Mechanical Engineering, M.S.
Master of Science
About this program
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program helps you build advanced skills in engineering design, analysis, and research. You’ll create a study plan with a faculty advisor and choose between a thesis or applied project. This program teaches you how to solve complex problems, design real-world solutions, and work in teams. You’ll also grow your ability to think critically, communicate clearly and apply new knowledge.
Program Curriculum and Requirements
Program Scope
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program at SF State equips students with advanced technical expertise and hands-on experience in modern mechanical engineering fields.
The program features a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare graduates for leadership and technical roles in industry, research, and academia. Core breadth areas found within MSME program to allow students to specialize in areas that align with their career goals are the following.
- Energy Systems and Thermo-Fluids
- Robotics, Mechatronics, and Controls
- Design and Manufacturing
A cornerstone of the program is its strong research culture, offering students access to cutting-edge research located in the Science & Engineering Innovation Center housing modern day research laboratories and collaborate with faculty-led research projects. Graduate students are to complete either a research thesis or an applied research project as their culminating experience, gain technical knowledge, develop practical engineering skills, and solve real-world problems. These experiences strengthen their ability to meet high tech industry demands and pursue advanced research.
The 30-unit program offers flexibility, allowing students to focus on their interests without rigid course sequences. Evening classes accommodate working professionals. Graduates gain a competitive edge in industry, research institutions, and Ph.D. programs.
Program Learning Outcomes
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
- An ability to conduct independent research.
- An ability to demonstrate subject expertise in a mechanical engineering subfield.
Admissions Information
In addition to the general requirements for admission, this program requires:
Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant’s previous academic work or professional accomplishments.
Applicants must:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-division major classes, in addition to meeting general university requirements for graduate standing. An applicant’s undergraduate degree program should include the equivalent of the following courses:
- Math: MATH 226, MATH 227, MATH 228, MATH 245
- Physics: PHYS 230/PHYS 232, PHYS 240/PHYS 242
- Engineering: ENGR 102, ENGR 200, ENGR 201, ENGR 205, ENGR 302, ENGR 303, ENGR 304, ENGR 309, ENGR 447, ENGR 467
- In cases where these coursework requirements have not been met, applicants may be conditionally accepted and complete the necessary coursework as part of their graduate program of study.
Applicant with GPA deficiency:
An applicant with a GPA higher than 2.8 but less than 3.0 can fill out a University waiver form for this requirement and submit it along with other required supplemental materials to the graduate program coordinator of the applied program.
Applicants whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must satisfy one of the following: a minimum accepted score of 550 total on the paper-based test or 80 overall score on internet-based test, an IELTS score of 6.5, a Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or a Duolingo Graduate minimum of 120 (if one of these are not satisfied, an applicant may be conditionally accepted but must complete SCI 614 within the first year of attendance at SF State).
Non-Engineering or non-major applicant holding a B.S. degree:
B.S graduates from non-engineering programs, such as math, physics, or science, may be admitted as conditional graduate students. Please review each engineering graduate programs minimum course admission requirement that needs to be met. These courses can be taken by enrolling in SFSU Open University to meet graduate student status upon completion.
- Applicants must have a record well above the university admission requirements and be able to clearly demonstrate their potential in Engineering.
- Conditional graduate students may apply for advancement to classified graduate status after satisfying minimum prerequisites.
- No conditional admissions are issued to international students
Graduate Record Exam
GRE scores are not required but will be considered as part of the admissions package for applicants who wish to submit them.
Fall: May 1
Spring: November 1
Ready to apply? Visit the Graduate Students page to get started.
We’re Here to Help
Questions about the program or how to apply? Don’t hesitate to reach out.
David Quintero
- Associate Professor