MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Troy, NY United States | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Troy, NY United States

The M.S. in Mechanical Engineering is perceived to be scholarly or fundamental and is well suited to students who wish to prepare for a professional career and also to measure their ability to pursue a Ph.D. without commitment of extra time beyond that required for an M.S.

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Qualification
Master's Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2026)
USD 64,400
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
12 months

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's acclaimed Mechanical Engineering (ME) graduate program stands out for its innovative research and exceptional students. The ME department hosts over 150 graduate students from nine countries across three continents, offering M.S., M.Eng., and Ph.D. degrees. The program accommodates working professionals, with many opting for the M.Eng. degree delivered through a hybrid of online and in-person instruction.

The PhD program emphasizes foundational and contemporary research across four key disciplines: Mechanics and Materials, Thermal and Fluids Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, and Dynamics and Control. These are enhanced by interdisciplinary focus areas in Energy Science and Engineering, Materials Processing and Controls, and Human Health and Safety. Prospective PhD candidates can explore faculty lab websites for detailed research topics and potential advisors.

The M.S. degree provides a rigorous academic foundation, ideal for students aiming for professional advancement or considering PhD studies without additional time commitments. 

M.S. candidates develop a thesis on a research topic selected in collaboration with their faculty advisor. Coursework aligns with the chosen research focus. The student-authored thesis requires approval from the advisor and two faculty committee members, followed by a formal defense before the Master's Committee.

 


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

GRADUATE APPLICATION

Complete the online application for full- or part-time graduate degree programs. 

Applicants may apply only to one degree program per term. Multiple applications for one term are not permitted.

NONREFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE OF $75

The application processing fee must be paid electronically after submitting your application. 

The application fee is waived for Rensselaer alumni, current Rensselaer students (matriculating and non-matriculating), employees, and employee spouses.

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Your Personal Statement should address your academic and research interests, and future career goals as they relate to the graduate program to which you are applying. The statement should include relevant academic/research, professional, and personal experiences that influenced your decision to apply to the graduate program. 

The Architectural Sciences, M.S., program with a concentration in Built Ecologies requires an additional and separate Research Proposal describing your research goals and academic plan. The Research Proposal should describe your intended area of research and its broader significance, explaining why this area of inquiry matters. The statement should also address how your research interests align with the work being conducted at CASE, referencing any specific CASE projects that have inspired you and how they connect to your proposed research.

RESUME OR CURRICULUM VITAE

Your resume should include details about your education, employment, and internship history, as well as any pertinent research experience. International students in the U.S. on OPT or CPT should include details about their current activities.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

You will be required to enter two recommenders on the online application. Recommendations should be from your academic advisor(s), professors, research mentors, etc., who can provide an assessment of your likelihood of success at the graduate level in your field of study. 

PORTFOLIO, IF REQUIRED BY DEPARTMENT

Architecture, Built Ecologies, and Electronic Arts only. 

Critical Game Design M.S./Ph.D. requires examples of prior work (e.g.: portfolio, project samples). 

TRANSCRIPTS AND DEGREES

Transcripts and Degrees must be in English (all post-secondary education, including transcript keys). 

Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your graduate application. The minimum requirement for admission consideration is the completion and award of a four year U.S. bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, by the time of planned enrollment. 

GRE/GMAT SCORES

Required for Management, Ph.D. 

Optional for all other degree programs. Strongly recommended for all Computer Science and Cognitive Science programs. The GRE Institution code is 2757. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (ONLY)

Applicants possessing a valid Green Card will be considered as a domestic student for purposes of admission and financial aid. 

The TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE is required of all international applicants whose native language is not English.

Tuition USD 64,400
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