Mechanical Engineering

Field Description

The program emphasizes basic mechanical sciences to prepare students for the diversity found at the frontiers of research and industrial development. The faculty is particularly strong and active in biomechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, turbulence, combustion, thermal systems engineering, multiphase flows, energy and power systems, transport processes in microgravity, mechanical systems and design, control and robotics, dynamics and control of space structures, mechanics of materials and materials processing, materials microgravity sciences and computational mechanics.

The Ph.D. programs provide advanced levels of training suitable for students pursuing careers in research and development, education, or advanced engineering analysis and design. Applicants may apply for the Ph.D. program directly from a bachelor's degree. Doctoral degree candidates must take a qualifying examination in addition to the examinations required by the Graduate School. Teaching experience for two semesters, normally satisfied by a teaching assistantship, is required of Ph.D. students.

Our Master of Science (M.S.) program in Mechanical Engineering provides classroom training and experience with research methodology at one of the premier research universities in the world. Our graduates find that their Cornell training and the resulting M.S. degree prepares them to succeed in industry, government, and academia. Please note there is no financial support available to students in this program—it is self-paid by the student.

The professional degree of Master of Engineering (Mechanical) provides a one-year course of study for those who want to develop a high level of competence in current technology and engineering design and who plan to practice engineering in industry or professionally. The program has a thirty-credit curriculum and requires an engineering design project.

If you are a PhD or MS student, you can specialize in one of the following concentrations:

Biomedical mechanics
Dynamics and control
Energy and sustainability
Fluid dynamics
Micro- and nanoscale engineering
Solid mechanics and materials
Thermal science

If you are an M.Eng student, though the M.Eng. curriculum is flexible, many students choose to specialize within one of the following MAE focus areas:

The formal requirements for obtaining an M.Eng. degree are outlined here. The M.Eng. degree is typically self-funded by the student. There are a handful of fellowships at the college level (typically one per field, or one out of ~80 students). There is also partial support as a TA for a small percentage of students.

Application:
Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or the physical sciences. The GRE is not required for the PhD or MS degree applicants for Fall 2025 admission. Admission is offered only for the fall semester, except in unusual cases. Please visit the MAE website for more information.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.mae.cornell.edu/mae
Email: maephd@cornell.edu
Phone: 607 255-5250

130 Upson Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853

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Field Manual

Manual

Subject and Degrees