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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.

M.S. Program

Suyi Li with two students looking at comb-like material.

The graduate degree in mechanical engineering builds on a solid undergraduate background and is open to students with degrees in physics, applied mathematics, or any branch of engineering. Graduate students can expect to cover dynamic systems and controls, engineering design practice and methods, and the mechanics of materials to thermodynamics.

The option to pursue a research-oriented degree or enroll in a coursework-only option with no thesis is available. Both degrees have identical requirements and expectations to the master's programs. In general, M.S. Thesis students are required to complete 24 hours of coursework and six hours of master’s level research credits. For M.S. Non-Thesis, 33 hours of coursework (11 courses) are required.

Focus Areas

  • Design and Manufacturing (DM)
  • Dynamical Systems and Controls (DSC)
  • Engineering Mechanics (EM)
  • Thermal and Fluid Sciences (TFS)
  • Learning Objectives

    Students in the M.S. program attain:

    • Ability to apply fundamental knowledge of Mechanical Engineering
    • Ability to effectively communicate research through oral presentation
    • Ability to communicate research through scholarly publications
  • Degree Requirements

    It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of and complete all ME Department and Graduate School requirements for the M.S. degree. Students graduating should refer to the deadlines listed on the Graduate School website.

    Masters Degree, Thesis option

    Students enrolled in the M.S. thesis option must prepare and defend an M.S. thesis. The purposes of the M.S. thesis are to demonstrate the capability of the student to:

    1. Formulate engineering problems within a research project.
    2. Utilize engineering knowledge relevant to a meaningful resolution of a specific issue.
    3. Effectively plan and carry out the work leading to the completion of the project.
    4. Report (orally and in writing) the project's results in a concise, precise professional style.

    Mechanical Engineering degree seeking master’s students are required to satisfy departmental core course requirements. At least three ME core courses must be taken to meet the departmental core.

    Masters Degree, Non-Thesis option

    Mechanical Engineering students enrolled in the M.S. non-thesis are not required to pass a final examination or defend their thesis (GS-7). These students are required to complete 33 hours of coursework to meet the requirements for graduation candidacy. A non-thesis advisory committee typically comprises the departmental leadership team, with the graduate coordinator as the chair.

    Similar to M.S. thesis students, all Mechanical Engineering degree seeking master’s non-thesis students are required to satisfy departmental core course requirements. At least three ME core courses must be taken to meet the departmental core.

    Forms | Graduate School
  • Applying to the M.S. Program

    The GRE is not required but is highly recommended. Competitive GRE scores help strengthen the application for admission and funding purposes. Unofficial transcripts can be accepted during the application process.

    How to Apply

    Students interested in applying to the ME master's program must be accepted to the Clemson University Graduate School. Application information and forms can be found on the Graduate School website. International students are welcome to apply and must meet Graduate School requirements for TOEFL and GRE scores.

    Additional information concerning deadlines, application requirements, and program contacts can be found on the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Admissions page. Enrollment in the M.S. programs is open to all students with degrees in physics, applied mathematics, or any branch of engineering.

    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.