M.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Program Overview

The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. It provides flexibility through three distinct options for completion: the Thesis Option (combining coursework with a significant original research thesis), the Project Option (combining coursework with a smaller applied research project), and the All-Course Option (focused entirely on advanced coursework and culminating in a comprehensive exam). This structure allows students to tailor their academic experience to best suit their career aspirations, whether they plan for doctoral studies, direct entry into specialized industrial roles, or research and development positions.

STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous technical and scientific curriculum.

Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering provides a strong foundation in core mechanical engineering principles while offering opportunities for specialization. While there are no explicit "core course" requirements, students are expected to select courses across various areas, including solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, dynamics and control, manufacturing, and design. Students can delve into topics like computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, advanced materials, robotics, sustainable engineering, and thermal-fluid systems. The chosen program option (thesis, project, or all-course) dictates the balance between formal coursework and research credits.

Research Focus: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UB boasts a strong and diverse research focus, with faculty and students engaged in cutting-edge investigations across the breadth of the discipline. Research areas within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are extensive and include advanced manufacturing and materials (e.g., additive manufacturing, smart materials), fluid and thermal sciences (e.g., renewable energy, microfluidics, combustion), solid mechanics and structures (e.g., composite materials, structural dynamics, biomechanics), and dynamics, controls, and robotics (e.g., autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, smart prosthetics). Students pursuing the thesis or project options work closely with faculty mentors on original research, leveraging state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment.

Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at UB is designed to prepare graduates for highly competitive roles in a wide array of industries. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring students are equipped with skills directly relevant to industry needs. Graduates are sought after by companies in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, biomedical devices, robotics, and defense. The department maintains strong relationships with various industries, which can facilitate internships, co-op experiences, and career placement for students. Many faculty members have extensive industrial experience or engage in collaborative research with industry partners, providing students with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal engineering challenges and opportunities that transcend national boundaries. Mechanical engineering principles are foundational to global industries, from international aerospace ventures to global energy solutions and worldwide manufacturing processes. The program's research often tackles problems with international implications, such as sustainable energy systems or advanced materials for global supply chains. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex engineering problems from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to work effectively in multinational teams and contribute to global technological innovation.