M.A. in Early Christian Studies
The M.A. in Early Christian Studies at The Catholic University of America is an interdi...
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Washington, D.C
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at The Catholic University of America is a graduate program designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in both fundamental and specialized areas of mechanical engineering. The program combines rigorous theoretical instruction with practical applications, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative design. It prepares graduates for advanced professional careers in diverse sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and biomedical engineering, or for further doctoral studies in mechanical engineering or related fields.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at The Catholic University of America is STEM-designated. This classification is highly beneficial for international students, as it potentially allows them to apply for an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States, providing additional post-graduation work authorization.
ABET Accredited: While The Catholic University of America's undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program itself is not typically listed as ABET accredited. ABET primarily focuses on undergraduate program accreditation for quality assurance.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and offers both a thesis and a coursework-only option. The curriculum allows students to specialize in various areas of mechanical engineering. Key areas of concentration typically include: Solid Mechanics and Materials, Thermal-Fluid Sciences, Dynamics and Control, Robotics, and Design and Manufacturing. Core courses often cover advanced topics in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and dynamics. Elective courses delve into specialized areas such as finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and mechatronics. The program emphasizes laboratory work, design projects, and computational methods to provide a comprehensive and applied education.
Research Focus: The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Catholic University has a strong research focus, with faculty and graduate students actively engaged in cutting-edge projects. Research areas align with the program's concentrations and include: Solid Mechanics and Materials (e.g., advanced materials, fatigue, fracture mechanics), Thermal-Fluid Sciences (e.g., computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, renewable energy systems), Dynamics and Control (e.g., vibration analysis, control systems design), Robotics (e.g., robotic control, human-robot interaction, medical robotics), and Design and Manufacturing (e.g., additive manufacturing, design optimization). Many research projects are supported by external funding from government agencies (like NSF, DoD, NIH, NASA) and industry, providing students with opportunities to contribute to significant advancements in the field and gain hands-on research experience in state-of-the-art laboratories.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at Catholic University maintains strong ties with industry and government sectors, particularly benefiting from its location in Washington, D.C. This proximity offers excellent opportunities for students to engage with aerospace companies, defense contractors, energy firms, biomedical device manufacturers, and various government agencies (e.g., NASA, DoD, NIST). The department often hosts guest speakers from industry and facilitates networking events. Faculty members frequently have industry experience or engage in funded research projects with external organizations, ensuring the curriculum's relevance to current industry demands and providing students with real-world exposure and potential internship or career placement opportunities.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program inherently possesses a global perspective due to the universal nature of mechanical engineering principles and the worldwide impact of its applications. Innovations in areas such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and robotics have global relevance and influence. The program's focus on solving complex engineering problems equips graduates to contribute to technological advancements and sustainable solutions on an international scale. By fostering critical thinking and an understanding of advanced engineering principles, the program prepares students to work collaboratively within a global engineering community, addressing challenges that transcend national borders.
Location
Washington, D.C
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 34570
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
The Catholic University of America (CUA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to support international students in their pursuit of higher education. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, making CUA an attractive destination for talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: CUA provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements and overall profile. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance. Scholarships are awarded automatically during the admission process or through a separate application depending on the program.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid for international students is limited due to federal regulations, CUA offers institutional grants and assistance based on demonstrated financial need. International students are encouraged to provide comprehensive financial documentation to be considered for these awards.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain departments and colleges within CUA offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields such as theology, law, engineering, or music. These awards often recognize outstanding talent or the discipline and may include research stipends or assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Graduate international students have access to assistantships and fellowships that provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for teaching, research, or administrative support. These opportunities not only help finance education but also provide valuable professional experience.
External Scholarships and Resources: CUA encourages international students to seek scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government programs in their home countries. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such opportunities.
Graduates of The Catholic University of America's M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program are highly skilled professionals with advanced knowledge in areas like solid mechanics, thermal-fluid sciences, dynamics, and robotics. Their comprehensive training in both theoretical concepts and practical applications makes them indispensable in a wide array of industries.
Aerospace Engineer: Designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites. This includes propulsion systems, structural integrity, and aerodynamic performance for companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, or NASA.
Automotive Engineer: Working on the design, development, manufacturing, and testing of vehicles, including engines, chassis, aerodynamics, and new technologies like electric and autonomous vehicles, for automotive manufacturers or suppliers.
Robotics Engineer: Designing, building, and programming robotic systems for automation in manufacturing, healthcare (e.g., surgical robots), exploration, and consumer applications.
HVAC Engineer: Specializing in the design, installation, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings, focusing on energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Energy Systems Engineer: Developing and optimizing systems for energy generation (e.g., renewable energy, power plants), distribution, and conservation, often focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Conducting cutting-edge research to develop new products, technologies, or processes in various fields, from advanced materials and nanotechnology to biomedical devices and clean energy.
Manufacturing Engineer: Designing and optimizing manufacturing processes, equipment, and workflows to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure product quality in diverse industries.
Design Engineer: Creating technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications for mechanical components, products, or systems using CAD/CAM software, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
Controls Engineer: Developing and implementing control systems for automated machinery and processes, ensuring precision, stability, and efficiency in industrial settings or complex systems.
Biomechanics Engineer: Applying mechanical engineering principles to biological systems, focusing on the mechanics of human movement, the design of prosthetics, artificial organs, and medical devices.
