Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech
The Mechanical Engineering M.S. program at Tennessee Tech provides students advanced engineering skills and state-of-the-art knowledge in selected areas for positions in industry or pursuing a PH.D. Students focus their programs on specific interests among several areas:
- Acoustics and Vibrations
- Design / Mechanical Systems
- Energy Harvesting / Smart Materials
- Energy Storage / Fuel Cells / Battery
- HVAC
- Material Characterization and Modeling
- Robotics / Mechatronics / Controls
- Thermal Science / Fluid Mechanics
The program is research oriented and requires a thesis. Graduate faculty work with students in advanced and in-depth studies in these topics; provide guidance in fundamental and applied research; help develop powers of analysis, synthesis and critical thinking; and prepare students to follow academic and research careers through doctoral-level studies.
The master’s program consists of both thesis an non-thesis options as indicated on the right-side column.
Tennessee Tech houses three state-supported Centers of Excellence: Center for Energy Systems Research (CESR), Center for Manufacturing Research (CMR), and the Center for the Management, Utilization and Protection of Water Resources (CWR). The three centers offer excellent research opportunities, the use of state-of-the-art equipment and funding for graduate students in engineering.
- This option requires 30 credit hours, which includes 22-24 credit hours of course work and 6-8 credit hours of thesis research.
- Funding from the ME Department may be available through the department in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA). Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA) are awarded by individual faculty from their research grants/contracts.
- The time it takes to complete the M.S. degree depends on the thesis project, the advisor, and the student's motivation and work ethic.
- This option requires 33 credit hours, which includes 30 hours of course work and 3 hours for the independent project course.
- There is no funding available through the department for this option.
- With proper planning, well-motivated students can complete the M.S. non-thesis degree in three semesters.
Expectations for Professionalism in Mechanical Engineering
Financial Support
A graduate degree is a valuable investment in your future. Tennessee Tech University, the College of Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering Department try to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to support your studies. Various funding opportunities include:
- Graduate Assistantships
- Teaching Assistantships
- Diversity Fellowship
- Fellowships in Support of STEM Disciplines
For more info go to: Graduate Financial Aid
Faculty
The faculty members of the Mechanical Engineering Department are a group dedicated to graduate teaching and research. They provide meaningful research opportunities and guidance for graduate students. A complete listing of all faculty members in the Department of Mechanical Engineering can be found at: Mechanical Engineering Faculty and Staff
Dr. Jie Cui jiecui@tntech.edu
M.E. Graduate Program Coordinator
or
Dr. Mohan Rao mrao@tntech.edu
M.E. Department Chair
