- Mechanical Engineering Undergrad Major at the University of Utah
- Pre-Screening during third or fourth year of BS program
- Undergraduate GPA – minimum 3.0
- Research advisor reference (thesis master’s only; list on screening form)
- Incorporate work on the senior design project into the thesis research. Projects begun in Senior Design may form the foundation for the thesis research. This will require some adapting on the student's part. Thesis research must be more in-depth than senior design projects and must be original research that contributes new knowledge to the field. Students expecting to specialize in Design and Manufacturing at the graduate level may be best suited for this alternative.
- Work independently with the faculty advisor on thesis research which is separate from the senior design project. This work will need to be done in the student's spare time, such as during the summers and in lieu of heavy course loads. Students using this option may also participate in UROP opportunities.
- A minimum of 30 semester credit hours must satisfy the Department's requirements for the MS degree (thesis or non-thesis).
- A minimum of 122 semester credit hours must meet the BS degree requirements of the University of Utah, the College of Engineering, and the Department. The minimum number of credit hours for the combined programs is 6 less than that required for the traditional BS and MS degrees obtained separately.
- Due at the end of your second semester of study
- You must have 3 professors on your committee
- 2 must be ME regular faculty (not auxiliary)
- Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted
- Due 7 months prior to graduation – check with Amanda for exact deadlines
- You must list every class that counts toward your degree, including classes you will take in the future
- You must gather the original signatures of your professors
- You must earn a B- or better in order for a class to count
- Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted
- Used to apply for graduation
- Must be submitted to the Graduation Office
- Must be submitted by certain deadlines to graduate in certain semesters
- See the Graduation Office's Website for deadlines
- Deadlines are hard. Late submissions will default to the following semester
- Used to change one or more committee members
- If changing your chair, get the signatures of both the old and the new chair
- Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted
- Used to change/swap courses listed on your program of study
- Due as soon as you know you want to change courses
- Must be signed by committee chair
- Type everything – handwritten forms will not be accepted
- Used to switch from the MEN to the MS or some other degree
- Due 2 weeks prior to the start of the semester
- Must be signed by your committee chair/advisor
- Required for any fall or spring semesters that you don’t register
- Must be signed by committee chair/advisor
- Must be typed – handwritten forms will not be accepted
- International students must take additional steps to avoid falling out of visa status
- Learn about the graduate program, interact with faculty and current graduate students, as well as tour research facilities.
- Join organized activities to see the sights or play in the snow on Saturday!
- Our best fellowships are awarded to the top students who visited us during the weekend.
- All meals and activities are on us!
- Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed for highly qualified applicants.
All PhD applicants interested in attending should complete the Graduate Visitation Weekend application. Please note that students with a BS degree may apply directly to the PhD program.- Fill out the University Graduate School applications for admission according to the instructions on our admissions page.
- Complete both applications and submit all supporting documents (GRE scores, letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc) by January 1.
- Arrive
- Dinner with Mechanical Engineering faculty
- Breakfast and welcome from the Price College of Engineering Dean’s Office
- Department of Mechanical Engineering welcome message from the Chair and Director of Graduate Studies
- Faculty research presentations
- Lab tours
- Individual meetings with professors
- Dinner with current U of U Mechanical Engineering graduate students
- Skiing and snowboarding at Brighton Resort
- Ice skating at the Utah Olympic Oval
- Natural History Museum of Utah tour and Top Golf
- Dinner at Red Iguana 2
- You must be admitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program. Please visit the admissions page to view the application requirements and deadlines.
- All newly admitted students and current students may apply for Teaching Assistant positions through the department’s TA application. Please review a description of the TA responsibilities prior to applying.
- If hired, meet with Tiffany Benson to ensure your hiring/payroll information is in order.
- All hired International Students must register for the International Teaching Assistantship workshop by contacting the Graduate Advisor at m.fehlberg@utah.edu with your name, student I.D., course you have been hired for and the name of the hiring faculty member.
