Skip to main content
Department ofMechanical Engineering

Prospective Graduate Students

SCDI Robot Cut 3

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Our MS in Mechanical Engineering program leverages our prime location at the heart of Silicon Valley and faculty expertise to offer unique, innovative features:

  • Industry advisor initiative – complementing academic advising with valuable insights from industry leaders in the Valley.
  • New AI+X emphasis – empowering students to explore emerging AI techniques while building domain expertise within mechanical engineering
  • Flexible off-hour course schedules – allowing working professionals to balance studies and work effectively

Dual Academic–Industry Advising

Industry Advisor Initiative

The dual-advising initiative complements academic advising with insights from industry professionals, supporting both academic growth and industrial engagement. Each graduate student will be paired with a Faculty Advisor and an Industry Advisor — a seasoned mechanical engineering professional — who will provide guidance on career development, industry trends, and professional growth. Industry Advisors include members from our Industry Advisory Board as well as other experienced professionals from diverse industries across the Valley.

Mentoring

Innovative M.S. Curriculum

The MS in Mechanical Engineering program offers 6 emphasis areas, tailored to the student's technical area of interest and aspiration:  

1. Design and Manufacturing
2. Dynamics and Controls
3. Mechanics and Materials
4. Mechatronic Systems Engineering
5. Thermofluids and Energy
6. AI+X
The new AI+X track enables students to explore emerging AI techniques while developing domain expertise in X—one of the first five technical areas within mechanical engineering from the above list.AI+X

Meet Our Alumni

Graduates of our programs work in the Valley and beyond in diverse industries such as aerospace, autonomous vehicles, semiconductors, medical devices, data science, Internet of things, and advanced manufacturing. Employers of our graduates include Amazon, Apple, Google, Intuitive Surgical, Lam Research, Lockheed Martin, Maxar, among others.

"My career started at SCU, where I worked on a research project addressing a wafer temperature issue for Applied Materials. Ten years later, I’m an Engineering Director at Applied Materials, leading a team in advanced wafer processing technology. I'm grateful for the opportunities SCU gave me."

Cher Chang MS’ 13
Director of Mechanical Engineering, Applied Materials
Pull quote illustration
Pull quote illustration

"The idea for my startup was born at SCU, and now we've raised $75M to revolutionize indoor farming. More than the education, SCU provides the tools, facilities, and support to bring your ideas to life. If you're a future founder, SCU Engineering is the right choice—I'm living proof!"

"The connections I made during my master's program were instrumental in successfully starting my career. My research on energy savings in residential buildings opened doors to internships at national labs and eventually my current role in tech, where I work on energy efficiency in data centers."

Kaleb Pattawi MS’ 21
Mechanical Field Engineer, AWS, Amazon
Pull quote illustration
Pull quote illustration

"The graduate program at SCU allows the flexibility to balance technical engineering coursework with the development of business acumen. The program not only deepened my expertise in these areas but also provided invaluable networking opportunities that have been instrumental in my career."

Ursula Vaughan MS’ 12
Senior Manager, NPI Engineering, Intuitive Surgical

More Features

SCDI night
Navigate here to Flexible Off-Hour Course Schedules
Flexible Off-Hour Course Schedules

Graduate courses are scheduled outside regular working hours, allowing students to balance part-time or full-time studies with their professional commitments

Teaching Assistant
Navigate here to Teaching Assistantships Available
Teaching Assistantships Available

Financial support is available through teaching assistantships. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in faculty-led research projects

SCDI
Navigate here to No GRE Required & Application Fee Waiver
No GRE Required & Application Fee Waiver

To learn more and receive an application fee waiver, schedule an individual consultation with a faculty advisor or join our next Virtual Info Session

Join Virtual Info Session
Individual Consultation

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Quarter 2025: March 14, 2025 (Domestic) | January 1, 2025 (International)
  • Fall Quarter 2025: August 1, 2025 (Domestic) | June 1, 2025 (International)

Follow our LinkedIn Logo page for the latest updates and achievements from our students, alums, and faculty!
For inquiry, contact us at mech-info@scu.edu.

Learn more about our Mission Statement, Student Learning Outcomes, and MS degree requirements.