Our MS Program
We train MS students through advanced coursework and hands-on research. Students work in close collaboration with faculty on projects that positively impact society. Results of recent projects by UMD MSME students and faculty are found in innovative sustainability practices, peer reviewed publications, and changes in process by state and federal infrastructure and resource management agencies.
To Apply
We welcome applications from students interested in pursuing a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Potential applicants should browse faculty research pages to find potential advisers who are a good fit for your specific research interests. We also recommend you contact the UMD faculty member(s) you are interested in working with to discuss possible research directions and projects with them.
All materials are submitted electronically through the online application system, mailed or emailed materials will not be accepted. Please review the following sections prior to starting your application.
Deadlines
Applications are due December 15 for full consideration of financial support for the following academic year. Applications received after this date will be considered on a rolling basis and if positions are available.
Please note: Applicants from the United States applying for a part-time study or those who are not applying for financial support are able to apply as late as April 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. However, we still encourage Domestic applicants to apply by the above mentioned MSME deadlines.
November 1 is the final deadline for accepting applications including IDP applications.
Prerequisites
To be considered for admission to the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering (ME), applicants must have earned a B.S. degree in mechanical or industrial engineering with a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Assistantships
All admitted students meeting the required criteria will be considered for available assistantships. Required criteria includes that a complete application is received by the priority deadline. Please note that graduate teaching assistants must also meet a minimum speaking proficiency requirement set by the University.
For students from disciplines other than mechanical engineering, some remedial coursework may be needed. Prior to applying, consult with the MSME Director of Graduate Studies or Department Head for a review and assessment of your academic background and potential coursework need.
Required sections of the application
All materials are submitted electronically through the online application system. An application fee will be required. Before applying, please review the following information:
In addition to the required information in the online application, please include the following to make sure you are given proper consideration:
- Personal Statement (limit to one page)
- Diversity Statement (limit to one page)
- CV or Resume - Please list your technical publications and conference presentations. CV or resume should be uploaded in the Materials section.
- Unofficial transcripts - If admitted, the University will then require official transcripts.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency - Required only for international applicants where native language is not English (see tab below for more information)
- Two letters of recommendation - Not required from current UMD MIE undergraduate students unless applying for the Integrated Undergraduate Graduate (IUG) program.
- (optional) GRE Score - Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores as part of the application requirements but may submit GRE scores if they feel the scores will enhance their application. The MSME Admissions Committee will use a holistic approach to evaluating applications.
The following supplemental documents are optional:
- Extenuating Circumstances Statement (If needed)
- Description of Research
- Writing sample is not used by our program
The following supplemental documents are optional:
Special Application Requirements
International and domestic applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English language proficiency. This includes persons from English speaking countries for whom the primary language in the home during childhood was not English, and who received all or most of their elementary, secondary, and undergraduate education outside the United States. In addition, federal immigration regulations prohibit the University from issuing a visa document to any student who has not satisfied this requirement. Test dates must be within 2 years of program start date.
TOEFL Score - Acceptable English Proficiency Test. The institution code for the University of Minnesota Duluth campus is 6873.
The TOEFL score is sent directly to the Graduate School Admissions Office.
The following minimum scores must be obtained from one of the following English Proficiency exams:
TOEFL exam (internet based): Total score of 79 with a writing subscore of 21 and a reading subscore of 19
IELTS Exam: Total score of 6.5 with a writing subscore of 6.5 and reading subscore of 6.5
MELAB: Total score of 80
*Please note that graduate teaching assistants must also meet a minimum speaking proficiency requirement. Contact the Graduate Office with any questions. Visit the Graduate School website for complete information on English Proficiency requirements.
Timeline for application review and decision
A decision for admission will be emailed to you after your application has been carefully reviewed by the department’s admission committee and your transcripts and any credentials (test reports, diploma copies, etc.) have been authenticated by Graduate School officials. Typically, application review occurs in February for the following fall semester. At other times of the year application review occurs on a rolling basis (typically within 4 weeks of application).
The decision for funding (GTA or GRA) will be made separately from program admission. We encourage potential applicants to contact faculty in their interest area to discuss the availability of funding. Funding decisions are typically made between March and April for the following fall semester.
Follow these instructions to check the status of your application.