A student studying in Troy Hall on the Pullman campus of Washington State University, Wednesday, October 9, 2024.
WSU Vancouver

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Advance Your Engineering Expertise

Deepen your mechanical engineering knowledge and develop specialized skills to broaden your career prospects. At WSU Vancouver, you have the opportunity to work closely with engaged faculty while conducting cutting-edge research in state-of-the-art facilities. Students gain the expertise needed to formulate research plans, analyze complex results, and communicate effectively through oral presentations and professional publications.

The School of Engineering and Computer Science prepares graduates to meet the increasing responsibilities of successful careers in diverse industries. Whether you choose to focus on robotics, renewable energy, or advanced manufacturing, this program provides the technical depth required to be recognized as an expert in your field.

Admission and Application

Admission to the graduate program is a joint decision between the WSU Graduate School and the School of Engineering and Computer Science at WSU Vancouver.

Step 1: Apply to the School of Engineering and Computer Science

Complete the online application form to indicate your intention to apply and submit your student interest profile. This form also includes the optional application for a graduate assistantship.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Application Form

Step 2: Apply to the WSU Graduate School

Review the requirements for domestic and international students and submit the formal application.

Contact Us

Undergraduate Programs
Email: encs.connections@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9639
Graduate Programs
Email: encs.grads@wsu.edu
Phone: 360-546-9639

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks to align with your professional goals. A Doctor of Philosophy is also available through a partnership with WSU Pullman.

Research Areas

  • Computational mechanics
  • Robotics and automation
  • Manufacturing of aerospace materials
  • MEMS/nanotechnology for biomedical applications
  • Fluid dynamics
  • Renewable energy
  • Microfluidics and manufacturing

Career Paths

  • Design engineer
  • Project engineer
  • Automotive engineer
  • Aerospace engineer
  • Robotics engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • Project manager
  • Research technologist

Degree Requirements

Thesis Option

The thesis track requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. This includes 21 hours of graded coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of four thesis credits. Students present research results to the faculty for approval by an advisory committee.

The program consists of:

  • A minimum of 21 credit hours of graded coursework
    • At least 15 credit hours at the MECH 500 level
    • Six credit hours of additional approved courses
  • A minimum of four credit hours of MECH 700 (thesis credits)
  • Five additional credits of MECH 700 or 500-level MECH courses

Up to 50 percent of the program can include conjoint MECH 400/500-level courses. All coursework must be completed with an average grade of B or better.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis track requires a minimum of 30 total credits. This option involves completing a portfolio of representational projects, a resume, a LinkedIn profile, and a formal report.

Credit Breakdown:

  • 26 graded credits minimum
    • 18 MECH credits minimum
    • 9 credits maximum of 400-level courses
    • 6 credits maximum of transferred or Pullman courses
  • 4 MECH 702 credits minimum

Undergraduate coursework assigned to address deficiencies at the time of admission cannot be applied toward the degree. All courses must be completed with an average grade of B or better.

Graduate school deadlines and FAQs

Transcripts, mark sheets, grade reports, or examination results, along with degree certificates from all higher education institutions attended outside the United States or Canada. When sending official transcripts from schools located in non-English-speaking countries, have each institution submit both the English translation plus an original language record.

letters of recommendation, along with a Likert rating scale, will be requested on-line from your references.

a Likert rating scale will be requested on-line from your references; letters of recommendation are not required.

Fall semester — Jan. 10; Spring semester — July 1. International applications and students applying for support in the form of Assistantships are strongly recommended to apply by Jan. 10, since assistantships are typically available for fall enrollment only. Graduate applications will still be accepted and considered after Jan. 10 for admissions into the ENCS graduate program, however, the availability of support in the form of Assistantships may be limited.

The application processing fee cannot be waived or deferred for any reason. The School of Engineering and Computer Science at Vancouver does not require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission to any master’s degree program. The minimum acceptable TOEFL scores for the School of ENCS are: 540 (PBT) and 75 (iBT). It is recommended you send paper copies while waiting for official scores. Questions regarding the Certificate of Financial Responsibility or I-20 should be directed to the Graduate School at 509-335-1446.

The minimum acceptable English proficiency scores are as follows: IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105, TOEFL (PBT): 540, TOEFL (iBT): 75, TOEFL Essentials: 8. International applicants from specific countries (Australia, UK, Bahamas, Barbados, Botswana, Canada, Ghana, Guyana, Kenya, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland, Trinidad and Tobago) whose first language is English are exempt.