Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering 

UT Dallas MS in Mechanical Engineering Program Overview

The MS in Mechanical Engineering program at UT Dallas prepares students for high-impact careers across a wide range of fields, including automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing and nanotechnology. 

Our flexible, research-driven program offers rigorous coursework, hands-on experience, and opportunities for specialization in cutting-edge areas. Whether you’re looking to advance in industry or pursue a PhD, UT Dallas provides the foundation you need to succeed. 

Located in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, one of the country’s fastest-growing engineering hubs, students benefit from close connections with top employers and access to a robust job market. 

UT Dallas MS MECH Highlights 

• 33 credit hours 
• Thesis and non-thesis options available 
• Choose from four technical concentration areas 
• Access to advanced labs and research facilities 
• Fast-track program available for UTD undergraduates 

Mechanical Engineering Career Opportunities and Salary Outlook 

A master’s in mechanical engineering opens doors to leadership roles in engineering, design, research and development. UT Dallas MS MECH graduates are prepared to succeed in a variety of industries such as: 

• Energy and Power Systems
• Manufacturing and Automation
• Automotive and Transportation
• Technology and Semiconductors
• HVAC and Building Systems
• Aerospace and Defense

These industries all contribute to the strong DFW job market and include companies such as ExxonMobil, Texas Instruments, General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Carrier, Lockheed Martin, Bell Textron, Raytheon, Siemens, Jacobs, Caterpillar, Johnson Controls, and Peterbilt Motors, and many others.

In roles like:  

• Mechanical Design Engineer 
• R&D Engineer 
• Thermal/Fluids Engineer 
• Robotics or Automation Engineer 
• Systems Engineer 
• Product Development Engineer 
• Aerospace Engineer 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 

• The median salary for mechanical engineers exceeds $102,00/year.  
• Advanced roles for master’s graduates can reach $110,000–$130,000/year, depending on experience and specialization. 
• Demand is especially strong in fields like robotics, renewable energy, biomedical devices and smart manufacturing. 

Program Format  

The master of science in mechanical engineering requires 33 semester credit hours and is available
in thesis and non-thesis tracks.

• Twelve hours are Mechanical Engineering core courses are requred for the non-thesis option. The remaining hours are technical electives and must include an approved experiential component. The experiential component can be the Graduate Capstone course, an internship, or research for credit supervised by a faculty member.
• Nine hours of core courses are required for the thesis option along with nine hours of M.S. research and thesis. The remaining hours are technical electives.

Explore the catalog and degree plan. 

Mechanical Engineering Concentration Areas 

MS MECH students chose courses from one of four specialization areas: 

MS in Mechanical Engineering Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS MECH program, applicants should meet the following criteria: 

• Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. 
• GPA: Minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-level undergraduate work. 
  GRE Scores: Optional for most applicants. 
• English Proficiency: International applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the internet-based test. 
  Please note: Applicants who are native to a country listed on this page are excused from the English proficiency requirement at The University of Texas at Dallas.

MS MECH Funding and Financial Aid 

UT Dallas offers several funding options, including: 

• Graduate Assistantships 
• Scholarships and Fellowships 
• External Grant Support 

Visit Graduate Fellowships & Scholarships for more info.