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Mechanical Engineering M.E.

2
Years to Earn Your Masters
95%
CSU Online Grad Students have Plans Related to their Career
93%
Grad Students would choose CSU Online Again
$498M
In research expenditures in FY23
Degree Overview Open Accordion

CSU's online master's in mechanical engineering helps you deepen your engineering knowledge and apply it to new areas, so you will be better prepared to meet industry needs and tackle emerging challenges in the field.

Online master's in mechanical engineering from CSU

Increase your skills and take your career to a new level in the field of engineering with advanced training in mechanical engineering. In a recent study, EMSI determined that mechanical engineering is among the top 25 occupations facing potential skill shortages. Prepare yourself to meet this market demand with CSU's online Master of Engineering – mechanical engineering specialization, which focuses specifically on materials engineering.

Learn applied skills in a practitioner-oriented degree

Advanced analysis and detailed knowledge of material properties are required when choosing or assessing materials for various engineering projects. Equally important is an understanding of the design, costs, and environmental impact involved. CSU's online mechanical engineering master's is designed to equip you with that knowledge, as well as the technical skills for fieldwork practice.

Graduates who finish this program are both technically competent and able to balance business and management principles. This means that in addition to developing your ability to assess, determine, and test the structures and properties of materials for various engineering projects, you will have the tools for critical decision making. You will learn to balance the needs of the engineering project with other influential factors, such as:

  • Environmental impacts
  • Financial restraints
  • Design limitations

Additionally, a variety of materials engineering courses offer advanced training in:

  • Manufacturing
  • Metals and alloys
  • Advanced composite materials
  • Mechanical design

Customize your degree for your career

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines. The skills you acquire in this program can be applied to a variety of industries, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Renewable energy
  • Manufacturing materials
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive design

CSU's mechanical engineering master's degree offers options to focus your studies in different areas, depending on your interest. In addition to core courses, flexibility within the program's electives allows you to choose coursework that aligns with specific educational or career goals. From systems engineering to experimental optimization, you are able to choose which 12 credits best round out your degree.

Curriculum Open Accordion

Gain advanced training in manufacturing, metals and alloys, advanced composite materials, and mechanical design.

Requirements

Students are required to complete:

  • Minimum 30 total credits of regular coursework
  • Minimum 21 credits, taken at CSU, that are 500-level or above
  • Minimum 21 credits taken after program admission
  • Minimum 24 credits of MECH prefix coursework

Curriculum

Courses are selected based on a discussion with your academic advisor.

Courses include:

Students may take other courses with the approval of their advisor.

Explore Careers Open Accordion

Equipped with a specific skill set in materials engineering, you’ll have a unique competitive advantage as a professional within the mechanical engineering field. Furthering your education with a master’s in mechanical engineering that has a materials focus can provide a broad range of opportunities in:

  • Industrial enterprises
  • Consulting companies
  • Public service
  • Energy
  • Engines
  • Manufacturing

This degree is a perfect opportunity for those with a background in engineering looking to break into the mechanical sector specifically. In addition, experienced mechanical engineers looking to keep up with the pace of innovation within their industry will also benefit from our cutting-edge curriculum.

Learning Experience Open Accordion

Our online mechanical engineering master's program is built on a foundation of practicality. Benefitting from the unique breadth of faculty expertise in areas like bio materials, composites, metals, mechanical design, surfaces, and nano materials, you'll work through actual case studies that focus on current industry challenges.

You'll quickly find that you're able to apply coursework concepts to problems you may be encountering at work. Take Phil's experience with MECH 502 (Advanced/Additive Manufacturing Engineering) for example:

"Now I know what to look for in the literature; I know what questions to ask; I know where to dig deeper; and I know which technologies aren't likely to be useful to us. I feel like I have gained an in-depth understanding of additive manufacturing, and now my knowledge base can grow along with the technology."

In addition, group projects simulate real world dynamics within the mechanical engineering industry with classmates across different geographical locations.

All courses are delivered online via our learning management platform, Canvas. The system allows you to watch recorded, campus-based lectures, engage in course content, and communicate with peers online. Courses are asynchronous, allowing you to study at the time that best fits your schedule.

Although the online format offers flexibility, it still requires the same amount of work and time as an on-campus graduate program. Depending on your learning and studying style, you can expect to spend nine to twelve hours per week on a three-credit course.

Your interactions with faculty depend on the specific course, but generally, your instructors are available via email or course discussion boards.