- Lab TA’s are typically responsible for all aspects of laboratory sections associated with certain undergraduate courses. Duties may include:
- Setting up experiments
- Conducting lectures to undergraduate students on particular experiments
- Supervising undergraduate students during the data acquisition phase of experiments
- Holding office hours
- Grading lab reports.
- Course TA’s typically assist with course instruction. Duties may include:
- Conducting problem sessions
- Occasional lecturing
- Grading student homework and projects
- Graders have limited interaction with undergraduate students and are primarily responsible for grading homework assignments.
- Full Tuition – to any accredited U.S. University
- A very generous stipend while in school ranging from $25,000 – $38,000 per year
- Supplies allowance – $1,000
- Health insurance contribution
- Paid Summer internships
- Travel fees for internships
- All required student fees
- Be admitted to the University of Utah as a degree-seeking student.
- Be enrolled for the minimum number of credit hours indicated by the specific award.
- Maintain the standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen.
- Be registered with Selective Service, if applicable.
- Not owe a repayment of any Federal Aid to a school previously attended.
- Not be in default on a Federal Student Loan.
Graduate Visitation Weekend Application
February 21-24, 2019 (Thurs.-Sun.)
Submission Deadline January 1
Graduate Visitation Weekend (GVW) is an exclusive and organized event hosted by the College of Engineering. Invitees will learn about the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the graduate program, the University of Utah, and the Salt Lake City area.
Traditionally our best Ph.D. applicants are invited for a campus visit to meet with professors. Note, an application to the mechanical engineering graduate program is a prerequisite to GVW.
Typically, the majority of attendees receive offers for full funding. Plus, your travel expenses (including transportation to SLC, lodging, and meals) are on us!*
For further information please contact the Grad Advisor at m.fehlberg@utah.edu.
*Note: Airfare, lodging, dinner on Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday; lunch and activities on Saturday are provided by the Department. All other meals and expenses are reimbursable with original receipts as long as the student-visitor attends all scheduled meetings, meals, and activities.
Magdiel Student Financial Relief Fund Application
If you are a student nearing completion of your mechanical engineering program and experiencing a significant or unforeseen financial hardship, the Magdiel Financial Relief Fund may be able to help you with grants aimed at enabling you to complete your degree. GPA is not a factor to receive assistance from the fund, and grants may be renewable based on need and available funds.
Preference is given to tuition and those nearest to graduating. Once submitted you will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application. Applications for financial relief are accepted year-round, however decisions are made the first week of class and funds are limited. Click the button below to fill out the application.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: AUGUST 6 & DECEMBER 1
BS/MS Degree
BS/MS Combined Degree (Link to Prescreening Form)
For undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Master of Science (MS) degree, the Department offers a combined degree program intended to foster undergraduate research (thesis option) and to accelerate progress toward the MS degree (thesis or non-thesis option). The program allows advanced students to complete both their BS and MS degrees in five years, one year earlier than if the degrees were done separately. This gives students an advantage in the job market by providing them with more training, an advanced degree, more research experience (thesis option), and increased earning potential.
M.S. Thesis option
For undergraduate students interested in the vigorous pursuit of research, students are pre-screened to participate in the BS/MS-thesis program in the second semester of their junior year and need to begin doing research in a lab as soon as possible. During the senior year, 2 of the 4 undergraduate technical electives are taken at the graduate level and are counted toward the MS degree. This means the BS degree is shortened by 6 credit hours. The students also use their senior year to work on their independent thesis research. Then, during the final year (the 5th year of a 4-year BS degree), students finish their graduate coursework and research and defend their thesis. At the end of the program, students graduate with their BS and MS simultaneously. This is the best option for students intending to advance to a PhD program or pursue research-oriented positions in industry. Students need a faculty advisor to be admitted as a thesis Master's student. This option may take longer than one extra year to complete depending on at what point the student started their research and how long it takes to complete and defend the thesis.
