Why a master's degree in mechanical engineering at Binghamton University?
- Top-ranked SUNY school
- Curriculum that develops strong technical skills
- Outstanding and collaborative faculty
- State-of-the-art research facilities
- Internship opportunities
- Career success
Curriculum
The MS degree requires students to complete 30 credits of coursework and a project
or thesis. Students typically complete the degree in 1.5-2 years.
Students must complete 24 graded (A-F) credits to meet the residency requirement (the
4+1 BS/MS residency requirement is 18 credits after completion of the BS degree).
The student must maintain at least an overall B average (GPA 3.0/4.0) for his or her
graduate coursework to be eligible for the MS degree.
Available courses
MS Project Option and 4+1 BS/MS Program
Advanced mathematics course:
-
ME 535 - Analytical Methods I
A survey of important analytical and numerical methods for mathematical modeling
of engineering and scientific problems. Solution of partial differential equations,
including methods for linear equations, separation of variables and eigenfunction
expansions ; review of multi-variable calculus, including vector analysis; selected
topics in linear algebra, integral transforms and numerical approximation techniques.
The analysis methods are introduced in the context of typical engineering applications.
Prerequisites: ordinary differential equations, ME 302. Offered in the Fall. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
One of the following computational courses:
-
ME 517 - Finite Element Analysis I
An introductory course in the finite element (FE) method dealing with the fundamental
principles. Problems solved in the areas of solid mechanics, structures, fluid mechanics
and heat transfer. Use of standard FE software such as ANSYS. Prerequisite: mechanics
of materials or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 541 - Computational Fluid Dynamics
Fundamentals of computational fluid dynamics as they relate to compressible and
incompressible flows as well as interfacial phenomena. The course involves both MATLAB
implementations and the use of commercial software. Prerequisites: fluid mechanics
and differential equations, or consent of instructor. Offered in the Spring. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
One of the following mechanics courses:
-
ME 511 - Elasticity
Topics covered include three-dimensional analysis and representation of stress
and strain, development of governing equations of elastic media, applications of these
equations to two- and three-dimensional problems. Prerequisite: mechanics of materials
or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: ME 211 or equivalent. Offered in the Fall.
3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 514 - Plasticity
Fundamentals of deformation and strength concepts of isotropic materials. Plastic
stress-strain relations, criteria for yielding under multiaxial stress and properties
of the yield surface under loading and unloading schemes. Hardness tests and forging
problems. Elasto-plastic deformation of torsional and flexural members, hollow spheres
and thick-walled tubes. Slip-line analysis for indentation problems, and limit analysis
for frame structures and plates. Finite element theory with applications and practical
programming experience in a convenient FEM code. Dynamic plasticity experimental methods
are discussed. Prerequisites: ME 511 or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 518 - Applied Mechanics for Design
Stress and deformation analysis of structural elements such as bars, beams, trusses,
and plates that are commonly used in mechanical design. The topics include review
of equilibrium, compatibility and constitutive laws, yielding and failure, bending
problems, energy methods, plate problems, contact and fracture problems, stability
of elastic systems, and inelastic problems. Prerequisites: ME 211 or equivalent. Term
varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 520 - Mechanics and MFG of Composite
Course introduces the concepts and advantages of composite materials to the graduate
student and advanced senior students. It covers the nature of composites, mechanics
of composites for analytical approaches to model the behavior of material, and the
manufacturing of composites. Prerequisite: ME511 or consent of instructor. Term
varies. 3 credits.
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 524 - Adv. Mech. Vibrations
Fundamentals of dynamics as applied to mechanically vibrating systems. Equations of motion for systems with multiple degrees of
freedom are developed to determine natural modes of vibration of discrete systems.
Approximate methods of solution, e.g., Rayleigh-Ritz, Galerkin's method, etc.,
are discussed. Vibration of continuous systems, e.g., free and forced vibration of
strings, bars, beams and plates are considered. Numerical approaches, including the
finite element method, are applied to continuous systems. Prerequisite: ME 421 or
equivalent and ME535 or ME533 or consent of instructor. Course is offered every spring
semester. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 550 - Intro To Fluid Dynamics
A foundation for the analysis of inviscid and viscous incompressible flow is developed.
Foundation topics include Eulerian description, material derivative, relative motion
(strain-rate tensor), vorticity, Newtonian fluid model. Equations of motion are formulated,
leading to Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. Potential flow solutions are discussed.
Viscous flow is studied using Stokes, lubrication and boundary layer approximations.
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
Four courses must come from one of the following specializations:
AND
Two advisor-approved technical electives (One of these courses may be taken outside
of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.)
AND
3-credits of ME Project (ME598) or Industrial Internship (ME594).
