Q: What advanced degrees can I earn in Mechanical Engineering at NDSU?
A: The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers three advanced degrees: Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and a Doctor of Philosphy.

Q: What is the difference between a Master of Engineering degree and a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering?
A: The Master of Engineering degree is a coursework-only program without the research component. The Master of Engineering (M.ENGR) is a terminating program. The Master of Science has a research component and students can apply the earned credits towards the PHD program.

Q: Can I earn a PhD without a Master's degree?
A: Students may elect direct admission to the PhD program after completing a Bachelor's degree. The PhD in mechanical engineering at NDSU requires 90 credits post-bacclaureate and 60 credits beyond a completed masters. Students may also choose to complete a Master of Science degree along with the pursuit of a PhD.

Q: Is the GRE required for admission to the mechanical engineering graduate program at NDSU?
A: While we no longer require the GRE for admission, we do strongly recommend submitting your GRE scores for optimal consideration of assistantship opportunities.

Q: I haven't met all the minimum test requirements, do I still have a chance of getting accepted?
A: The Department of Mechanical Engineering admits 20 to 25 applications each academic year. Admission is competitive based and depends on faculty availability, funding, space and how the student's area of interests aligns with faculty research areas. Students may be admitted conditionally but there is no guarantee that those who meet all minimum requirements will be formally admitted to the graduate program.

Q: How do I apply for the mechanical engineering graduate program at NDSU?
A: Applying for the graduate program can be done on the Graduate School's website. https://acquia.ndsu.edu/gradschool/applicants-ndsu-engineering-programs

Q: What is required for my application?
A: Transcript or Statement of Marks, TOEFL and/or IELTS test scores (international applicants), Statement of Purpose, Three letters of Recommendation. GRE scores are optional but highly recommended to be included.

Q: Where can I find the graduate school forms like the Plan of Study?
A: All the required forms are found the Graduate School's website. https://www.ndsu.edu/gradschool/current_students/forms

Q: How long do I have until I complete my degree?
A: The length of time to complete a graduate degree depends on the type of degree being pursued. Coursework that is more than 7 calendar years old at the time of the final defense cannot be used to satisfy master's degree requirements. Likewise, coursework that is more than 10 calendar years old at the time of the final defense cannot be used to satisfy PhD requirements.

Q: Can I complete a cooperative work experience while earning a graduate degree?
A: The Department of Mechanical Engineering encourages graduate studetns to pursue cooperative education or internship opportunities. Students should notify their major advisor well in advance of starting the work experience to make the appropriate arrangements. It is expected that the student will have completed all coursework and a majority of the research, and submitted a draft copy of their disquisition before beginning a work experience opportunity.

Q: How many times do I need to enroll in Graduate Seminar (ME 790)?
A: All MS and PHD students are required to register for the graduate seminar for 3 semesters per degree. Accelerated masters students are required to register for 2 semesters. Master of Engineering students are excempt from ME 790.

Q: When should I present my thesis proposal for my master's?
A: At least one semester prior to the final defense.

Q: What paperwork is required for the thesis proposal?
A: The department requires the Proposal Approval Page to be completed and submitted to the ME Department. No graduate school forms are required.

Q: What paperwork do I need to complete for the final defense?
A:

Q: What if I fail my final defense?
A: A negative vote by more than one member of the supervisory committee will signify failure of the final defense. With permission from a majority of the supervisory committee, the student may be allowed to defend for a second time. If the second attempt is also failed, any request to reattempt will require the support of the supervisory committee, ME Graduate Program Coordinator, ME Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

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Q: What do the PHD qualifying exams consist of?
A: The PHD qualifying exams are composed of a written component and an oral component. The written part includes three written exams in three areas selected by the student. When these three exams are completed successfully, then the student prepares for the oral exam. The oral portion is held approximately one semester after the written exam. 

Q: What focus areas are there to select from for the written exams of the PHD qualifying exam?
A: The written exams can be selected from the following focus areas:

• One exam covering mathematics and numerical methods. 
• Two exams from any of the following: Mechanics of Materials, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Properties of Materials, Heat
• Transfer, Dynamics and Vibrations, Robotics and Controls.

Q: What if I fail my written exams?
A: If a student fails one of the three exams, they are allowed to retake the exam in the failed subject in the following semester. If a student has failed at least two exams, all three exams must be retaken in the following semester. If after two attempts, the student is unable to pass the exams, they may request a third attempt which requires support of the supervisory committee, ME Graduate Program Coordinator, ME Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Q: What if I fail my oral exam?
A: A negative vote by more than one member of the examining committee will signify failure of the oral exam. With the permission of the majory of the supervisory committee, the student will be allowed to take the oral exam a second time. If both attempts to pass the exam have failed, the student may request a third attempt which will require the support of the supervisory committee, ME Graduate Program Coordinator, ME Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Q: When do I schedule my final defense?
A: At minimum of one academic semester must elapse between the qualifying exams and the final defense. 

Q: What if I fail my final defense?
A: A negative vote by more than one member of the supervisory committee will signify failure of this exam. with the permission of the supervisory committee, the student will be allowed to take the exam a second time. If both attempts to pass the exam fail, the student may request a third attempt which will require the support of the supervisory committee, ME Graduate Program Coordinator, ME Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Q: How many credits are required to complete the Master of Engineering degree?
A: 30 credits of coursework are required.

Q: As a Master of Engineering student, am I eligible for tuition waivers?
A: No, Master of Engineering students are not eligible to receive a tuition waiver.

Q: I'm in the PHD program. Can I switch to the Master of Engineering?
A: No, students in the PHD program in mechanical engineering will not be permitted to switch to the Master of Engineering program at any time.

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Q: When will my degree post?
A: The posting of a graduate degree will be determined based on meeting the required submission deadlines for the research-based degrees. 

Q: How do I participate in commencement?
A: To participate in commencement, students must pass the final exam seven (7) days prior to the commencement ceremony. Registration for participating is required and communicated from the Office of Registration and Records.