Mechanical Engineering

The University of Idaho master’s and doctorate degrees in mechanical engineering (M.E.) prepare you for highly rewarding careers on the cutting edge of countless exciting fields ranging from aerospace, computer, automotive, construction and defense to biotechnology, robotics, and energy and thermal systems.

Because it’s the broadest of all engineering disciplines, a degree in mechanical egineering at the University of Idaho provides you with both a big-picture perspective of future opportunities as well as the diverse research experiences required to make the most of them.

Mechanical engineering graduate students at Idaho have the unique opportunity to work in a variety of research areas, creating graduates that are highly valued and recruited by employers. Mechanical engineering alumni have become CEOs, entrepreneurs, astronauts, faculty, physicians, and patent attorneys.

Idaho's legacy in mechanical engineering started 106 years ago and continues to produce some of the world's most innovative leaders. Its strong curriculum and hands-on learning will equip you with the tools you'll need to take your career to the next level, whether it be in the workforce or in continuing education.

Prepare for Success

Cadidates for this program should have:

• An undergraduate degree in M.E. or a closely related field from an ABET, Inc., accredited U.S. program (does not include technical degrees); cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• An interest in lab work and research

Your First Year

During your first year, you should expect to:

• Take specialized courses in engineering, math, statistics, or related topics
• Conduct preliminary research with your primary advising professor
• Choose professors who will serve on your graduate committee
• Work with your committee to plan the specifics of your course work and research goals
• Select your research topic

What You Can Do

The Master's of Science degree is a research-based degree culminating in a master's thesis. Students completing this degree would be well prepared to work in a national laboratory, or in an industrial research and development (R&D) setting. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours, and normally takes 1 1/2 to 2 years to complete.

The on-campus Master's of Engineering degree is a more coursework-oriented degree. A master's thesis is not required. However, all M.E. students must complete a 3-credit design project. Students completing this degree would be well prepared to work as a project manager or project engineer in an industrial setting. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and normally takes 3 to 4 semesters to complete.

The off-campus Master's of Engineering degree is designed for engineers with industrial experience, and a master's thesis is not required. Students completing this degree would be better prepared to work as a project manager or project engineer in an industrial setting. The degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and is completed through our Engineering Outreach program.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is an advanced research-based degree. The results of the research done are summarized in a doctoral dissertation. The research completed in this degree is expected to be original and innovative. Students completing this degree are well prepared to work in a research-oriented position, such as those at national laboratories, industries, or universities. The program requires a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree and normally takes 3 to 5 years to complete.

Opportunities

Mechanical engineering is one of the fastest growing fields of engineering. Idaho's strong partnerships with industry leaders will jump-start your career with industry leaders like:

• The Idaho National Laboratory
• Boeing
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Hewlett-Packard
• Micron Technology
• Stryker Endoscopy
• Intel
• U.S. Military (every branch)

Current Research

Today's mechanical engineering research includes an incredibly diverse list of projects. Currently, the University of Idaho is home to the championship clean snowmobile team, self-guided submarines, and an array of ever-changing projects. Leading research is conducted by undergraduates, graduates and faculty and who work in interdisciplinary groups across the college and University.

Activities

• Engineering Design Expo: Each year culminates with the Engineering Design EXPO.  Students present their final designs to faculty, alumni, peers, and industry sponsors.  EXPO is a signature event for the College of Engineering at the University of Idaho, and exhibits the innovative teamwork of engineering students who have applied theoretically and academically acquired knowledge to an engineering problem.
• Clean Snowmobile Team: Each year students vie to be members of an elite team of engineering students that re-engineer an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise, and then take the snowmobile to the Clean Snowmobile Challenge. Since organizing in 2000, the University of Idaho's Clean Snowmobile team has garnered three first place prizes, in 2002, 2003 and 2007. Over the past nine years, the team has run out of space in the display cases for their awards.
• Formula Hybrid™ Car: One of the department's newest projects that students can get involved with is the Formula Hybrid™.  Students must design, build and compete an open-wheel, single-seat, plug-in hybrid racecar.

Other opportunities at UI include: 

• Graduate and Professional Student Association: Gain leadership experience and represent your department in UI student government.
• Annual Student Research Expo: Compete for cash prizes awarded for graduate research presentations.
• College of Graduate Studies Awards: Share in the annual recognition of graduate students engaged in outstanding teaching, research, leadership, and mentoring.
• Engineers Without Borders: Join the student branch, and use your technical training to serve communities around the world.
• Tau Beta Pi: Receive career assistance and leadership opportunities through this national honor society of engineers.
• Society of Women Engineers: Network and develop professionally.
• National Society of Black Engineers: This is the largest student-run organization in the nation.

Hands-On Experience

Students in the mechanical engineering graduate program have the unique opportunity to collaborate with peers and nationally recognized faculty on innovative research. Regardless of your specialization, you will gain research experience in all areas of the program and conduct laboratory experiments with personal mentorship from faculty with expertise in a variety of disciplines.

• Thesis or Dissertation – Substantial original research is required of both M.S. and Ph.D. students, under supervision of the major professor. Significant and high-quality original research is the principal objective of the graduate degree in mechanical engineering. It is expected that this research be published in peer-reviewed literature as one or more manuscripts. In addition, M.S. students complete a written thesis, and Ph.D. students a written dissertation that must be approved by the students’ committees. The thesis or dissertation is presented at a public seminar.
• Fellowships and Assistantships – Students in the mechanical engineering graduate program are encouraged to apply for a research assistantship and other funding opportunities for student research.

Breakthroughs & Discoveries

University of Idaho mechanical engineers have gone on to do some amazing things. The combine leveler, stealth bomber, first hybrid SUV, and an automated missile silo are just a few examples of the things Idaho engineers have done.

Facilities

INSTITUTES AND CENTERS

• National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology
• Microelectronics Research and Communications Institute
• NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium
• Center for Intelligent Systems Research

Online & Outreach

Engineering Outreach

The University of Idaho’s Engineering Outreach program, founded in 1975, uses video production, satellite broadcasts, compressed video conferencing, and the Internet to deliver graduate programs, certificates of completion, and courses for professional development to more than 400 students worldwide each semester.

Faculty Involvement

Complete list of department faculty