Why Choose CSU? Open Accordion

As a student in CSU’s online mechanical engineering master’s program, you receive the same education, learn from the same faculty, and earn the same regionally accredited degree as students on campus. Additionally, you can expect:

  • A Focus on Materials Engineering:Through advanced coursework and fieldwork preparation, learn to assess, determine, and test the structures and properties of materials for various engineering projects and disciplines while balancing other influential factors, such as environmental impacts, financial restraints, and design limitations.
  • A Customizable Curriculum: Our coursework-only mechanical engineering master’s allows you the flexibility to select 12 elective credits that best suit your educational and professional goals.
  • Instruction from Expert Faculty: Be at the forefront of mechanical engineering technology by learning from active scholars who incorporate their innovative research into coursework. Our faculty are both skilled educators and industry professionals leading the way in fields like photovoltaics, biomaterials, and more.
  • Training to Meet Industry Demand: According to a recent study by EMSI, mechanical engineering is among the top occupations facing potential skill shortages. Prepare to meet industry demand with both depth and breadth of knowledge and an enhanced skill set with this advanced degree.
  • A Degree with Broad Applicability: Because mechanical engineering is one of the broadest of the engineering disciplines, it can apply to a wide range of industries, including: healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing materials, aerospace, automotive design, and more. Such broad applicability allows you greater choice when exploring employment opportunities.
  • An Applied Learning Experience: Be ready to face complex industry challenges with our practitioner-oriented mechanical engineering degree. Faculty bring personal and real-world experiences into the online classroom in the form of case studies and projects to help you develop the technical skills needed for fieldwork practice.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

How to Apply Open Accordion

Application Deadlines

Fall semester May 15
Spring semester November 1

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

Apply Now

Note: Full consideration will be given to applicants who have submitted all documents on time. Applications received after the deadline will be considered only on a space-available basis.

1Review Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering-related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or first class standing*
  • Calculus 1, 2, 3*
  • Ordinary differential equations*
  • Physics 1 and 2 (calculus-based)*
  • For international students: The minimum TOEFL score for admission without condition is 80, and IELTS is 6.5.

*If you do not meet minimum requirements, please contact engr-me_graduate@Mail.colostate.edu to get your pre-requisites and prior experience evaluated before formally applying for the program. Depending on academic background, students without a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering may also be required to take additional courses. Please use the following email subject line: M.E. Online – Admission Inquiry – YOUR NAME.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

  • Two letters of recommendation
    Two professional recommendations are required. Recommendations should be from individuals who can accurately evaluate your skills as a student, engineer, scientist, or researcher. You will provide information about your recommenders in the online application. CSU will contact them with instructions and a link to a secure form they will submit on your behalf.

  • Statement of purpose
    Address the following 3 items for the mechanical engineering department application:
    • Statement of purpose (maximum 700 words) - briefly describe your background, educational goals, long-term career goals, and why you would be a good fit for the program.
    • Why do you think you will succeed in this program?
    • How do you intend to be successful taking graduate level courses? (you can skip the letter of intent on the Online University Application)
  • Resume or vita

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

CSU's Graduate School offers several application fee waiver opportunities. Visit their website to determine if you are eligible for a waiver.

  • Select "Mechanical Engineering (M.E.) - Distance" when choosing the Program of Study.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred):
Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial.

Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary)
Graduate Admissions
Colorado State University – Office of Admissions
1062 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

5 Submit Test Scores (Optional)

GRE test scores
GRE test scores are not required, but may be submitted if you feel these will strengthen your application. Submit official GRE General Test scores through the Educational Testing Service (select institution code: 4075, leave the department code blank). Scores are typically received by the University 4-6 weeks after your testing date.

  • All three sections — verbal, quantitative, and analytical — must be submitted. Photocopies are not accepted.
  • CSU graduates do not, generally, need to take the GRE. If you think it will strengthen your application, though, we recommend you do take it.

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and notify you of their decision.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements.

Questions?

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Tandi Hawkey
Prospective Student Support Coach
Schedule Time to Talk

Program Details

Courses
Credits
30
Tuition
$964 per credit
Same in-state tuition for all.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships Tuition/fees are just part of the cost to attend CSU. Learn more about the full Cost of Attendance
Degree Awarded
Master of Engineering; transcript reflects the mechanical engineering specialization
Time Frame
Can be completed in 2 years
Admission Reqs.
  • Bachelors degree in engineering or closely related field.
  • Calculus 1, 2, 3
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA, or first class standing
  • Physics 1 & 2 (calc-based)
  • Ordinary differential equations

Application Dates

Fall semester
May 15
Spring semester
November 1

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