MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA: Universities & Course Details

Engineering is an interdisciplinary course and a major part of STEM courses. One of those fields is mechanical engineering. Being one of the most prominent fields of engineering, mechanical engineers are highly demanded professionals in the USA. Completing an MS in mechanical engineering in the USA can help you secure a well-paying job and build a promising career.

Read on to learn about the various requirements and criteria of studying master’s in mechanical engineering from the top colleges in the USA. Along with that, you will also learn about the job prospects and financial aid available to international students in the USA.

MS in Mechanical Engineering from the US

MS in mechanical engineering is a substratum of engineering. It is a broad discipline that deals with designing, developing and testing mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers focus on creating prototypes and testing them, and providing the relevant reports to the management. They use technological tools and designing software to create these prototypes. Mechanical engineers can master the following skills to give them an edge over their peers:

• Gas Turbine
• Software Test
• Contract Negotiation
• Subject Matter Expert
• Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)
• Machine Learning
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles/Electric Vehicles (PHEV/EV)
• Heat
• FORTRAN
• Heavy Equipment Repair

An MS in mechanical engineering in the United States of America is a master’s degree that qualifies students to take up well-paying roles in various companies. The length of the full-time program in the USA is two years. Some universities offer degrees that can take 1 to 2 years to complete.

Scope of MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA

Studying in the USA is a dream for many international students. It offers opportunities and allows students to live the American dream. The USA is an attractive destination for international students all over the world due to a variety of reasons. Some of them are listed below:

World-class educational infrastructure

With several ivy league universities under the hood, the USA takes pride in its educational infrastructure. Several universities in the USA rank highly in the world rankings. Most of these universities specialise in engineering as their major.

Excellent student life

The student life in the USA is extravagant, to say the least. Life on-campus and off-campus is filled with exciting options that students can enjoy during the tenure of their course. The standard of living in the USA makes up for a whole new experience for international students.

Diverse culture

The USA invites several international students inside its borders every year. Being an attractive educational hub, a very diverse culture can be seen in American universities. Students from all around the world interact with each other and gain exposure to other cultures in the world.

Well-paying job opportunities

Engineers are known to be one of the most well-paid professionals in the USA. Mechanical engineering is one of the most prominent disciplines in engineering is in high demand as well. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the growth of jobs for mechanical engineers in the USA is projected to grow 7% between 2020 to 2030. This growth is almost equal to the national average job growth rate in the USA, which stands at 8%.

Scholarships and financial aids

Since the educational infrastructure of the USA attracts students all over the world, several scholarships and financial aids are provided to international students every year. This is done to ease the financial burden on the student’s shoulders and help them keep up with the standard of living in the USA.

Mandatory Courses in MS Mechanical Engineering in US

Since mechanical engineering is a broad field, the course structure differs from university to university and specialisation to specialisation. However, some of the basic course fields are the same across all universities. They are listed below:

• Engineering concepts
• Engineering mathematics
• Electrical and electronic systems
• Mechanics, structures and materials
• Systems modelling
• Thermodynamics

Specialisations in MS Mechanical Engineering in US

Mechanical engineering has a number of specialisations that can be taken up during the duration of your course. These specialisations help you in studying a specific field further and taking up specialised jobs. The following specialisations can be opted for while studying MS in mechanical engineering in American universities:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Controls
• Design
• Dynamics
• Energy Science and Technology
• Fluids
• Manufacturing
• Mechanics
• Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
• Nanoengineering
• Ocean Engineering
• Transportation Systems

List of Universities offering MS Mechanical Engineering in the USA

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #1
• Research areas: Mechanics, Design, Manufacturing, and Product Development, Controls, Instrumentation and Robotics, Energy Science and Engineering, Ocean Science and Engineering, Bioengineering, Micro and Nanotechnology
• Average annual tuition fees: $109,664
• Scholarships and funding: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, JN Tata Endowment for Higher Education of Indians, Debesh-Kamal Scholarship for Higher Studies, Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarships, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships, KC Mahindra Education Trust Scholarship

Stanford University, Stanford, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #2
• Research areas: Computational Engineering, Design, Sustainability, and Human Health
• Average annual tuition fees: $69,674
• Scholarships and funding: Knight-Hennessy Scholarship Program, Tuition Fellowship, The Ford Fellowship, The Hertz Awards, Nationally Competitive Fellowships

The University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Berkeley, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #6
• Research areas: Biomechanical Engineering, Controls, Design, Dynamics, Energy Science and Technology, Fluids, Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanics, MEMS and Nano, Ocean Engineering, Robotics
• Average annual tuition fees: $26,544
• Scholarships and funding: The Alexander & Ethel Levens Mechanical Engineering Award, The Tan Award, The Guangyi R. Zheng Centennial Birthday Award, UC Berkeley Financial Aid & Scholarships

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #12
• Research areas: Biomechanics & Biosystems Engineering, Controls, Design, Dynamics & Vibrations, Energy, Fluids, Manufacturing, Mechanics & Materials, Mechatronics & Robotics, Micro/Nano Engineering, Mobility, Automotive, and Transportation, Multi-scale Computation, Thermal Sciences
• Average annual tuition fees: $51,972
• Scholarships and funding: Camp Michigania Scholarship, George (William Hamby and Libbie B.) Scholarship, Gavett (George Irving) Scholarship, Harrison (Gus) Scholarship, Verdier Scholarship Fund