M.S. Non-Thesis option
For undergraduate students not interested in pursuing research, the MS Non-Thesis option provides an in-depth educational experience in a specific area of interest and more breadth at an advanced level in mechanical engineering through courses in complementary areas. Students may be pre-screened for participation in this program as early as junior year and as late as the first semester of their senior year. During the senior year, 2 of the 4 undergraduate technical electives are taken at the graduate level and are counted toward the MS degree. This means the BS degree is shortened by 6 credit hours. At the end of the program, students must complete an exit interview with the Graduate Advisor and they graduate with their BS and MS simultaneously.
Financial Aid Opportunities
Students in the BS/MS Program may receive financial support in the form of an hourly position during the fourth year. After students are admitted to the Graduate School and classified as an MS student, they may receive funding as a research or teaching assistant or grader and are eligible for the University of Utah Tuition Benefit Program.
Program Requirements
To be accepted into the BS/MS Program, students must meet the following requirements:
Research
Students are encouraged to begin their research work for the MS-thesis degree during the summer between their third and fourth years of the four-year undergraduate program or sooner. Research work may be incorporated into the Senior Capstone Design Sequence. Examples of potential ways to combine research and other course requirements during the senior year are given below.
Other BS/MS Program Policies
All policies and procedures for the MS degrees also apply to BS/MS students. Please see that section for further details. Students complete a minimum of 152 semester credit hours of qualified study for both degrees:
The only graduate degree that students may pursue in the combined program is the Master of Science (thesis or non-thesis). Courses listed at both the 5000 and 6000 level must be taken at the 6000 level if they are to be applied to the MS degree (see Director of Graduate Studies for exceptions). Students must take a minimum of 6 credit hours of graduate credit the senior year. They may take up to a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate credit. Transfer from undergraduate to graduate status occurs after completion of the BS degree requirements and admission to the Graduate School. A student is eligible for the Tuition Benefit Program administered by the Graduate School after graduate status is conferred. Both the BS and MS degrees are conferred simultaneously following completion of the program. No student will be awarded a separate MS degree without satisfying all requirements for the BS degree. Students wishing to exit the combined program can apply qualified coursework toward the traditional BS and MS degree requirements without penalty but wouldn't get the benefit of counting the graduate courses taken as an undergraduate towards the MS degree unless they took more than 4 total technical electives needed for their BS degree (would need to fill out a petition for graduate credit to use extra courses for a future Master's degree).
More Information
For more information about this program from the graduate end, please visit the graduate academic program to learn more! Official participation in the BS/MS program is contingent on the student being admitted to the University of Utah Graduate School.
Master of Engineering Forms
Warning! This degree is being discontinued!
Request for Supervisory Committee
Program of Study
Application for Graduation
Request to Change Committee Form
Amendment to Program of Study
Change of Degree Program
Request for Leave of Absence
University Polices and Grad Handbook
University Policies
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Requirements
Current graduate students are responsible for adhering to the policies set forth by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the University of Utah. Please review our Graduate Handbook for policies and procedures in Mechanical Engineering.
Grad Visitation Weekend
Grad Visitation Weekend
We will be conducting next year’s visit mid-late February 2026 (Thursday to Sunday). Check back for more details.
If you’re selected, we will notify you by the end of January and provide you with further instructions.
Contact Information:
Mark Fehlberg, Director of Graduate Studies
Phone: (801) 585-9293
Fax: (801) 585-9826
Email: m.fehlberg@utah.edu
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Your choice of:
Financial Information
Financial Information
Graduate students in Mechanical Engineering receive financial support from several different sources including assistantships, tuition waivers, scholarships and financial aid.
Assistantships
Assistantships are paid appointments awarded on a semester or annual basis to qualified graduate students. Assistantships are highly sought after because of the number of benefits it can provide such as relevant research/work experience, expansion of networks, flexible schedule, and financial assistance.
How to Apply
Teaching Assistants (TA’s)
Teaching assistants work in various capacities, as lab TA’s, course TA’s and graders. TA’s work closely with faculty to make sure that the students are getting the most out of the lab or course.
Research Assistants (RA’s)
RA’s are paid from grant funds to do research under the direction of a professor. Availability of research funds varies from semester to semester and new graduate students are strongly encouraged to discuss potential research areas with members of the faculty involved in areas of the student’s interest.