MS Thesis Option
Advanced mathematics course:
-
ME 535 - Analytical Methods I
A survey of important analytical and numerical methods for mathematical modeling
of engineering and scientific problems. Solution of partial differential equations,
including methods for linear equations, separation of variables and eigenfunction
expansions ; review of multi-variable calculus, including vector analysis; selected
topics in linear algebra, integral transforms and numerical approximation techniques.
The analysis methods are introduced in the context of typical engineering applications.
Prerequisites: ordinary differential equations, ME 302. Offered in the Fall. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
One of the following computational courses:
-
ME 517 - Finite Element Analysis I
An introductory course in the finite element (FE) method dealing with the fundamental
principles. Problems solved in the areas of solid mechanics, structures, fluid mechanics
and heat transfer. Use of standard FE software such as ANSYS. Prerequisite: mechanics
of materials or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 541 - Computational Fluid Dynamics
Fundamentals of computational fluid dynamics as they relate to compressible and
incompressible flows as well as interfacial phenomena. The course involves both MATLAB
implementations and the use of commercial software. Prerequisites: fluid mechanics
and differential equations, or consent of instructor. Offered in the Spring. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
One of the following mechanics courses:
-
ME 511 - Elasticity
Topics covered include three-dimensional analysis and representation of stress
and strain, development of governing equations of elastic media, applications of these
equations to two- and three-dimensional problems. Prerequisite: mechanics of materials
or consent of instructor. Prerequisite: ME 211 or equivalent. Offered in the Fall.
3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 514 - Plasticity
Fundamentals of deformation and strength concepts of isotropic materials. Plastic
stress-strain relations, criteria for yielding under multiaxial stress and properties
of the yield surface under loading and unloading schemes. Hardness tests and forging
problems. Elasto-plastic deformation of torsional and flexural members, hollow spheres
and thick-walled tubes. Slip-line analysis for indentation problems, and limit analysis
for frame structures and plates. Finite element theory with applications and practical
programming experience in a convenient FEM code. Dynamic plasticity experimental methods
are discussed. Prerequisites: ME 511 or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 520 - Mechanics and MFG of Composite
Course introduces the concepts and advantages of composite materials to the graduate
student and advanced senior students. It covers the nature of composites, mechanics
of composites for analytical approaches to model the behavior of material, and the
manufacturing of composites. Prerequisite: ME511 or consent of instructor. Term
varies. 3 credits.
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 524 - Adv. Mech. Vibrations
Fundamentals of dynamics as applied to mechanically vibrating systems. Equations
of motion for systems with multiple degrees of freedom are developed to determine
natural modes of vibration of discrete systems. Approximate methods of solution, e.g.,
Rayleigh-Ritz, Galerkin's method, etc., are discussed. Vibration of continuous
systems, e.g., free and forced vibration of strings, bars, beams and plates are considered.
Numerical approaches, including the finite element method, are applied to continuous
systems. Prerequisite: ME 421 or equivalent and ME535 or ME533 or consent of instructor.
Course is offered every spring semester. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
-
ME 550 - Intro To Fluid Dynamics
A foundation for the analysis of inviscid and viscous incompressible flow is developed.
Foundation topics include Eulerian description, material derivative, relative motion
(strain-rate tensor), vorticity, Newtonian fluid model. Equations of motion are formulated,
leading to Euler and Navier-Stokes equations. Potential flow solutions are discussed.
Viscous flow is studied using Stokes, lubrication and boundary layer approximations.
Prerequisite: graduate standing or consent of instructor. Term varies. 3 credits
Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate
Three courses must come from one of the following specializations:
AND
Two advisor-approved technical electives (One of these courses may be taken outside
of the Department of Mechanical Engineering.)
AND
A research thesis (6 credits of ME599). The written thesis and an oral presentation
defending the thesis must be approved by the student's research committee before he
or she is eligible for the degree.
Three committee members are required for MS defense including the advisor and must
be assigned at least a month before the defense.
Student testimonial
Rebecca Loibl '18, MS '20, talks about why Binghamton was the best choice for a master's
degree.
Scholarship Opportunity
Mechanical Engineering Student Excellence Scholarship
The Binghamton University Department of Mechanical Engineering offers this scholarship
to top master's program applicants. The $1,000 scholarship is a one-time award for
eligible incoming master's students and will be provided when the student enrolls.
Students admitted to the 4+1 BS/MS Program are also eligible for this scholarship.
For more information, email megrad@binghamton.edu.
See the master's program at a glance:
Master of Science (MS) in ME
Graduate Programs in ME
New Students
ME Masters Graduate Orientation Spring 2024
Engineering & Science Building Information
Resources for Current Students
MS - Important Program Details
