced degree.
The biggest engineering challenges don’t live only in textbooks. They’re happening right now in hospitals, advanced manufacturing facilities, autonomous systems and communities around the world. At Clemson, an M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering gives you the opportunity to dig deeper into those challenges, contribute to meaningful research and develop expertise that can shape what comes next.
You could help develop new methods and tools to improve care for patients with complex heart conditions, connecting sophisticated engineering research to the clinicians, patients and families it can ultimately serve. Or you could work at the forefront of automation, tackling the complex mathematics that could help autonomous machines and robots make faster, safer and more reliable decisions.
Most Challenging Path
Ethan Kung is part of an international network of researchers partnering with hospitals to improve care for single-ventricle patients, and he invites students to learn about this work in his class, even recording an interview with clinical participants for his classes so that future engineers can make a human connection to their technical work. → Read on Clemson World
That kind of expertise is increasingly valuable. As automation and advanced technologies transform manufacturing and other industries, demand is growing for mechanical engineers who can innovate, solve complex problems and integrate new technologies. An advanced degree can position you for specialized engineering, research and development, and leadership opportunities.
Clemson graduates are already putting that expertise to work at organizations including Tesla, Michelin, NIST and Sandia National Laboratories.
“Humans make decisions almost automatically– we just know what’s important and what’s not. Machines aren’t like that. For them, even simple choices can become overwhelmingly complex.”
Umesh VaidyaProfessor
Advanced Degrees
M.S. Program
Students pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree select one of four focus areas. Pathways include a thesis and non-thesis option.
M.S. Industry Track
The Master of Science - Industry Track is a non-thesis program that incorporates a zero-credit (no fees) internship for full completion in two years.
Ph.D. Program
Students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy select one of four focus areas and complete core course requirements. A B.S. to Ph.D. entry is possible.
Professional Certificates
Whether a recent graduate or an industry professional, Clemson University offers several certificate programs to advance your knowledge to stay competitive.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Working professionals, future prospective graduate students, and select undergraduate seniors are all eligible to apply and pursue post-bachelor and graduate certificates in Mechanical Engineering. Qualified applicants will hold a B.S. degree in engineering, math, or physics. Apply today!
DELIVERY: Students who prefer in-person learning or an online experience that fits their busy schedule can pursue their educational goals with a graduate certificate from the Mechanical Engineering department. Certificates may be completed in person or 100% online. Students completing a certificate online can participate in synchronous class sessions or view materials asynchronously.
Choose from three certificate programs
- Advanced Manufacturing Processes
- Applied Computational Mechanical Engineering
- Autonomous & Robotic Systems
