Mechanical Engineering

Department Code
M E
Interdepartmental Program
No
Master the principles of mechanical systems and engineering innovation with Iowa State University's Mechanical Engineering graduate program. Our program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in industry, research, and academia. Collaborate closely with renowned faculty on cutting-edge studies in areas such as robotics, advanced materials, renewable energy systems, fluid mechanics, and biomechanics.
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We want to thank you for the opportunity to learn about your career goals and research interests and to highlight how our program can meet your needs. The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) offers two major research degrees: a master of science (M.S.) or a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). Our graduate programs offer you the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research directed at addressing global needs that positively impact society and individual lives. You will work closely with our accomplished faculty in state-of-the-art facilities to achieve scientific breakthroughs and innovative engineering solutions in core ME disciplines. The professional independence, creativity and leadership you will explore in our program will provide you with a rewarding educational experience highly sought after by industry and academia.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)
  • Online Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)

Area(s) of Specialization: (may appear on ISU transcripts after graduation)

  • Predictive Plant Phenomics (Ph.D.)

Area(s) of Emphasis:

  • Bioengineering
  • Cyberphysical Systems and AI
  • Complex Fluids
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Energy and Sustainability

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.6 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.0 years (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to demonstrate a deep understanding and expertise in one or more focus areas of Mechanical Engineering.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to develop and demonstrate a strong theoretical and/or experimental and/or computational background through their research projects.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to discuss and apply an understanding of the current literature in mechanical engineering and related disciplines.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to identify fundamental research problems and propose innovative solutions to these problems.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to plan and execute an original research project, analyze the relevant findings, and organize their results into a coherent argument.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to organize research findings into a coherent thesis and will produce scholarship (articles and/or books and/or conference paper) that appear in peer-reviewed venues.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to present and defend their research findings effectively through oral and written presentations and through the development of supporting materials.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to effectively communicate in written, verbal, and nonverbal methods to a broad range of audiences, including the ability to describe complex and technical materials or concepts.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to demonstrate an understanding of current societal issues, particularly related to the mechanical engineering field.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct.
  • Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct.
515-294-0838

Bri Enearl

megradapp@iastate.edu
If you do not have the ability to upload supplemental materials to your application please email a PDF to megradapp@iastate.edu. Please no paper materials.

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Research based MS and PhD degree February 7 for Fall Admissions and September 1 for Spring Admissions; Coursework only M. Eng. Degree July 15 for Fall and December 1 for Spring admissions. For full consideration, all materials must be submitted by the deadline.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

 

Graduate Admissions Application Information 

 

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 79
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Degree Specialization
Online Degree Information
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
shrotriy@iastate.edu
Program Staff
benearl@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
shrotriy@iastate.edu
Interdepartmental Program
No
At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.
Energy systems engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with several other departments, offers a masters degree in Energy Systems Engineering. ESE is an interdisciplinary major. The Master of Engineering is available online. One of the challenges facing society in the 21st century is providing sustainable energy for a growing world population. Widely reported warnings have emphasized the need to develop new sources of energy, while at the same time preventing or reversing the degradation of the environment. Energy systems are pervasive, affecting nearly every aspect of society. The increasing complexity of these systems, along with increasing environmental constraints, requires practicing professionals in the field that have knowledge, skills and abilities specific to energy system design, evaluation, construction and management. At ISU we are dedicated to your success as a graduate student. As a first step, we have collected information on application requirements as well as links where you can find further information. We encourage you to explore.


Degrees Offered:

  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Online Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Certificate

 

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the master’s: 2.5 years (Methods)
Program Degrees Offered

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate a broad knowledge in the field of Energy Systems Engineering.
  • Develop and demonstrate through their coursework a deep understanding and expertise in one or more areas of Energy Systems Engineering.
  • Discuss and apply an understanding of the current literature in Energy Systems Engineering and related disciplines
  • Understand and be able to identify their post-graduation career options: industrial, entrepreneurial and academic.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct
515-294-0913

Energy Systems Engineering

energyminor@iastate.edu
If you do not have the ability to upload supplemental materials to your application, please email a PDF to energyminor@iastate.edu. Please no paper materials.

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

January 15 for Fall Admissions and September 1 for Spring Admissions; For full consideration, all materials must be submitted and part of your application file by the deadline.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Additional Materials Needed: resume, and transcripts.
  • Required qualifications: Admission is contingent upon having a Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering OR Bachelors of Science degree, non-Engineering with 11 semester credits in math (through differential equations) and 16 semester credits in physics, chemistry and engineering sciences.
  • A GPA of 3.0 or equivilent as well as research experience are recommended qualifications. Students may take up to 9 credits as a non-degree seeking student, so it is possible to begin your studies before formal admittance into the program.
  • International Students - Graduate Application Instructions
  • U.S. Students - Graduate Application Instructions
  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 550
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 80
    IELTS 6.5
    PTE 53
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115
Program Interest Area
Program Department
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
markmw@iastate.edu
Program Staff
benearl@iastate.edu
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