Idaho State University

What you'll study

The programme builds on undergraduate mechanical engineering principles and offers coursework and research across core areas such as solid mechanics, thermofluids, dynamics and control, materials and manufacturing, and systems design. Students typically choose between a thesis (research) option and a project or coursework-only option, allowing progression toward doctoral study or direct entry to technical and engineering roles.

• Core topics: advanced mechanics of materials, heat transfer and fluid dynamics, dynamics and vibrations, control systems and computational methods.
• Electives and specialisms: advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing, materials science and failure analysis, energy systems and thermal management, robotics and mechatronics, finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics.
• Research and capstone: thesis-based students undertake supervised research in faculty-led labs and produce a written thesis and defence; project students complete an applied capstone project with a technical report and presentation.
• Methods and labs: emphasis on experimental methods, numerical simulation, instrumentation, and data analysis using department facilities and shared research centres.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited institution. Typical academic requirements include a solid foundation in mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics and materials science.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate degree with a competitive academic record in relevant coursework.
• Preparatory deficiencies: applicants with shortcomings in core undergraduate topics may be admitted provisionally and asked to complete prerequisite courses.
• Supporting materials: statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation.
• International applicants: required to demonstrate English language proficiency through acceptable tests or institutional exemption and to submit credential evaluations as requested.
• Graduate tests: GRE scores may be considered where relevant but are not universally required; applicants should consult the department for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s in Mechanical Engineering enter a range of technical and leadership roles. The degree prepares students for advanced engineering positions, research and development, and further academic study.

• Design and development engineer roles in aerospace, automotive and robotics companies.
• Energy and power systems engineering, including renewable energy and thermal systems.
• Manufacturing and process engineering, including additive manufacturing and quality control.
• Controls, automation and mechatronics in industrial and systems integration contexts.
• Research positions in national laboratories, government agencies and university research groups; pathway to PhD study and academic careers.
• Technical project management and engineering consultancy roles that leverage both technical depth and communication skills.

Why study at Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s Mechanical Engineering graduate programme offers access to applied research and hands-on laboratory experience within a department focused on practical engineering solutions. Small class sizes enable close interaction with faculty, and students can participate in multidisciplinary projects linking mechanical engineering with materials, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering and energy research.

• Research facilities: access to experimental labs for thermal sciences, materials testing, manufacturing and controls, plus computational resources for simulation and modelling.
• Faculty expertise: supervision by faculty working on applied problems in energy systems, materials behaviour, robotics, fluid dynamics and computational design.
• Industry connections: opportunities for internships, collaborative projects and applied capstones with regional industry, national laboratories and government partners.
• Graduate support: research assistantships, teaching assistantships and professional development resources to build technical and transferable skills.
• Location and community: a setting that supports outdoor living and access to regional industry, with a campus culture that emphasises hands-on learning and workforce readiness.