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #14
• Research areas: Acoustics/Dynamics, AI and Informatics for ME (AI2ME), Automation, Robotics and Control, Bioengineering, CAE and Design, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Combustion and Energy Systems, Manufacturing, Mechanics of Materials, Medical Physics, Micro and Nano Engineering, Nuclear & Radiological Engineering, Tribology
• Average annual tuition fees: $18,000
• Scholarships and funding: Anne Robinson Clough International Student Fund, Karishma Babu and Vijay Balasubramaniyan Fellowship Endowment Fund, Salgado Family Empowerment Endowment, Vingroup Science and Technology Scholarship Program

California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #17
• Research areas: Biomechanics & Biosystems Engineering, Controls, Design, Dynamics & Vibrations, Energy, Fluids, Manufacturing, Mechanics & Materials, Mechatronics & Robotics, Micro/Nano Engineering, Mobility, Automotive, and Transportation, Multi-scale Computation, Thermal Sciences
• Average annual tuition fees: $121,866
• Scholarships and funding: J. Yang Scholarship/Fellowship, Taiwan-Caltech Scholarship/Fellowship, Research and Teaching Assistantships,

Purdue University, West Lafayette, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #20
• Research areas: Design, Dynamics & Vibration, Fluid Mechanics, Heat & Mass Transfer, Solid Mechanics, Systems Measurements & Controls, Thermodynamics
• Average annual tuition fees: Two-year programme – $42,300; One-year programme – $41,100
• Scholarships and funding: Acumen Global Fellows Program, AFSA Advocacy and Government Affairs Internship, AIER Summer Fellowship Practicum, Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, AT&T Researchers Internship Program

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #32
• Research areas: Aircraft, Spacecraft, Automobiles, Energy and Propulsion Systems, Robotics, Machinery, Manufacturing and Materials Processing, Microelectronics, Biological Systems
• Average annual tuition fees: $63,898
• Scholarships and funding: Nonresident Tuition Fellowships/ Registration Fee Grants, UCLA Achievement Scholarship, UCLA Regents Scholarship, UCLA Alumni Scholarship, UCLA Chancellor’s Blue and Gold Scholarship

Northwestern University, Evanston, United States

• QS World University Rankings 2021: Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering: #33
• Research areas: Advanced Manufacturing, AI and Design, Biosystems and Health, Computational Engineering, Energy and Sustainability, Micro / Nanoengineering, Robotics and Autonomy
• Average annual tuition fees: $54,559
• Scholarships and funding: Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Fellowship Program, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program, Whitaker Foundation Graduate Fellowships in Biomedical Engineering

Eligibility Criteria

Although the eligibility criteria differ from university to university, the general requirements are the same across all universities in the USA offering MS in mechanical engineering. They are as follows:

• 4-years bachelor’s degree in engineering or mathematics or a related field
• Good GRE test scores
• English proficiency test scores – Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0; Minimum TOEFL score of 80 to 100
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Documents Required

The documents required for pursuing MS in mechanical engineering in the USA are as follows:

• F-1 Student Study Visa
• Valid Passport
• CV/Resume
• Work experience, wherever applicable
• Personal history statement
• Proof of income for scholarships and financial aids
• Letter of Reference, wherever applicable

Cost of Living in the USA

The standard of living in the USA is very high. Hence, the cost of living in the USA is high as well. However, the cost of living differs from student to student depending upon their lifestyle, accommodation type, rent and the city where they reside. On average, the cost of living for students in the USA can range from $800 per month to $2000 per month.

How to Apply?

To apply for MS in mechanical engineering in the USA, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Once you’ve researched the course and university you want to study in, go to the university’s official website.
• Select the course you want to study.
• Apply from the online admission portal.
• Upload all the required documents.
• Fill out the application form.
• Pay the application fees.
• Submit the application.
• Most universities in the US reply within 2 to 4 weeks of applying, depending on the quantum of applications. However, make sure you check out the deadlines for applications beforehand.

Job Prospects & Average Salaries of Mechanical Engineers in USA

The USA is a country focused on the rapid modernisation of infrastructure and mechanical innovations. Thus, the demand for mechanical engineers is high and is expected to grow even further in the future. As per Payscale, an entry-level mechanical engineer in the USA can earn an average base salary of $64,327. As per the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the highest-paying industries in the USA for mechanical engineers are as follows:

• Scientific research and development services – $104,260
• Computer and electronic product manufacturing – $97,180
• Transportation equipment manufacturing – $92,650
• Architectural, engineering, and related services – $91,590
• Machinery manufacturing – $82,190

As mechanical engineering programs include a number of specializations, graduates can also work in specialised jobs. A mechanical engineering graduate can earn the following salaries in the following roles:

• Automation engineer – $88,500
• Ceramic engineer – $81,600
• Equipment engineer – $75,200
• HVAC engineer – $78,500
• Marine engineer – $73,400
• Mechanical engineering manager – $98,400
• Mechanical engineer – $81,900
• Mechanical inspector – $83,600
• Mechanical design engineer – $82,800
• Mechatronics engineering – $73,600
• Mining engineer – $71,900
• Nuclear engineer – $86,867
• Pipeline engineer – $73,800
• Robotics engineer – $93,800
• Validation engineer – $73,600

Conclusion

MS in mechanical engineering is a very good option for you if the field of engineering is where you want to build your career. With a number of world-class institutes in the USA, you can choose to complete your postgraduate degree from there. After the completion of your degree, you can work in the USA as well and fetch a good salary package. To take your first step towards securing your master’s in mechanical engineering in the USA, you need the right resources and services at your disposal. We at Leap Scholar are the ones you can come to for expert advice, well-researched resources and help regarding all the competitive exams like IELTS, GRE etc. So, head over to our website and take the first step in becoming a mechanical engineer today!