Gain the advanced mechanical engineering skills to excel in any industry.
Program Format
100% Online
10 Total Courses
(30 credits)
Top 30
Public university
Tuition Cost $29,850
Upcoming Start Information
Start Date
May 12, 2025
App Deadline
April 28, 2025
Time to Completion
Flexible: Students can complete this program in 1-2 years
Mechanical Engineering Program Overview
Accelerate your career with MSU’s online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program combines the flexibility of online learning with the resources afforded by an R1 research institution, including industry connections and expert mentorship from leading faculty. You’ll build the engineering skills to tackle complex projects, leverage new technologies and innovate in multidisciplinary fields ranging from biomechanics to manufacturing.
Tailor your studies to your career goals with the choice of two in-demand focus areas: Thermal Fluids Science and Engineering or Mechanics, Dynamics, and Manufacturing. With specialized engineering expertise, you’ll be ready to develop cutting-edge technology and processes in a variety of engineering roles.
No. 11
Best Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs
Best Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering Programs
Source: U.S. News & World Report (2023)
The online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program leverages Michigan State University’s extensive mechanical engineering research as well as our connections to industrial giants. With advanced knowledge and skills from an institution ranked among the Top 100 Best Global Universities by Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2022, mechanical engineers can position themselves not only to succeed in the classroom but to transform their disciplines and organizations.
Our online master’s degree cultivates the skills to fuel innovative problem solving. Mechanical engineers have the chance to expand their knowledge in a broad, ever-changing discipline that affects every organization, industry and area of research. Online students benefit from the full support of an R1 research institution and mentorship from a faculty advisor to help them reach their individual career goals.
Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at a Glance
Full support of an R1 Research Institution
Mentorship from faculty
Two in-demand track concentrations
No GRE
In-Demand Tracks
The online master’s in mechanical engineering degree offers a choice of two in-demand tracks: Thermal Fluids Science and Engineering and Mechanics, Dynamics, and Manufacturing.
With this focus area, you’ll prepare to address complex engineering challenges that relate to heat transfer, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. You’ll also deepen your understanding of probability and statistics to improve your data analysis skills. Core courses include:
- Conduction Heat Transfer
- Convection Heat Transfer
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
You’ll graduate with the specialized knowledge to build a career in a wide range of fields, from biomechanics to power generation.
Deepen your understanding of forces and motion while expanding your practical skills in mechanical engineering. Core courses include:
- Continuum Mechanics
- Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue
- Linear Elasticity
You’ll also build career-ready expertise through immersive design projects and gain proficiency in mechanics and manufacturing. You’ll graduate prepared to optimize mechanical processes in any industry, from robotics to manufacturing.
Learn more about the curriculum and courses.
MSU Mechanical Engineering Faculty
The Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty are highly recognized in academic research and industry. Our professors include 12 American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) Fellows as well as six fellows in other prestigious societies. Faculty members have also been recognized by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Professors at MSU are committed to offer individualized mentorship and help our students develop to their full potential as technical professionals. Faculty members prepare engineers to succeed through examples leveraged from research, connections with leading industry practitioners and the collective, multidisciplinary expertise of the MSU College of Engineering.
Learn more about our faculty.
“Mechanical engineers are the world’s problem solvers – we find solutions to challenges that span an array of areas. Our internationally recognized faculty address societal problems in a vast range of areas – including biomechanics, energy, manufacturing, fluid flow, robotics, autonomous vehicles and aerospace. MSU offers tremendous opportunities for students in the pursuit of a graduate degree – beyond that of the classroom. Our faculty are willing to engage with students and share their expertise and experiences related to industry, new product development, start-up ventures or their cutting edge research. We look forward to having you become part of our community.”
Tamara Bush, PhD
ASME Fellow, AIMBE Fellow, Professor, and Associate Dean for Inclusion and Diversity at MSU
Tamara Bush, PhD
ASME Fellow, AIMBE Fellow, Professor, and Associate Dean for Inclusion and Diversity at MSU
Career Outlook
17%
Michigan State University Alumni earn 17% more than average
According to Lightcast, the average salary for a mechanical engineer in Michigan is $92,498. However, Master of Engineering alumni from Michigan State University earn an average of $110,131 (PayScale).
MSU Graduates Are Leaders in Mechanical Engineering
Graduates from MSU’s online M.S. in Mechanical Engineering work at the forefront of technological innovation. Equipped with specialized knowledge and cutting-edge skills, our engineers are employed at top organizations in Michigan and across the U.S.. They tackle complex challenges, optimize processes and develop innovative solutions across a variety of fields, from cryogenics to manufacturing.
Top Employers
- Michigan State University
- GE Aerospace
- Amazon
- General Motors
- AECOM
- American Axle and Manufacturing
- Arctrade
- Auto-Owners Insurance Company
- Black & Veatch
- Boeing
- Consolidated Trading LLC
- Credit Karma
- DLZ Corporation
- Daimler Truck North America
- Dassault Systems
- Deloitte
- Eaton Corporation
- Flexport
- Fluor Marine Propulsion
- Ford Motor Company
2023 M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Graduate Students
Employed Full Time – 67%
Continuing Education – 22%
Seeking Employment – 5%
Employed Part Time – 2%
Military Service – 1%
Not Seeking – 1%
Admission Summary
It’s fast and easy to apply! Just follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Complete the online application
- It only takes minutes – Start Your Application
Step 2: Submit documents:
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Academic and personal statements
Step 3: Application fee:
- $65 domestic, $75 international
Prepare to achieve your professional goals
Once you’ve been admitted, get ready to enroll in classes and transform your career.
Transfer Credits
Save money and accelerate your degree by transferring credits. It’s easy to get started — reach out to an admission counselor for step-by-step guidance.
Get Your Questions Answered
Need help? We’re here to simplify the application process. Get all the information you need in just one phone call. Call (888) 351-8360 (toll-free) to speak with an admission counselor.
Request Brochure
To learn more about Michigan State University’s online master’s programs in engineering and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below to request information. You can also call us toll-free at (888) 351-8360.