Mechanical engineering

The M.S. in mechanical engineering is a 30-credit program emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement, making it well suited if you want to pursue research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.

A non-thesis Master’s of Engineering (M.Engr.) is available for students preparing for industry roles and focuses on engineering practice, design and professional application through advanced coursework and project-based experiences. Current undergraduate students can earn an M.Engr. degree in one additional year and pay in-state tuition rates by applying before completing their undergraduate study.

View the online mechanical engineering graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog 

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the mechanical engineering program will develop advanced problem-solving skills to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering challenges using principles of mathematics, science and engineering. In this program, you will conduct original scholarly research while evaluating real-world constraints and societal impacts. You will communicate technical concepts effectively through professional presentations and written work, preparing you to contribute to industry, research communities and the broader engineering profession.

Program format

The M.S. in mechanical engineering program combines advanced coursework, faculty-guided research and thesis development to prepare you for engineering leadership. You’ll complete a 30-credit program of study, select a major professor and graduate committee, conduct original research and defend a written thesis. Through technical electives, graduate seminars and research experiences, you will develop specialized expertise while contributing new knowledge to the mechanical engineering field. 

Faculty expertise

Mechanical engineering faculty expertise includes:

• Aerospace systems and engineering applications
• Robotics, automation and intelligent systems
• Renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies
• Thermal-fluid systems, including heat transfer and fluid mechanics
• Mechanical design, modeling and analysis
• Advanced manufacturing and engineering materials
• Experimental methods, testing and data-driven engineering solutions
• Applied research addressing complex challenges in industry and society

Connect with program faculty

Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.  

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• Vandal Motorsports Club (competing in the SAE Baja competition)
• Aerospace Club (competing in the AIAA Design, Build, Fly competition)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Robotics Club
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST) 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Funding is competitive and faculty may provide graduate funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs. 

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Mechanical engineering contact: 
Eric Wolbrecht
ewolbrec@uidaho.edu

Graduate Admissions contact: 
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page. 

Find Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty advisor contact

Applicants for the M.S. in mechanical engineering must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration:  Thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates 

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar field
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Yes. Recommended minimum score:
  • Verbal: 151
  • Quantitative: 153
  • Analytical Writing: 4.0
• Letters of recommendation: Two  
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
  • Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50 

Application and admission process

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking a thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.  

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.