Advanced Manufacturing

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
Shape the future of efficiency and optimization in industries with Iowa State University's Industrial Engineering graduate program. Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in operations management, supply chain optimization, manufacturing systems, and healthcare systems engineering.
Gary-Mirka-Lab

Our program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in optimizing systems and processes across various industries. Through a combination of cutting-edge research, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning opportunities, our faculty prepare students to tackle real-world challenges and drive innovation in industrial settings.


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: 

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Human Factors/Ergonomics
  • Operations Research/Analytics

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 4.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.9 years (Methods)

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature a field of study related to IE. (MS/PHD)
  • Create and articulate a research question that, when addressed, will lead to significant contributions to a field of study related to IE. (MS/PHD)
  • Conduct quality research that addresses the research question posed. (MS/PHD)
  • Demonstrate learning of state-of-the-art in focus area (MEng)
  • Demonstrate learning of all graduate level coursework. (MEng)
515-294-0129

Jess Severe

imsegradprogram@iastate.edu
Please DO NOT mail any documents to the IMSE Department. They MUST be submitted electronically as part of your application with the Office of Admissions-- they handle the entire application process for the academic programs.
Mailing and emailing documents to either the IMSE Department OR the Office of Admissions will lengthen the time it takes for the Office of Admissions to receive and/or process these documents.
This could cause your application to be delayed, putting it at risk of being late or incomplete-- ***incomplete applications AND applications received after the deadline will NOT be considered.

Program Homepage Program Handbook

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Completed applications are due January 15 for Fall admission and September 1 for Spring admission.

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:

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
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
Yes
Program offers a Coursework Only?
Yes
Program Director
mirka@iastate.edu
Program Staff
devna@iastate.edu
jsevere@iastate.edu
Postdoc Contact
mirka@iastate.edu
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