M.A. in Communication
The M.A. in Communication at Purdue University Northwest is a 36-credit hour program th...
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Hammond, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at PNW is a 30-credit hour program, available with both thesis and non-thesis options, providing flexibility to align with individual career goals. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as fluid mechanics, nanotechnology, simulations, or system design. The program is taught by experienced faculty who are leaders in their respective fields, offering mentorship in small class settings that encourage close interaction. It is designed to be completed in approximately two years for full-time students, with flexible options for part-time study, including online courses.
STEM-Designated: Purdue University's M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, including the program offered at Purdue University Northwest, is a STEM-designated program. This is a significant advantage for international students, as it allows for an extended 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after graduation, providing them with more opportunities to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. in high-demand technical fields.
ABET Accreditation: While master's degree programs are typically not directly accredited by ABET, Purdue University Northwest's undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This fundamental accreditation signifies that the undergraduate program meets rigorous national standards for quality and prepares students for professional engineering practice. The graduate program builds upon this strong, ABET-accredited foundation, ensuring a high standard of engineering education.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering is comprehensive, requiring a minimum of 15 credit hours in graduate-level mechanical engineering courses for the non-thesis option, or 18 credits for the thesis option, alongside advanced mathematics and technical electives. Sample courses include "Advanced Thermodynamics," "Numerical Heat and Mass Transfer," "Intermediate Heat Transfer," "Engineering Acoustics," "Mechanical Vibrations," "Theory and Design of Control Systems," and various courses in advanced materials, design, and manufacturing. The curriculum is designed to provide both breadth in fundamental mechanical engineering areas (thermo-fluids, dynamics, structural mechanics, machine design) and opportunities for specialization.
Research Focus: Purdue University Northwest's Mechanical Engineering faculty are actively engaged in diverse research areas, providing significant opportunities for graduate students to participate in scholarly inquiry, especially for those pursuing the thesis option. Students can work with esteemed researchers in world-renowned institutes like the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and the Water Institute. Research areas often span a wide range of topics, including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, solid mechanics, dynamics, robotics, sustainable energy systems, and advanced manufacturing processes. The program aims to develop students' abilities in identifying, formulating, and solving complex engineering problems through research and experimentation.
Industry Engagement: Purdue University Northwest's Mechanical Engineering department maintains strong connections with industry leaders in the region and beyond. The university emphasizes providing students with opportunities for experiential learning and collaboration with industry partners. These connections are crucial for ensuring that the curriculum remains current with industry demands and that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. Alumni of PNW's mechanical engineering programs work at innovative organizations across the region and globally, including major companies like General Motors, Ford, and Northrop Grumman, demonstrating the program's effective industry integration.
Global Perspective: Purdue University Northwest's Mechanical Engineering program fosters a global perspective by preparing graduates to understand the broader impact of engineering solutions in economic, environmental, and societal contexts, aligning with the global nature of modern engineering challenges. While there isn't a specific "global engineering" concentration, the program's outcomes emphasize the ability to work effectively across disciplines and to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in global contexts. Furthermore, the diverse student body and faculty, coupled with the program's highly-ranked online offering which attracts a wide range of students, contribute to a learning environment that inherently promotes cross-cultural understanding and prepares graduates for careers in the international engineering landscape.
Location
Hammond, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 14470
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $75
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 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is dedicated to supporting international students through various scholarship opportunities that recognize academic excellence, leadership, and diverse talents. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden and make quality education more accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: PNW offers several merit-based scholarships for international students based on academic achievement, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded automatically during the admissions process or through a separate application.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at Purdue University Northwest provide scholarships specific to their fields of study. These awards reward outstanding students pursuing degrees in areas such as engineering, business, health sciences, and more. International students are encouraged to contact their department of interest for detailed scholarship opportunities.
Renewable Scholarships: Some scholarships at PNW are renewable annually, provided students maintain a satisfactory GPA and meet specific academic requirements. This offers ongoing financial support throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Graduates of Purdue University Northwest's Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering are highly sought-after professionals, equipped with advanced technical skills and a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles. The program's STEM designation and emphasis on applied research prepare them for leadership and innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Mechanical Design Engineer: These engineers are involved in the conception, design, and development of a wide range of mechanical components, machines, and systems, using CAD software, simulation tools, and principles of mechanics and materials.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Many MSME graduates pursue roles in R&D, working on cutting-edge technologies, inventing new products, and advancing the fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles in various industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, energy, biomedical).
Manufacturing Engineer: These professionals optimize manufacturing processes, improve production efficiency, implement automation, and ensure product quality in industries ranging from automotive and electronics to heavy machinery.
Aerospace Engineer: Focusing on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, often involving propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and structural analysis.
Automotive Engineer: Specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of vehicles and their components, including engines, transmissions, chassis, and safety systems, with a growing emphasis on electric and autonomous vehicles.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Engineer: These engineers design and optimize heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for buildings and industrial facilities, focusing on energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
Robotics Engineer: Combining knowledge of mechanical design, control systems, and often computer science, these engineers design, build, program, and maintain robots for various applications, including industrial automation, healthcare, and exploration.
Thermal Engineer: Specializing in heat transfer and thermodynamics, these engineers design and analyze cooling systems for electronics, power plants, and various industrial processes, crucial for performance and energy efficiency.
Fluid Dynamics Engineer: These engineers analyze and design systems involving fluid flow, such as pipelines, pumps, turbines, and aerodynamic components, with applications in aerospace, energy, and chemical processing.
Test and Validation Engineer: Ensuring that mechanical products and systems meet performance, reliability, and safety standards. This involves designing test procedures, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and troubleshooting issues.
