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Mechanical Engineering

Apply to ME Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest academic departments in South Carolina and a significant source of engineering graduates for the state and the nation. We prepare our students to become technical leaders who can function as valuable, productive, and responsible members of society.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures as a student in ME can be found in the catalog and handbook.

For new or prospective graduate students, we have listed resources to help in your academic success.

Graduate Certificates

Three people looking at equipment in plant.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers several certificate programs designed to assist industry professionals and current students chart their career paths in industry. Students and professionals can pursue certificates in advanced manufacturing processes, autonomous & robotic systems, and applied computational mechanical engineering. Expect 9-12 credit hours for each certificate, with the ability to stack multiple certificates to earn a master's degree.

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 have the option to participate in synchronous class sessions or view materials asynchronously.

Qualified applicants for the Certificates in Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Autonomous & Robotic Systems, and Applied Computational Mechanical Engineering hold a B.S. degree in engineering, math, or physics.

  • Advanced Manufacturing Processes

    In the Advanced Manufacturing Processes certificate program, students study the underlying theories, advanced technologies, and current industrial practices for advanced manufacturing processes. This online certificate program includes virtual laboratory demonstrations, and project-based design exercises focused on advanced manufacturing.

    Students should have computer programming experience in MATLAB or equivalent.

    Choose 3 courses

    • ME 6560 - Additive Manufacturing 3 Credits: Examines additive manufacturing technologies in engineering design, including physical principles, additive manufacturing processes, computer-aided design and manufacturing, materials, and materials processing.
    • ME 6580 - Fundamentals of Micro/Nano Fabrication 3 Credits: Details the physical and chemical aspects of photolithography, next-generation lithography, dry and wet etching, and physical and chemical vapor deposition.
    • ME 8930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Advanced Manufacturing Processes
    • ME 8930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Laser-Based Manufacturing and Materials Processing
  • Applied Computational Mechanical Engineering

    The Certificate in Applied Computational Mechanical Engineering offers students experience with mathematical techniques for modeling complex physical systems; computational methods for simulation and analysis of solid, fluidic and multi-physics systems; parallel programming and software development; and methods for engineering optimization.

    Choose 4 courses

    • MATH 6600 - Introduction to Numerical Analysis I 3 Credits: Topics include sources of error and conditioning, matrix methods, systems of linear equations, nonlinear equations, interpolation and approximation by splines, polynomials, and trigonometric functions.
    • ME 6930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Integrated Computational Materials Engineering
    • ME 8180 - Introduction to Finite Element Analysis 3 Credits: Introduction to the finite element method; applications to heat transfer, fluid flow and solids; introduction to transient analysis; analysis strategies using finite elements; introduction to solid modeling, finite element modeling and analysis using commercial codes
    • ME 8190 - Computational Methods in Thermal Sciences 3 Credits: Numerical techniques as applied to the solution of fluid flow and heat transfer problems.
    • ME 8710 - Engineering Optimization 3 Credits; Optimization in the context of engineering design
  • Autonomous and Robotic Systems

    The Autonomous and Robotic Systems Certificate provides a more focused industry-centric education beyond a bachelor’s degree. The advances in autonomous and robotic technologies over the past decades have fundamentally transformed all industry sectors regarding how future engineered systems will be designed, manufactured, or serviced.

    • ME 6170 - Mechatronics System Design 3 Credits: Mechatronics integrates control, sensors, actuators, and computers to create a variety of electromechanical products.
    • ME 8930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Introduction to Autonomy and Human-Robot Interfaces
    • ME 8930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Multibody Robot Dynamics
    • ME 8930 - Selected Topics in Mechanical Engineering 1-6 Credits: Reinforcement Learning
  • Applying to the Graduate Certificate Program

    Mechanical Engineering admits students into the program each semester. Deadlines for application for each term: February 15 for Fall and Summer, September 15 for Spring. A GRE is not needed.

    Application Requirements

    • Unofficial Transcripts (official transcript required once admitted).
    • TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE (waiver may be provided based on interview and work experience where English is required)
    • 2 Recommendation Contacts (responses will be online via questionnaire)
    • Resume/CV
    • Personal Statement

    How to Apply

    For more information, contact Irina Kharitonova, our Graduate Program Coordinator. When you are ready to take the next step, complete the Graduate Student application online.

    Apply | Graduate School
Apply to ME Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest academic departments in South Carolina and a significant source of engineering graduates for the state and the nation. We prepare our students to become technical leaders who can function as valuable, productive, and responsible members of society.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures as a student in ME can be found in the catalog and handbook.

For new or prospective graduate students, we have listed resources to help in your academic success.