The M.S. degree is normally only awarded to students who expect to pursue the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering and who do not already have an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering. In general, students who intend to work full-time toward the Ph.D. degree as a final degree objective are admitted to the mechanical engineering graduate program. The degree of Master of Science in mechanical engineering is only awarded to students who do not already have an M.S. degree in mechanical engineering. The degree will be awarded upon request by students who have fulfilled the requirements. Only in exceptional cases is there admission to the M.S. program as the final degree objective. A minimum of 138 units of courses numbered 100 or above, that meet the required master’s program listed below, must be passed with a grade of at least C for completion of the master’s degree in mechanical engineering. All units must be taken for grades, except for courses offered only on a pass/fail basis. The M.S. degree in mechanical engineering is typically completed within the first two years of residency at Caltech. Each student’s program must be approved by the advisor and option representative in mechanical and civil engineering before registering for the course. Required Master’s Program Graduate mechanical engineering core (54 units). These units should provide a solid base for the student’s engineering interest. The courses should be selected from the core subjects list Areas 1-3 of the mechanical engineering Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Description and Requirements section. Mathematics, engineering, and research electives (54 units). Students who have not taken the equivalent of ACM 100 abc are required to take ACM 100 abc for 36 units. Courses may be taken in Ae, AM, ACM, ME, MS, EE, ESE, APh, CDS, CS, ChE, and CNS. Students are encouraged to take research units, ME 300, up to a maximum of 27. Free electives (27 units). These units may be selected from any course with a number of 100 or greater, except that research units may not be included. Graduate Engineering Seminar, AM/CE/ME 150 abc (3 units).

The aim of the graduate program in mechanical engineering at Caltech is to prepare students for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology. The program combines individual depth of experience and competence in a particular chosen major specialty, with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. It strives to develop professional independence, creativity, leadership, and the capacity for continuing professional and intellectual growth.