Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics

Master's Program Options

Master’s Home Program Policies Research Tracks Current Student Resources

Program Oversight and Advising

Expert faculty and staff work closely with MEAM Master’s students, guiding them through academic, research, and career opportunities.

MEAM Graduate Group

Made up of select University of Pennsylvania faculty, the MEAM Graduate Group oversees MEAM’s graduate programs and students.

See the MEAM Graduate Group

Faculty Advisor

The MEAM faculty advisor works with their students to develop a program of study and provides guidance on students’ academic interests.

See MEAM Faculty

Graduate Program Coordinator

The MEAM Graduate Program Coordinator helps students navigate the program’s curriculum and requirements, as well as Penn’s resources.

Contact the MEAM Graduate Program Coordinator

Curriculum Plan Options

The MEAM Master’s Program is designed to take 2 academic years (4 semesters) to complete. Students usually follow one of the three course plans for their programs.

  • Semester 1 (Fall): 3 CUs + MEAM 6990
  • Semester 2 (Spring): 3 CUs
  • Summer: Internship* or Rest
  • Semester 3 (Fall): 3 CUs + MEAM 6990
  • Semester 4 (Spring): 1 CU**

*Requires CPT for International Students
**Requires RCL for International Students

  • Semester 1 (Fall): 3 CUs + MEAM 6990
  • Semester 2 (Spring): 3 CUs
  • Summer: Internship* or Rest
  • Semester 3 (Fall): 2 CUs + EAS 8960**
  • Semester 4 (Spring): 2 CUs***

*Requires CPT for International Students
**EAS 8960 counts towards full-time status and the MEAM Seminar Requirement
***Requires RCL for International Students

  • Semester 1 (Fall): 3 CUs + MEAM 6990
  • Semester 2 (Spring): 3 CUs
  • Summer: Internship* or Rest
  • Semester 3 (Fall): Full Time Internship**
  • Semester 4 (Spring): 4 CUs + MEAM 6990

*Requires CPT for International Students
**Requires Leave of Absence for Domestic Students; Requires AFS for International Students

The MEAM Seminar Series

MEAM MSE Student Handbook

The MEAM research seminars help expand the scope and learning for MEAM Master’s students:

  • The seminar showcases state-of-the-art research in mechanical engineering, exposing students to the latest issues and research questions in the field, including those outside of students’ specific or direct research interests.
  • The seminar introduces students to scholars and representatives from other institutions and companies.
  • The seminars are an excellent opportunity to get together as a department. MEAM students can meet other graduate students and faculty members in attendance.

All full-time MEAM Master’s and Accelerated Master’s 4+1 students must attend two semesters of the MEAM Seminar (MEAM 6990).

  • Students may attend and count select MEAM events, including PhD Dissertation and Master’s Thesis defenses towards MEAM 6990. Students should refer to the MEAM 6990 syllabus for details.
  • Students may attend and count up to two non-MEAM seminars towards MEAM 6990. Students should refer to the MEAM 6990 syllabus for details.
  • Any exceptions to the MEAM Seminar requirement will be handled by petition (this includes exceptions for students doing the MEAM MSE program part time). MEAM MSE students may submit a petition using the MEAM MSE Academic Program Request Form.

 

Students should refer to the MEAM Master’s Handbook and the MEAM 6990 syllabus for the complete list of policies.

  • We strongly recommend that students take MEAM 6990 at least once during their first year of study.
  • Students may count EAS 8960: Professional Master’s Career Development once towards the MEAM Seminar Requirement.

Program Options

Penn Engineering offers students pathways to maximizing their learning opportunities while enrolled at Penn or at a partnering school.

Dual Programs

MEAM master’s students may enroll in a Dual Degree or Major program with another program or school at Penn.

Learn More

Accelerated Master's (4+1)

Outstanding undergraduates at Penn and participating schools may begin earning the MEAM MSE degree while still in their undergraduate programs.

Learn More

Career Development Support

MEAM Master’s students are encouraged to look for work opportunities and build up their career profiles.

MEAM Career Development Series

We connect students with career services on campus and with MEAM alumni. We also provide complementary career development resources.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

International students may do off-campus internships after completing one full academic year of study through CPT.

Learn More

Academic Field Study (AFS)

International students may do their third semester as a full-time, off-campus internship through AFS.

Learn More