Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Introduction
The multidisciplinary Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at UIC is designed to prepare students to develop a strong skillset and mindset, opening the door to higher-level opportunities. Graduates of the program will be able to recognize emerging issues, come up with creative solutions, and design and refine prototypes until they have something that truly works.
Students have the option of combining their courses with a research-based master’s thesis or completing their entire MS degree through coursework.
How to Apply
Admissions
In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements. The requirements listed below are current as of Spring 2026. To view the latest admission requirements, please visit the UIC Academic Catalog.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from an American Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) accredited college, university, or equivalent.
- A minimum GPA of 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours of undergraduate study.
- Proof of English proficiency for international applicants (TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE meeting Graduate College criteria).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement.
Curriculum
The curriculum consists of 36 semester credit hours including a combination of 400-level and 500-level courses, some of which must be in the mechanical engineering rubric.
Degree Requirements
Students can choose a thesis-based degree option or complete their degree with coursework only.
The thesis-based degree option requires 12 credit hours of ME 598 with the approval of a thesis advisor. More details about the thesis and coursework-only options can be found on the UIC Academic Catalog.
Other Requirements
- No graduation credit will be given for Credit/No Credit courses.
- Students must get the director of graduate studies’ approval to take online courses.
- All courses must be approved first by the student’s advisor and then by the director of graduate studies.
- There is no comprehensive examination.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to become professional engineers in different sectors of mechanical engineering, with the following specific learning outcomes:
- Acquired technical knowledge and skills in specialized fields of mechanical engineering.
- The ability to use technical knowledge and skills to analyze mechanical systems.
- The capability of designing new approaches to solving technical problems in mechanical engineering.
- Effective communication of solutions to an engineering problem or research project, in both oral and written form.
Top companies where our alumni have been hired:
- International
- Siemens Digital Industries Software
- AbbVie
- SAI Advanced Power Solutions, Inc.
- U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory
- Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America
- Tesla
- BorgWarner
- Alcon
- Retina Robotics
- Ferrara
- American Honda Motor Company, Inc.
- UI Health
- Hyatt Regency
- Baumann Consulting
- Roche
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to more frequently asked questions, please visit our Graduate Admissions FAQ page.
What is the application deadline if I want to be considered for funding?
The deadline for applicants who want to be considered for funding can be found on the Graduate College website.
Is admission to the PhD program guaranteed after completing an MS in Mechanical Engineering?
Admission to the PhD program is not automatic for students completing their MS degree in the department. Master’s students who desire to continue on to the PhD program must see the department’s graduate coordinator for more information.
Is there anything I should know as a non-degree applicant?
Non-degree applicants may be admitted for no more than 8 semester hours.
Hear From Our Students and Alumni
UIC provided diverse experiences while I obtained my engineering degree. I was a TA for eight semesters in ME 250, helping students learn the fundamentals of engineering design. I joined the Society of Automotive Engineers, Vehicle Electronics and System Engineering, and got to learn hands-on engineering.
I also did undergraduate and graduate research, which was extremely exciting. I don’t think I could’ve been exposed to such an array of different experiences anywhere else.
| Automation and Controls Engineer, SpaceX
UIC strengthened me for my future goals with a robust Mechanical Engineering program focused on practical skills and industry partnerships, ensuring I was prepared to succeed in my career aspirations in the field.
| Manufacturing Quality Engineer