Top 10 Universities for Master’s & Doctoral Programs in Mechanical Engineering in the USA

Over the decades, thousands of international students have been opting to study Mechanical Engineering in the USA. Numerous US Universities offer Master's and Doctoral programs in specific domains of Mechanical Engineering that prepare the students for an enriching career in this field. The United States of America provides ample career opportunities for mechanical engineers as the country is home to leading organisations such as NASA, the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Microsoft, Google, GE Aviation, Ford Motor Company, and many other top-tier companies.

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Top 10 Universities for Master’s & Doctoral Programs in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
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Apr 17, 2023 04:44 AM
Students studying Mechanical Engineering in the USA obtain core competencies to design complex equipment and machinery. The program curriculum typically includes principles of statistics, mathematics, calculus and advanced analytical concepts that hone the students' technical, problem-solving and creative abilities. As a result, students can find job opportunities in design and manufacturing units, instrumentation technology, research and development, aircraft, aerospace, automotive, automation and other vital industries. In this blog, we have reviewed the top 10 universities for Master's and PhD programs in Mechanical Engineering in the USA. Top Universities for Master's & Doctoral Programs in Mechanical Engineering in the USA

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a prestigious private research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts, established in 1861. The university was chartered with a mission of accelerating the country's industrial revolution through education, innovation and research. This university has played a key role in developing fundamental technologies, launching new industries and creating millions of jobs. MIT is ranked number 1 according to QS World Rankings of 2021 for its outstanding contribution to science, technology and education. The alumni of MIT include 96 Nobel laureates, 59 National Medal of Science winners and hundreds of other accomplished scholars. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the MIT (MechE) offers six graduate programs in Mechanical Engineering. The master's programs from the MIT MechE department focus on project-based learning, equipping the students with technical acumen, creative spirit with a real-world experience that hone their engineering skills. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (SMME) offered by MIT is the most sought-after degree program in Mechanical Engineering. The program guarantees a high level of professional mastery in Mechanical Engineering, giving the students an edge over others in the same field.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (SMME)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall

2. Stanford University

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Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a highly prestigious private research university located in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. The university is ranked number 3 according to QS World Rankings of 2021 and is considered one of the elite academic institutes in the world. Stanford University became operational in 1891, admitting its first set of students on October 1, 1891, with a mission of encouraging learning, discovery, expression and innovation. Stanford’s educational excellence spans seven schools and research institutes in Law, Medicine, Business, Sciences, Education, Engineering, Humanities. The eminent alumni of Stanford University include 84 Nobel laureates, 8 Fields Medallists and many other noteworthy personalities. The Mechanical Engineering Department at Stanford University offers a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSME), which is designed primarily for students who desire to start their industry careers as professionals. The department offers interdisciplinary programs of study in specific streams as well. Students can complete MSME in 2 years’ time by fulfilling the required credits.
Program List :
  • Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Autumn

3. Harvard University

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Harvard University is one of the most elite and globally-recognized universities in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Founded in 1636, Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university named after John Harvard, an English minister and its first benefactor. Consistently ranked among the top 5 universities globally, Harvard University achieved academic excellence by focusing on learning, research, teaching, growth and development. The university has its presence in 16 countries with 11 schools and multiple allied institutions. The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers a graduate integrated PhD program in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering within its Engineering Sciences department. The program focuses on fundamental and diverse studies in solid and fluid mechanics, materials, mechanical systems and biomechanics. Students need to complete all the mandatory courses and research work within 4 to 5 years to meet the PhD requirements.
Program List :
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: To be completed within 4-5 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Spring

4. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

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Established in 1868, the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is an esteemed public research university located in Berkeley, California. UCB's 14 schools and colleges have over 40,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 350 programs offered by 184 academic departments. The university's campus sprawls across 1,232 acres of beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, a sylvan and stone complex surrounded by redwood forests. UCB's alumni include 110 Nobel laureates, 103 MacArthur Genius Grant recipients, 14 Fields Medalists, 30 Pulitzer Prize awardees, 19 Academy Award winners and other eminent personalities. The Mechanical Engineering Department at Berkeley offers a one-year accelerated Master of Engineering program in Mechanical Engineering (ME MEng). The master's program is designed for students who plan to build a career in engineering following graduation. The program aims at producing future engineering leaders with in-depth knowledge in technical, economic, and social issues of applied sciences and engineering. The program includes integrated engineering coursework and classes in leadership and core management concepts. Students will be eligible to tackle real-time industry challenges through case studies and projects.
Program List :
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (ME MEng)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1 year
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Spring

5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

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Established in 1817, the University of Michigan (UMich or Michigan) is a top public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan University is ranked as one of the top universities in the world. The university campus includes over 584 buildings sprawling across a combined area of 780 acres. The University of Michigan is classified among R1 Doctoral Universities noted for its high research activity. UMich offers graduate and doctoral degrees in humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering, mathematics and professional degrees in architecture, medicine, business, law, pharmacy, dentistry, public policy, nursing, public health and social work. The notable alumni of UMich include 53 MacArthur genius award winners, 26 Nobel Prize awardees, 6 Turing Award winners, hundreds of Olympic medallists and several other famous personalities. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the Mechanical Engineering Department at UMich is ranked among the top 5 ME Graduate Programs. The department offers 3 MSE degree program options in Mechanical Engineering - coursework only, coursework with an individual research project and coursework with an MSE thesis. The master's degree typically takes up to two years to complete and an additional four years if students wish to pursue a PhD degree. Research areas include automotive, controls, design, dynamics and vibrations, biomechanics and biosystems, energy, fluids, mechatronics, robotics, micro and nanoengineering, manufacturing, mechanics and materials, multi-scale computation and computational mechanics and thermal sciences.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSE)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2-6 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall

6. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

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Established in 1885, the Georgia Institute of Technology, commonly known as Georgia Tech, is a world-renowned public research university and an institute of technology in Atlanta, Georgia. The university has satellite campuses in Savannah (Georgia), Metz (France), Athlone (Ireland), Shenzhen (China) and Singapore. Georgia Tech is a prominent research university committed to improving human life through science and technological advancements. The university has six colleges under its wing comprising 31 departments, primarily emphasizing science and technology. The institute is recognised for degree programs in the fields of computer science and engineering. The George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering is the second-largest department at the Georgia Institute of Technology. The Woodruff School offers a Master of Science program in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) that includes advanced study and research for qualified graduates with mathematics, engineering, mechanics or physical and life sciences backgrounds. The program combines studies at the Georgia Tech-Lorraine, Georgia Tech Savannah through video and online courses and classes at its Atlanta campus. Students can take up to 2 years to complete the requirements for their master's degree and additionally 3-4 years to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 to 5 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall, Spring & Summer

7. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

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Founded in 1891, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a prestigious private research university with a 124-acre campus in Pasadena, California. Caltech is highly esteemed for its academic excellence in science and engineering, primarily devoted to pure and applied sciences. According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Caltech has consistently ranked among the top 5 universities globally (ranked #4 in 2021). The university is world-renowned for marshalling the best innovative tools and answering the most fundamental scientific questions. The Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (MCE) at Caltech offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Mechanical Engineering. The M.S. degree is usually only awarded to students who wish to pursue the PhD program in Mechanical Engineering. Students with a final degree objective of working full time towards a PhD degree are admitted to the graduate program in Mechanical Engineering. Graduate students need a minimum of three years in residence and two or more additional years to complete their thesis work leading to a PhD. The program in Mechanical Engineering is research-intensive and highly selective, with a focus on core Mechanical Engineering concepts.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 2 – 5 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall

8. Purdue University

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Established in 1869, Purdue University is an eminent public research university based in West Lafayette, Indiana. The university offers over 200 majors for undergraduate programs, more than 69 master's and doctoral programs and professional degrees in pharmacy, veterinary medicine and doctor of nursing practice. Purdue University has 18 intercollegiate sports teams and over 900 student organisations. The university has more than 400,000 alumni, including several Nobel laureates, Pulitzer prize winners, National Medal of Technology and Innovation award recipients, astronauts, Fortune 500 CEOs, Rhodes Scholars and other award winners and prominent personalities. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University offers several choices of degree programs in Mechanical Engineering. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) allows students to complete the required credits in 1 to 2 years, vis-à-vis 21 credits of technical specialities and 9 credits of management and professional development courses. The university also offers a Professional Master's in Mechanical Engineering, an Online Master's in Mechanical Engineering program and a 5-year combined BSME/MSME program. Master's students can also enroll for a PhD program, which is available only for outstanding students.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)
  • Professional Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
  • Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
  • A 5-year Combined BSME/MSME
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 1 – 2 years
  • Admission Semester: Fall & Spring

9. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

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Instituted in 1882, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a distinguished public research university in the Pacific Coast of Los Angeles, California. More than 40,000 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at UCLA. UCLA has become a pinnacle of academic and athletic excellence with its mission of creating, disseminating, preserving and applying knowledge. The university takes pride in its vibrant alumni network and student body consisting of 15 Nobel Laureates, 119 NCAA championships, 15 MacArthur Fellows and other noteworthy personalities. UCLA's contribution to sports is highly remarkable, having produced more Olympic medallists than most nations. The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) department at UCLA offers a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.) with the option of converting it to a PhD degree. The program covers various disciplines of study, including fluid mechanics, dynamics, heat and mass transfer, micro/nanoengineering, manufacturing and design, systems and control and structural and solid mechanics. Students passing out of the MAE department at UCLA are amongst the best in the field, equipped with technical expertise, creative and managerial capabilities.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (M.S.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s degree
  • Admission Semester: Fall

10. Northwestern University

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Chartered in 1851 by the Illinois General Assembly, Northwestern University is a private research university located in Evanston, Illinois. It is one of the oldest and prestigious academic institutions in the world. The university has eleven undergraduate, graduate and professional schools, including the Kellogg School of Management, the Feinberg School of Medicine, the Pritzker School of Law, the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Bienen School of Music, the Medill School of Journalism, the School of Professional Studies, the School of Communication, the Graduate School, and the School of Education and Social Policy. The faculty and alumni of Northwestern University are numerous heads of state, Nobel Prize laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and other accomplished personalities. The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University offers diverse programs of study leading to a Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Mechanical Engineering. The program is a culmination of innovative teaching and revolutionary research amidst a highly collaborative environment that surpasses traditional academic boundaries. Students graduating from these programs have a solid foundation in Mechanical Engineering with enriching career opportunities in industries, research laboratories and academia.
Program List :
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Course Details :
  • Program Duration: 12-15 months
  • Admission Semester: Fall

Conclusion

Top universities offering Mechanical Engineering in the USA are some of the most prestigious academic institutes in the world. These universities offer graduate and PhD programs in Mechanical Engineering which are technical and research-intensive, providing a solid professional foundation for students. In this blog, we have reviewed the top 10 universities that offer Master's and Doctoral programs in Mechanical Engineering in the USA with all the necessary details. We hope this comprehensive blog value adds to your quest for higher studies in the US.As you pursue your education in the US, you must also benefit from the travel and leisure opportunities this country offers for international students. Click on the link below to check out the best places to visit in the USA.