Your complete guide about pursuing MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA!

Mechanical Engineering is one of the main streams of engineering that has a wide application in the real world. Completing your Masters or MS in Mechanical Engineering from one of the prestigious universities in the US will set your career on a path to assured success. The course is available for novice and experienced engineers looking for a way to launch their careers internationally and have a degree from a renowned university. Depending on the university requirements and curriculum, the course can be completed in 1 to 2 years. The MS in Mechanical Engineering can also open the doors for you to do research along with lucrative career options.

Why study Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the US?

Institutions in the USA for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering offer a comprehensive and immersive educational experience, preparing students to become leaders in the field. Here’re more reasons why you can consider studying in the USA for ms in mechanical engineering course-

  • US universities offering Masters in Mechanical Engineering are highly regarded for their academic excellence and research-oriented approach.

  • By choosing to study MS in mechanical engineering in the USA you get access to state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and world-class faculty members who are experts in the field.

  • US universities also have a strong focus on experiential learning, offering students plenty of opportunities to work on real-world engineering projects and gain hands-on experience. Additionally, many US universities have established partnerships with leading industries, which can provide students with access to internships, co-op programs, and employment opportunities after graduation.

Mechanical Engineering Courses in the USA for International Students

MS courses for Mechanical Engineering in the USA may differ slightly from one university to another since it is a broad field. Nevertheless, some of the common subjects that you will find in almost all universities are:

  • Engineering concepts

  • Mechanics, structures, and materials

  • Engineering Mathematics

  • Electrical and electronic systems

  • Thermodynamics

  • Systems Modelling

The Masters in Mechanical Engineering specialisations that you can choose from are:

  • Biomechanical Engineering

  • Transportation Systems

  • Controls

  • Design

  • Manufacturing

  • Dynamics

  • Energy Science and Technology

  • Fluids

  • Mechanics

  • Ocean Engineering

  • Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)

  • Nanoengineering

Cost of Studying Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the USA for Indian Students

As we discuss MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA fees , we need to know that some universities charge it semester-wise, while a few charge it based on per credit hours. On average, the tuition fees are approximately 53,000 USD per annum. Living costs include accommodations, transport, and miscellaneous expenses and may cost around 10,000 - 20,000 USD per year approximately.

Read more- cost of living in the USA

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA

International students planning to apply for Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the US should first check the eligibility criteria of the specific university. The MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA requirements may not be the same in every university; however, some of the common criteria are as follows:

  • You must have completed your Bachelor’s in Engineering or any other relevant degree from a recognised institution

  • You need to have a GPA score of 3.2 or more

  • You also need to have a good GRE score

  • You need to clear an English Language proficiency test. If it is IELTS, the score has to be at least 6.5

The documents that you would be required to share with the university are mentioned herein below:

To get a student visa to study MS in Mechanical Engineering in the US, your application needs to be accepted by the university where you applied for the course. Your student visa application must be submitted to the US Embassy. The two categories of student visas available are F-1 and J-1. Students pursuing a course that needs over 18 hours of study per week must apply for an F-1 visa.

Top Universities/Colleges for Mechanical Engineering Masters in the USA

As an international student, choosing from the best universities for Mechanical Engineering in the USA can be confusing since the country is home to several good educational institutions offering the course. However, we are mentioning a list of top Mechanical Engineering universities in the USA that you can consider. This list of top universities in the USA for MS in Mechanical Engineering is based on the QS and THE World University Rankings of 2023.

Name of the University

QS World University Rankings

THE World University
Rankings

Student intake for
2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge

1

5

Dec

Stanford University, Stanford

3

=3

Dec

The University of California, Berkeley

27

8

Dec

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor

25

23

Jan

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta

88

38

Jun/Nov

California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena

=6

6

Dec

Purdue University, West Lafayette

=129

127

Jun/Nov

Sources: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2023
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2023/world-ranking#!/page/1/length/25/locations/USA/sort_by/rank/sort_order/asc/cols/stats

Scholarships to Study Masters in Engineering in the USA

If you find the tuition fees slightly on the higher side, you can opt for a scholarship. You can come across several scholarships for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA that are being offered to students. Some of the scholarships are:

  • Knight Fellowship

  • Quad Fellowship

  • Lechner Graduate Grant

  • Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies

  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation

Job Prospects in the USA after Pursuing MS in Mechanical Engineering

Finding jobs after MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA is relatively easy. The job market for Mechanical Engineers is thriving. Some of the job profiles that you might want to apply to are:

  • Automotive Engineer

  • Manufacturing Engineer

  • Aerospace Engineer

  • Mechanical Design Engineer

Some recruiters that hire Mechanical Engineers in the USA:

  • General Motors

  • General Electric Company

  • Boeing

  • Ford Motor Company

  • Northrop Grumman Corporation

  • Lockheed Martin Corporation

The average salary after MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA is 87,000 USD. However, the salary you are offered depends on the job profile you apply for.

FAQs

  • What is the duration of Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the USA?

The duration of Masters in Mechanical Engineering in the USA is around 2 years if you are doing a full-time course.

  • What is the IELTS score requirement for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA?

The minimum IELTS score you need to apply for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA is 6.5.

  • Can Indian students apply for MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA without work experience?

It depends on the university that you are applying to. For example, some universities may ask for work experience, while many do not.

  • What is the future of Mechanical Engineering in the USA?

After completing a Mechanical Engineering course in the USA, you can apply for high-paying jobs. Securing a job after completing the course is easy.

  • What is the difference between Mechanical Designer and Mechanical Engineer in the US?

A Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing machines, systems, and mechanical products. On the other hand, a Mechanical Designer is responsible for creating technical drawings as specified and planned by a Mechanical Engineer.

  • What jobs can Indian students do after completing MS in Mechanical Engineering?

Indian students, after completing their MS in Mechanical Engineering in the US, can opt for job profiles such as Automotive Engineer, Project Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, etc