Innovate

Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (MechE) answers the need for professional skills and talents with rigorous graduate programs that merge depth in fundamental mechanical engineering areas with breadth in emerging, interdisciplinary areas. The department balances classroom time with hands-on research and learning opportunities, enabling students to solve complex problems through innovation and collaboration.

Application deadlines

  • Fall
    • Ph.D. - December 15th
    • Master’s - January 5th
  • Spring
    • Ph.D. and Master’s - August 31st
student works on project - blue light from machine illuminates work station

Doctor of Philosophy degree programs

  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
    The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research and academia. The department’s collaborative faculty investigates a diverse range of research areas like additive manufacturing, air quality, cellular biomechanics, computational design, DNA origami, energy conversion and storage, nanoscale manufacturing, soft robotics, transdermal drug delivery, transport phenomena, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
  • Other Ph.D. programs
    The Department of Mechanical Engineering also offers Ph.D. programs in the form of dual degrees, partnerships, and collaborations with international partners worldwide. Complete MechE’s inquiry form to learn more about the department’s additional Ph.D. programs.
Student works on project in lab at Scaife Hall

Master's degree programs

  • Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
    The MS in Artificial Intelligence Engineering - Mechanical Engineering degree offers the opportunity to gain state-of-the-art artificial intelligence knowledge from an engineering perspective. Today, AI is driving significant innovation across products, services, and systems in every industry, and tomorrow’s AI engineers will have the advantage.
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
    The MS in Mechanical Engineering program allows students to expand their knowledge beyond a typical undergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum. This program can be completed in two semesters (four for part-time students).
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - Advanced Study
    The MS in Mechanical Engineering - Advanced Study program enables students to acquire depth in a concentration while pursuing project-based experience. Students have the opportunity to work in teams on real-world problems and develop a range of professional skills. This program can be completed in three semesters (six for part-time students).
  • Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering - Research
    The MS in Mechanical Engineering–Research degree program is designed for students who want to perform extensive, graduate-level research. The program is tailored to students looking to pursue their Ph.D. or work in industry following graduation and can be completed in four full-time semesters.
women in engineering standing at table

Student experience

Mechanical Engineering graduate students are part of a diverse community of scholars and researchers from around the world. Students are encouraged to develop their professional and technical skills further by becoming a part of Carnegie Mellon’s student organizations.

Student life