Graduates of the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering will know how to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. Mechanical engineers play key roles in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, computers, electronics, robotics, and manufacturing.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the UA Little Rock Graduate School admission requirements, applicants must also meet the following criteria:
- An applicant must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering [1] with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better on the last 60 credit hours. An applicant who has a bachelor’s degree in a closely related discipline [1] with an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or better on the last 60 credit hours may be admitted upon recommendation of the mechanical engineering faculty.
- Standardized test scores: An applicant may submit the GRE test in support of the application.
- English language requirement: International students must satisfy the Graduate School TOEFL or IELTS tests requirements.
- An applicant must submit a statement of purpose (not to exceed one page in length) that indicates the applicant’s intended area of research and desired educational outcomes upon completion of the program. The student should include the courses that are directly relevant to the research area as part of the narrative to strengthen this statement.
- An applicant must submit at least two letters from referees who are qualified to evaluate the applicant’s academic potential.
[1] The institution from which the bachelor’s degree is granted must be accredited by institutional or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the US Department of Education.
Program Requirements
- The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering program consists of a minimum of 34 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.
- Students are required to maintain acceptable performance; all master’s course work must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A student receiving one “C’ in the course work will be warned that his/her performance is unacceptable and that the student will be reviewed by Mechanical Engineering faculty which will suggest corrective. A student receiving two “C’s” will be dismissed from the program, pending review by the Mechanical Engineering faculty.
- The student’s plan of study must be developed in conjuction with his/her project advisor or Graduate Coordinator and filed with the Graduate Coordinator.
Graduation Requirements
- Complete the program requirements
- Pass thesis proposal defense
- Pass thesis defense
Early Entry Graduate Degree
Undergraduate students in their senior year of the B.S. Mechanical Engineering program at UA Little Rock who have GPA of 3.2 can apply for early entry to the MSME graduate program. This allows undergraduate students to begin their graduate career while completing their bachelor’s degree. Please email Dr. Andrew Wright to learn more about our program.