Graduate Research Assistants (GR’s)
GR’s also work on research under the direction of a professor, but instead of being paid from a grant are paid from start-up funds. GR’s do the same work as RA’s and are paid the same amounts.
Graduate Fellows (GF’s)
GF’s are doctoral students conducting research under the direction of a professor (faculty advisor) of their choice, unless specified by the grant. Graduate fellows function similarly to graduate assistants with more flexibility to select a faculty advisor and research project.
Tuition Benefit Program
Students who are hired for an assistantship position (i.e., TA, RA, GR, GF) are eligible for a tuition waiver from the Graduate School. The tuition waiver is determined according to the stipend amount a student is offered for a semester (see the Graduate School’s Tuition Benefit Guidelines for rates). Students on tuition benefit receive resident tuition. Tuition benefit is not granted to students receiving less than $5,000 of support for the semester. The required minimum support level is annually indexed to general salary increases to prevent gradual erosion of established graduate student salaries and stipends. TBP does not cover differential tuition, audited classes, undergraduate classes or CR/NC classes. See the Graduate School’s Website for further details.
Fellowships & Scholarships
Selection Criteria is based on GRE scores, references, and academic achievement. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to be eligible for the following fellowships. Please complete your application for admission by January 1. Please check the deadlines for each fellowship, as some may have deadlines that are even earlier than the department deadline. Scholarship Bulletin
College of Engineering Fellowships
Each year the University of Utah College of Engineering distributes several 1-year scholarships or fellowships to the most highly qualified incoming PhD students in the college. Students do not apply for these scholarships themselves; rather, the chairs of the various engineering departments make recommendations to the college scholarship selection committee based on the quality of the student’s graduate school application. Recipients of these awards typically receive $15,000 during their first year, which is matched by $15,000 from the department. The cost of tuition is also waived for these individuals.
The University of Utah College of Engineering Fellowships Office is designed to help you find, compete for, and win national and international fellowships and scholarships. (Note: For information on local / university scholarships, check out the COE scholarships website.) Within these pages, you will find a database of opportunities, guidance on how to build a winning application, as well as information on upcoming events and a list of previous winners.
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Available to undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and incoming freshmen who have at least one parent who graduated from the University of Utah and whose parent or grandparent holds a current dues-paying membership in the Alumni Association. For more information visit the Alumni Association Scholarships page.
University of Utah Graduate Fellowships
Smart Scholarship Program (DOD)
The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is funded by the Department of Defense (DoD). It is a combined educational and workforce development opportunity for bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. students to gain technical skills in critical STEM fields and support the national security mission of DoD.
This is a highly competitive, national program, open to U.S. citizens only. The SMART program will pay all educational costs and a stipend while in school from as little as one (1) term up to 5 years. Specifically, the program pays for:
For more information, see the SMART Scholarship webpage at http://smart.asee.org. The application deadline is December 1.
Emergency Aid & Loans
Magdiel Student Financial Relief Fund
Available to: If you are a student nearing completion of your mechanical engineering program and experiencing a significant or unforeseen financial hardship, the Magdiel Financial Relief Fund may be able to help you with grants aimed at enabling you to complete your degree. GPA is not a factor to receive assistance from the fund, and grants may be renewable based on need and available funds.
Please complete and submit the Application. Preference is given to tuition and those nearest to graduating. Once submitted you will be contacted via email regarding the status of your application. Applications for financial relief are accepted year-round, however decisions are made the first week of class and funds are limited.
The application deadlines are August 6 and December 1.
Provided by: John and Barbara Magdiel
Duration: One academic year
Value: Amount Varies
Number of awards: Based on need and available funds
Ross-Dauncey Student Loan Endowment Fund
The Ross-Dauncey Student Loan has been put in place to help Mechanical Engineering Students by providing an interest free (up to ten years) loan to help pay for school. This loan is based loosely on need meaning applicants will need to have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Successful applicants will also need to complete a Truth and Lending Form (available in 105 SSB).
