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M.S. in Engineering: Mechanical
Chattanooga, Tennessee
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UTC aims to build upon undergraduate foundations, deepening students' understanding of core mechanical engineering principles while exposing them to cutting-edge advancements. The program emphasizes both rigorous academic study and hands-on, problem-solving experiences, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various industries or for further doctoral studies. Students typically have the flexibility to choose between a thesis track (around 31-33 credit hours, including significant research and a thesis defense) or a non-thesis project/coursework option (around 34 credit hours, often culminating in a comprehensive exam). This structure allows students to align their graduate education with their individual career aspirations, whether focused on research and development or direct industry application. The program generally takes 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students to complete and is accredited by ABET, signifying its adherence to high standards of quality and excellence.
STEM-Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering concentration at UTC is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage, particularly for international students, as it makes them eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This extension allows up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time to gain practical experience and potentially pursue long-term career opportunities. The STEM designation underscores the program's strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UTC is comprehensive, covering advanced topics across the discipline. While specific course lists may vary, it typically includes core courses in areas such as advanced mathematics for engineers, and specialized courses in mechanical engineering fundamentals. The curriculum is broad-based, with a strong emphasis on electronics, instrumentation, control systems, and power systems. It is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to work on a wide range of complex projects, from automobiles and medical devices to electric generators. The program stresses real-world design problems, encouraging students to get involved in labs for practical experience and hands-on learning.
Research Focus: UTC's Mechanical Engineering program maintains a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in both fundamental and applied investigations alongside faculty members. Faculty research interests are diverse and span various contemporary and emerging areas within mechanical engineering. These include, but are not limited to, advanced manufacturing (e.g., additive manufacturing), sustainable energy (e.g., alternative energy and building efficiency design, battery characterization), computational fluid dynamics and combustion, biomechanical engineering, and the mechanical behavior of materials (including fatigue and fracture mechanics, and multiscale modeling of materials). Students have opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge projects, often leading to thesis completion and publications, and leveraging state-of-the-art facilities.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at UTC is deeply committed to preparing graduates for successful careers in industry. The curriculum is designed with a focus on real-world problem-solving, incorporating practical experience through design projects and laboratory involvement. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industrial demands, with graduates being highly sought after by employers across various sectors, including automotive, medical device manufacturing, and power generation. The faculty's active engagement in high-impact research, sometimes with external funding, further enhances the program's relevance to current industrial needs and trends. Graduates are employed by a multitude of companies, and some even pursue consulting work or start their own businesses.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program at UTC inherently fosters a global perspective due to the universal applicability of mechanical engineering principles and the global nature of the industries it serves. Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in developing technologies and systems that impact various aspects of daily life worldwide, from sustainable energy solutions and advanced manufacturing techniques to robotics and medical devices. The program's emphasis on designing mechanical systems that positively impact the environment and improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of machinery used globally prepares graduates to be important members of communities across the globe and contribute to international engineering challenges and innovations.
Location
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 26852
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
Standardized Test Requirements
- GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Minimum score of 300 required.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their education in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community, helping to make higher education more affordable and accessible for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UTC provides merit-based scholarships that international students can apply for, typically based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall potential. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition and are renewable based on maintaining satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are available exclusively for international students, helping offset tuition fees and living expenses. These awards may vary annually and are competitive, encouraging students to demonstrate strong academic records and involvement in extracurricular activities.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UTC offer scholarships targeted at students within specific fields of study. International students enrolled in areas such as Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, or Arts and Sciences can explore scholarship options through their respective colleges or departments.
Graduates with an M.S. in Engineering with a Mechanical concentration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) are equipped with highly specialized skills and advanced theoretical knowledge that are crucial in shaping the modern technological landscape. This advanced degree, coupled with the program's emphasis on research and practical application, positions them for leadership, innovation, and higher-level responsibilities in a wide array of industries that rely on mechanical systems.
Senior Mechanical Engineer: Building on their master's degree, graduates can take on more complex design, analysis, and development tasks for mechanical components, machinery, and systems across various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. This often involves leading smaller teams or specialized projects.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer/Scientist: An M.S. is an excellent foundation for roles in R&D, where graduates conduct cutting-edge research to develop new products, improve existing technologies, and explore innovative applications in fields like advanced materials, sustainable energy, or robotics.
Manufacturing Engineer (Advanced/Process Improvement): Graduates can specialize in optimizing manufacturing processes, implementing automation, and improving production efficiency. Their advanced knowledge allows them to tackle complex manufacturing challenges, particularly in high-tech or specialized production environments.
Design Engineer (Advanced/CAD/CAE): With enhanced skills in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools, graduates can design sophisticated mechanical systems, components, and products, performing intricate simulations and analyses to ensure performance and reliability.
Thermal Engineer/HVAC Engineer: Specializing in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, these engineers design and analyze heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for buildings, industrial facilities, and various equipment. They are crucial for energy efficiency and environmental control.
Robotics Engineer/Automation Engineer: Given the increasing integration of robotics and automation in industry, graduates can design, develop, and implement robotic systems for manufacturing, logistics, and other automated processes, often involving advanced control systems and mechatronics.
Product Development Engineer: These engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept generation and design to prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. An M.S. allows them to lead more complex product development initiatives, ensuring innovation and market success.
Biomechanics Engineer: This interdisciplinary field applies mechanical engineering principles to biological systems. Graduates can design medical devices, prosthetics, artificial organs, and analyze human movement for healthcare, sports, or ergonomics.
Energy Systems Engineer (Renewable/Conventional): Focusing on energy conversion, utilization, and sustainability, these engineers design and optimize systems for renewable energy (solar, wind), power generation, and energy-efficient technologies, playing a vital role in addressing global energy challenges.
Consulting Engineer (Mechanical): Graduates can leverage their broad knowledge and problem-solving skills to work for engineering consulting firms. They advise clients across various industries on mechanical design, process optimization, efficiency improvements, and technical challenges, often working on diverse and high-impact projects.
