Washington State University at Vancouver

Programme overview

WSU Vancouver's Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering develops specialized technical depth and research skills. Students work with faculty on cutting‑edge topics, learn to plan research, analyze complex results and communicate findings through presentations and publications. The School of Engineering and Computer Science offers both thesis and non‑thesis options, and a PhD pathway is available in partnership with WSU Pullman.

What you'll study

Research areas and technical themes explicitly represented in the programme include:

• Computational mechanics
• Robotics and automation
• Manufacturing of aerospace materials
• MEMS/nanotechnology for biomedical applications
• Fluid dynamics
• Renewable energy
• Microfluidics and manufacturing

The thesis track requires a minimum of 30 credit hours comprising at least 21 graded coursework credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, a minimum of four MECH 700 thesis credits, and presentation of research to an advisory committee. Coursework expectations include at least 15 credit hours at the MECH 500 level, six credit hours of additional approved courses, and five additional credits of MECH 700 or 500‑level MECH courses. Up to 50% of the programme may include conjoint MECH 400/500‑level courses. All coursework must be completed with an average grade of B or better.

The non‑thesis track also requires a minimum of 30 total credits and centers on a portfolio of representational projects, a resume, a LinkedIn profile and a formal report. Credit limits include a minimum of 26 graded credits, at least 18 MECH credits, up to nine credits of 400‑level courses, up to six credits transferred or taken at Pullman, and a minimum of four MECH 702 credits. Undergraduate coursework assigned for deficiency remediation cannot be applied toward the degree. All courses must be completed with an average grade of B or better.

Entry requirements

Admission is a joint decision between the WSU Graduate School and the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Vancouver. Applicants must complete two steps: submit the School of ENCS online application and student interest profile (which includes an optional assistantship application) and submit the formal application to the WSU Graduate School. Priority graduate application deadlines are Jan. 10 for fall and July 1 for spring; international applicants and those seeking assistantships are strongly recommended to apply by Jan. 10. The School of ENCS does not require the GRE. International applicants must provide transcripts and degree documentation from institutions outside the U.S. or Canada, and translations plus original‑language records where applicable. Minimum English proficiency scores accepted by the School of ENCS are IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 105, TOEFL PBT 540, TOEFL iBT 75 and TOEFL Essentials 8; scores must be less than two years old and sent directly to the Graduate School. Applicants from specified English‑language countries are exempt from the English requirement. Thesis applicants will be asked for letters of recommendation with a Likert rating scale; non‑thesis applicants will provide the Likert rating scale and letters are not required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for increased responsibility across diverse industries. Typical job titles listed for alumni and completers include design engineer, project engineer, automotive engineer, aerospace engineer, robotics engineer, structural engineer, project manager and research technologist.

Scholarships & funding angle

The School offers an optional assistantship application during the ENCS online application process. Assistantships are typically available for fall enrollment; international applicants and those seeking support are advised to apply by the Jan. 10 priority deadline because availability may be limited. The programme notes application fees are non‑waivable and that questions about financial documentation for international students should be directed to the Graduate School.