Mechanical engineering is the discipline that applies principles of mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and design to create machines, systems, and devices that solve practical problems and drive technological innovation. It encompasses everything from energy production and transportation to manufacturing and biomedical devices, making it fundamental to nearly every industry and essential to addressing global challenges in sustainability and climate change.

No undergraduate major will be specified for admission. Applicants must have completed at least 24 credit hours in science and engineering (3.0 GPA or higher). Adequate background coursework in mathematics, mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer is essential. Provisional admission with required remedial coursework is possible. Students who have not taken the requisite introductory coursework will be required to pass such courses without credit towards the graduate degree to make up for this deficiency. Applicants who have not taken the requisite introductory coursework can be accepted if they have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam in mechanical engineering. Students must submit a transcript, a personal statement, at least one recommendation letter, and proof of proficiency in English (undergraduate degree from a program in which English was the language of instruction, TOEFL, or any equivalent standardized score).
 

In addition to the above requirements, Tulane 4+1 students must have at least a minimum grade of B in Mechanics of Materials (ENGP 2430) and Thermodynamics (ENGP 2120) or equivalent, and their recommendation letter must be from a Tulane SSE faculty member. 4+1 students will normally indicate their intention to pursue the program before the end of their third year at Tulane and will complete between 6 and 12 credits of coursework towards the MS degree by the end of the fourth year. Six of these credits can count simultaneously towards the credits required for the bachelor’s degree.

Students admitted to graduate programs are admitted specifically into either the terminal MS or a PhD program. A student admitted to the ME Master’s program should not assume admission to a departmental PhD program. A separate application is required for admission to any PhD program for a student to be eligible to work toward the PhD degree. If accepted, coursework from the master’s program can be applied towards the PhD degree, subject to approval by the department overseeing the PhD.

We accept students from many foreign countries, including China and India.

The GRE General Exam is required for all applicants. The GRE Physics subject exam is strongly recommended, but not required, for applicants to the Physics Ph.D. Program. The TOEFL exam is required for all applicants who are non-native English speakers.

We have no minimum required GRE scores. We do have a minimum TOEFL score of 80. The test scores are used, along with other indicators such as GPA and recommendation letters, to make relative comparisons of applicants. We look for a complete picture in the application to find the students who we think will fit in best in our department. Test scores are just one part of that picture.

Every applicant is automatically considered for a TA, RA, or fellowship. Most admitted students are offered a TA position. Fellowships are available for exceptional applicants in the Physics program. RA positions may also be available in some research groups.

We usually receive over 100 qualified applications. Approximately 20% are offered admission.

Our staff is not able to provide individual advice or review your qualifications, other than through the admissions process. We encourage you to submit an application and assure you that every application will receive full consideration in due time.

We can accept unofficial TOEFL and GRE scores, such as photocopies of ETS score reports, at the time of your application. We will use the unofficial scores to make the admission decisions. However, if you are admitted and decide to enroll at Tulane, you will need to submit the official ETS scores.

All graduate students are required to carry health insurance, either through the Tulane plan or privately. In the Tulane plan, the student is responsible for paying a 50% portion of their health insurance, which is about $669 per semester. The School of Science and Engineering subsidizes the other 50% of the health insurance premium.

Please see the Research section of our website for a description of the research groups in our department.

Graduate students in the department receive financial assistance through teaching assistantships, research assistantships, tuition scholarships, University loans, and Louisiana Board of Regents Fellowships.

Research assistantships are provided by a student's faculty research advisor and are available at the advisor's discretion. Stipend amounts and durations are decided by the advisor, although the research assistantship is normally accompanied by a tuition waiver.

A small number of summer teaching assistantships are normally available and are usually reserved for students with special circumstances.

Suggested focus areas for the MS in ME degree are:

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (AMM)
This focus area builds upon Tulane’s strengths in materials science, nanotechnology, and advanced manufacturing techniques. With rapid advancements in areas such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), composites, and high-performance materials, there is a growing need for engineers trained in the design, processing, and application of next-generation materials. The AMM concentration will equip students with expertise in computational materials science, mechanics of materials, and modern manufacturing techniques, preparing them for careers in industries such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy sectors.

Thermal Systems (TS)
Thermal systems engineering is fundamental to nearly all mechanical engineering applications, from energy production and transportation to industrial processes and HVAC systems. This focus area will cover advanced thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, emphasizing the design and optimization of thermal systems such as power plants, heat exchangers, refrigeration systems, and propulsion technologies. Graduates specializing in thermal systems will be well-prepared to work in industries ranging from aerospace and automotive engineering to manufacturing and energy generation.

Sustainable Energy (SE)
With increasing global emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, this focus area will provide students with expertise in renewable energy technologies, energy storage, and sustainable design practices. Topics will include solar power, fuel cells, battery systems, energy-efficient buildings, and carbon reduction strategies. Engineers trained in sustainable energy will contribute to the transition toward cleaner energy solutions, addressing critical challenges in global energy demand.