Apply online
Duration: One academic year (renewable)
Value: Starts at $3,000
Number of awards: Varies
Application Deadline is: August 6 & December 1
Likelihood of Support
Preference is given to PhD students, and then MS Thesis students. All other graduate students are then considered for funding. Most financial aid and fellowships are awarded for fall semesters and typically carry over to the spring semesters. Support Enrollment Form
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Eligible students who are not provided any funding are encouraged to submit a FAFSA application to be considered for federal loans. Federal loans are student aid funds that you must repay with interest. For more information about the FAFSA process, please visit the U of U Financial Aid website. A student must meet the following criteria in order to be considered eligible for Federal Financial Aid:
Additional misc. scholarship and fellowship opportunities can be found at national sites supporting your research area, i.e., NASA, NSF, NIH, ASME, ASSE and likewise.
Academic Program
We offer several graduate degree programs including a Master's of Science (both thesis and non-thesis track options), a combined Bachelor's and Master's of Science degree, a combined Master's of Science and Master's of Business Administration degree, as well as a Doctorate degree.
MS Program
We offer both a thesis-track option (research-oriented degree) and a non-thesis-track option (in-depth emphasis area). Distinguish yourself from the large number of students with bachelor’s degrees by increasing your knowledge, interests, and training with an MS Degree. The Master of Science, non-thesis (MSNT) degree is designed to provide an in-depth educational experience in a specific area of emphasis and to provide more breadth at an advanced level through elective courses in complementary areas. As opposed to the MST, there is no required research component. Students desiring some research experience may construct an independent study contained within a single semester. Students interested in a rigorous research experience or who are planning to pursue the Ph.D. degree are encouraged to pursue the MST. The Master of Science, thesis (MST) is a research-oriented degree. A student who intends to pursue the Ph.D. degree is encouraged to seek the MST rather than the MSNT. The MST Program will provide students with the opportunity to conduct comprehensive research under the mentorship of Mechanical Engineering faculty.
Coursework Requirements
Bachelor's/Master's Program
The BS/MS program is intended for undergraduate students who are interested in vigorous pursuit of research. The combined program fosters undergraduate research and accelerates progress towards the MS degree. It ultimately allows advanced students to complete both their B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years, one year earlier than if the degree were completed separately. This degree option provides students with an advantage in the job market by equipping them with more training, research experience, and an increased skill set. More experience can potentially lead to increased earning potential in a future career. Students are accepted into the B.S./M.S. program in the spring of their junior year. During a student’s senior year, 2 of the 4 undergraduate technical electives are taken at the graduate level and are counted toward the M.S. degree. The result is the B.S. degree being shortened by 6 credit hours. The students also use their senior year (year 4) to get started on their independent thesis research. During the student’s final year (year 5), the student will finish their graduate level coursework, research, and defend their thesis. At the end of year 5, students graduate with their B.S. and M.S. degrees simultaneously.
Coursework Requirements
MS/MBA Dual Degree Program
Our combined MS program with the David Eccles School of Business MBA program provides students with the opportunity to acquire training in engineering and develop comprehensive business skills. Graduates are qualified to manage the transition of new products, processes, and systems from the laboratory to the boardroom. Graduates of the MS/MBA program earn two distinct degrees in one integrated educational experience. In general, students take 21 credit hours in the College of Engineering, 47 hours in the College of Business and a 6 hour capstone project course taught across the Colleges. Up to 9 credit hours appear on the program of study for both degrees eliminating up to 18 credit hours that would be required to complete the two programs separately. The net is a two year MBA and a one year M.S. completed in two and a half years - a considerable time and cost advantage.
Coursework Requirements
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. degree is designed to give students the opportunity to pursue a rigorous in-depth study in a particular research area. Doctorate students are given more autonomy in crafting their topics and designing their research. A large portion of our Ph.D. students receive funding while working closely with our outstanding faculty. Doctorate graduates have the flexibility to choose a career in industry, research, or education. Students may apply for the Ph.D. after completing a Bachelor's or Master's of Science (thesis or non-thesis) degree from an accredited institution. It is recommended that a student pursue the Master's of Science thesis option to prepare for Ph.D. level research.