The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science offers both Master of Science and PhD programs in mechanical engineering that provide students with in-depth knowledge about a specific area of interest.

With more than 20 research labs and opportunities to work with a myriad of industries from biomedical to aerospace, the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Pitt fosters academic innovation. The department offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in mechanical engineering. At the MS level, professional (non-thesis) and research tracks are available. Extensive information can be found in the graduate handbook. 

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM

The goal of the Mechanical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science is to develop the student for the rigorous career demands of engineering research either in the industrial or academic fields. The student is educated at the pioneering edge of technical, management, systems design, and decision-making concepts. This work requires a strong background in mathematics and one of the specialty areas of mechanical engineering. The PhD student is expected to be a full-time student. It is possible, however, to seek candidacy as a part-time student with the stipulation that the PhD candidate must spend at least one full-time academic year on campus. More information on the PhD requirements can be found in the graduate handbook.

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

PROFESSIONAL (NON-THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

A 30-credit, non-thesis, professional MS degree program is available for qualified students who are employed in industry. Upon entering the program, students plan a program of study with the aid of their faculty adviser. Graduate courses are typically offered in the evening, which facilitates part-time study. More information on the program requirement can be found in the graduate handbook.

Mechanical Engineering - Professional Track, MSME

RESEARCH (THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

Where the Professional MS Track is best suited to those currently in industry and looking to increase their knowledge, the Research MS Track is designed for individuals seeking in-depth research experience in mechanical engineering. Unlike in the Professional MS Track, a total of 24 course credits and a master's thesis are required for this degree. Upon entering the program, students plan a program of study with the aid of their faculty advisor. More information on the program requirement can be found in the graduate handbook.

Mechanical Engineering - Research Track, MSME

COURSES

Graduate Courses

GRADUATE RESEARCH

Some of the ongoing research programs are centered in several areas:

· THERMO FLUIDS.

· MODELING AND SIMULATION

· BIOMECHANICS AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES

· ENERGY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES.

· CONTROL AND DYNAMICS.

More information on the core competencies of the department’s research can be found in our Research section 

The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science maintains a commitment to high-quality graduate education, which is consistent with its strong research focus. The department offers Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in materials science and engineering. At the MS level, research and professional tracks are available. Graduate courses are typically offered in the evening, which facilitates part-time study.

The programs are oriented toward the transition of results from scientific and engineering disciplines to the solution of materials problems that impede technological progress. They are designed to educate engineers, providing them with the tools to become successful in research, development, production, management, and teaching. Information regarding the Masters Program and Doctorate Program can be found below.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM

The doctor of philosophy (PhD) program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science is a research degree leading largely to careers in teaching and research in academia, government and industry. The program is designed for excellent students. Students develop an understanding at the highest level in their areas of specialization and their research must lead to an original contribution to the field in the PhD dissertation.

PhD studies are a demanding (and rewarding) experience that requires a strong interest in research in the selected area of specialization. The PhD program has been designed to optimize the fundamental education of students in materials science and engineering, at the same time providing much required advanced specialization. The program is designed to develop the student's ability to think about materials science and engineering at a high level in order to provide the foundation necessary to cross into other materials-related interdisciplinary areas, as required by future career developments. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE PhD Guidelines).

Materials Science and Engineering, PhD

PROFESSIONAL (NON-THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

The professional MS track is primarily oriented toward part-time students currently working in industry. The professional track consists of a minimum of 30 course credits (equivalent to 10 courses). There are no thesis or comprehensive examination requirements for this degree. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE MS Guidelines).

Materials Science and Engineering - Professional Track, MSMSE

RESEARCH (NON-THESIS) MASTERS OF SCIENCE PROGRAM

The research track is primarily for full-time students who have the intention to pursue a PhD or are strongly oriented toward a research career. The University transcript will include an entry indicating that a student is in the research MS track. The Research Track MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits of course and research based graduate study, including at least 21 course credits. More information on the program requirements can be found in the (MSE MS Guidelines ).

Materials Science and Engineering - Research Track, MSMSE

COURSES

The list of the Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Courses can be found in the (Courses).

GRADUATE RESEARCH

Some of the ongoing research programs are centered in several areas of advanced ceramics and metallurgy, including the following:

• Corrosion and oxidation
• High-temperature materials
• Magnetic materials
• Phase transformations in metallic and ceramic systems
• Plastic deformation of metals and alloys
• Thermomechanical processing of steels and other alloys
• Thermodynamic properties of materials
• Ceramic processing
• High-temperature superconductivity
• Microwave and other ferroelectric properties of ceramics, smart materials, and structures

The department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science offers two certificate programs: Physical Metallurgy Certificate and Nuclear Engineering Certificate.

PHYSICAL METALLURGY CERTIFICATE

The Graduate Certificate Program in Physical Metallurgy: Processing, Properties and Performance of Engineering Metals is designed to meet the nation's workforce development needs for materials engineering professionals with expertise in physical metallurgy. As the newest graduate-level certificate in the Swanson School of Engineering, this 15 credit program will provide an in-depth study of a specialized and critical industry sector. The curriculum focuses on the core physical metallurgy principles while simultaneously incorporating modern and emerging topics in the field. With on-campus evening classes offered, the Physical Metallurgy Certificate is excellent for working professionals and graduate students with a BS in Engineering alike. This certificate can be combined with another MS program with advisor approval.   

Processing, Properties, and Performance of Engineering Metals Certificate

Course Curriculum:

Minimum 3.00 QPA required for completion. A student may repeat any course in which a grade of B- or lower is received with advisor's authorization. No course may be repeated more than twice.

Admissions Requirements:

• BS in Engineering field from ABET accredited program, or BS in other science-related fields and disciplines.
  Minimum GPA 3.0 
  Note: Candidates with other educational and professional backgrounds will be considered on an individual basis with a strong emphasis given to academic purpose, career orientation, work experience, and preparation in engineering and related disciplines.  Additional coursework may be required to ensure skill set necessary for success in the program.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcript
• NO GRE exam score required

Application Deadlines:

• Domestic students can apply up to 60 days before the start of the term for admissions to the Graduate School of Engineering.
• International students must meet the following deadlines:
  • March 01 - Fall Semester
  • July 01 - Spring Semester
  • February 01 - Summer Semester

Costs:

• Click here to learn more about Pitt's program tuition rates.
• Group tuition rates are available to qualifying organizations. Click here to learn more about Pitt's corporate partnerships.

For more information please contact Dr. Thomas Piccone, program director.

Apply Now

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING CERTIFICATE

The Nuclear Engineering program provides coursework for a graduate-level nuclear engineering education with study areas in nuclear operations and safety, nuclear science, and nuclear systems and policy. The focus on nuclear operations and safety not only fulfills a recognized educational need, but is also designed to take advantage of unique industrial resources in the Pittsburgh area. Our nuclear engineering faculty nuclear scientists and engineers with decades of experience in the commercial nuclear power industry and naval nuclear programs. The nuclear science area provides courses necessary to support a graduate-level research program. Finally, the Nuclear Engineering program offers courses in nuclear systems and policy, for example, we have a courses on codes and standards for the nuclear industry and on nuclear plant management. Learn more here.

Nuclear Engineering Certificate

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Engineering offered through the Swanson School of Engineering.

Download our program description flyer here for more information about the program . 

Notice: Applying for the Nuclear Engineering Certificate, student must complete the regular online application for degree program.