Mechanical engineering

The M.Engr. in mechanical engineering is a 30-credit non-thesis program for students preparing for industry roles. The program 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.

A Master of Science in mechanical engineering is also available, emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement. The program is well suited for students pursuing research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.

View the online mechanical engineering graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the Master of Engineering in mechanical engineering will develop advanced engineering problem-solving skills, applying mathematics, science and engineering principles to identify, formulate and solve complex challenges. You will be prepared to design innovative solutions while considering technical constraints, societal impacts and professional responsibilities. Graduates will communicate effectively through technical presentations and professional writing, contributing to engineering practice, scholarly work and the broader mechanical engineering community. 

Program format 

The Master of Engineering in mechanical engineering is a 30-credit, non-thesis graduate program designed to provide advanced technical training through coursework and a faculty-approved research project. You’ll develop a customized study plan with a major professor, complete advanced mechanical engineering courses and technical electives, and present your project findings through a written report and oral presentation. The program emphasizes applied engineering skills, professional communication and preparation for careers in diverse engineering fields. 

Faculty expertise

Students work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• 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.  
• Connect with your program: Funding for Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) students is generally not available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. This degree is designed as a professionally oriented, coursework-based program rather than a research-funded graduate track.
  
  If you are interested in conducting research and developing advanced research and analytical skills, you may wish to consider the Master of Science (M.S.) option for this program, which may offer opportunities for funding through assistantships or fellowships depending on availability and departmental support.  

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

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

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

Find a faculty advisor

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

Program availability

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall, Spring or Summer
  • Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-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 (for applicants with degrees from non-ABET accredited programs). Recommended minimum scores for GRE:
  • 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.  

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.