Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
Merrimack's STEM Designated degree offers both Master's Thesis or Project Options. Full-tuition fellowships available!
Our master’s degree in mechanical engineering provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently oversee complicated, interdisciplinary projects and work on everything from robotics and prosthetics to rocket propulsion systems.
Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree at a Glance
Mode of Study
On Campus
Est. Time
2 years
Start Terms
Spring, Fall
View Application Deadlines
Credits
34
STEM Designated
Yes
Accreditation
Fellowships
Full- & half-tuition
Scholarships
Dean Scholarship &
Alumni Scholarship
Tell Me More About Merrimack's Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree
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Graduate Info Session & Tour
Sunday, March 23, 2025
from 10:30 am
to 12:00 pm
Explore the Merrimack College community, gain tips on what makes a strong application, hear about our fellowship opportunities, take a tour and more!
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Tuition
Published Tuition
$700 per credit (34 credits). Tuition for 2024-2025. Rates are subject to change.
Average Aid Amount
Scholarships and fellowships significantly reduce the tuition for most of our students.
Average Tuition Cost
After scholarships and fellowships.
Typical Tuition Savings for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Merrimack College offers generous scholarship and fellowship opportunities to offset your graduate tuition.
Presidential Fellowships are 2 years, 25 hour-per-week field placements and cover $23,800, or 100% of tuition.
Provost Fellowships are 2 years, 15 hour-per-week field placements and cover $11,900, or 50% of tuition.
Double Warrior Alumni Scholarships are awarded to all Merrimack College alumni, covering $7,854 or 33% of tuition, for recent graduates (25% for previously graduated alumni).
Dean Scholarships are merit based aid awarded to all students, ranging from $3,000 to full tuition, and average $4,500, or 19% of tuition.
Visit the page below to find all up-to-date tuition and fees information.
Overview of Merrimack's M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Choose one of two options
Master's Thesis Option
Master’s Project Option (a course-based option)
Why Choose the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Merrimack?
IMPACTFUL RESEARCH
This program’s curriculum trains you to become a subject matter expert in mechanical engineering while contributing independently to impactful research. You’ll engage in literature review, research design, experimentation, and the creation of scholarly materials, guided by your graduate advisor and evaluated by a panel of accomplished experts. These technical and research skill sets are important for people wanting to be senior engineers, technical leads or directors, technical area thought leaders.
INDUSTRY ALIGNED
Designed to enhance your skills, this program equips you to excel in the competitive field of mechanical engineering. Through immersive, hands-on experiences and mentorship from expert faculty, you'll develop the advanced problem-solving skills and specialized expertise that set master’s degree holders apart—qualifications highly sought after by top organizations.
VALUABLE NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
At Merrimack, we cultivate an atmosphere that promotes networking and career advancement, and we urge you to form meaningful relationships with experienced, full-time faculty while becoming a part of a close-knit community of peers. Additionally, we offer graduate fellowship opportunities for students opting for the thesis option*, in which students work closely with and in support of faculty research in exchange for a large tuition discount.
FLEXIBLE COURSE SCHEDULE
Our flexible course schedule is designed to accommodate working adults by offering evening classes that allow you to balance your professional, personal, and academic commitments. With the option to take 2-3 classes per 15-week semester, you can manage your workload effectively while mastering the material at your own pace. This structure ensures you can continue advancing your education without compromising your career or other responsibilities.
*Please note that a fellowship position is not guaranteed for all thesis students. All students (project and thesis) may qualify for a scholarship.
Career Outlook: Where Can a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Take You?
This degree can lead to promotions into decision-making roles, leading larger projects, a higher annual salary, and open the door to more opportunities.
Average Salary
For a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Boston
Employment Growth
Salary Difference
Between a B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engineering
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) & Salary.com, 2025
Jobs with a Mechanical Engineering Master's Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Senior Engineer
- Principle Engineer
- Project Leader
- Robotics Engineer
- Product Development Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Energy Systems Engineer
- Research and Development Engineer
Where Merrimack's M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Graduates Work
Walmart
Manager, Automation Engineering
SHELLBACK Semiconductor Technology
Field Service Engineer
Raytheon
Manager, Supply Quality & Development
MITRE
Mechanical Engineer, Intermediate
What Our M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Students and Alumni Say
Listen to student podcast
What You'll Learn in Merrimack's M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Explore Our Career-Focused Curriculum Options
Merrimack’s mechanical engineering master’s degree program provides a versatile framework that accommodates diverse preferences and career aspirations through the availability of two options: the Master’s Thesis Option and the Master’s Project Option. These paths are designed to accommodate various learning styles and professional ambitions, enabling students to customize their educational journey to align with their academic and career objectives, while also fostering technical expertise and mastery in their chosen field. These options have the same first year of coursework.
Below is a brief overview of each option:
Master’s Thesis Option
The thesis option emphasizes academic research and is ideal for students interested in diving deeply into a specific topic within their field. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, students will conduct original research, analyze their findings, and present them in a formal written thesis. This process culminates in a defense before a committee. Opting for the thesis route provides a foundation for those considering further academic pursuits, such as a Ph.D., and hones skills in research methodology, critical analysis and scholarly writing. In year 2, the thesis student will take two semesters of thesis work (8 credits) under the mentorship and supervision of a faculty member.
Master’s Project Option
The project option focuses on practical application, allowing students to apply their coursework knowledge to real-world challenges. Instead of extensive academic research, students undertake a significant project, which may be collaborative. This project demonstrates their ability to solve problems, innovate, and produce tangible outcomes. A final report or presentation is typically required, detailing the project’s objectives and results. This option is well-suited for students aiming to enhance their practical skills for direct application in industry or professional settings.
Key Courses You'll Take
Advanced Mechanics/FEM
MEN 5010
- Study the mathematical foundation of stress analysis and models of material behavior in solid mechanics.
- Learn the finite element method (FEM) and its application to engineering problems involving deformable solids.
- Explore boundary and initial value problems, focusing on the deformation of solids under various conditions.
Instrumentation/
Robotics
MEN 5012
- Introduce kinematics, statics, dynamics, and control issues in the design and instrumentation of robotic systems.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering students.
- Engage in the creation and analysis of robotic systems, applying concepts from multiple engineering disciplines.
Applied Data Science for Engineering
GEN 6112
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Curriculum
View Full Curriculum from the Graduate Catalog
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering Requirements
To see more details about the program, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Skills You'll Learn
Merrimack’s mechanical engineering master’s degree will enable you to gain in-depth knowledge of core engineering principles, design and analysis techniques, manufacturing processes, robotics, heat transfer, dynamics, advanced materials, sustainable design, research and elective specializations.
In this 34-credit program, you will:
Deepen your understanding of core mechanical engineering principles, including thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, or mechanics of materials.
Design and analyze mechanical systems, components, and structures using computer-aided design software and finite element analysis.
Explore various manufacturing techniques and processes, including machining, casting and additive manufacturing, and their applications in industry.
Study the principles of robotics and automation, including control systems, sensors, and programming for automated manufacturing and industrial applications.
Explore the properties and applications of advanced materials, including composites, polymers and ceramics, in various engineering contexts.
Develop research skills and engage in cutting-edge research projects, which may lead to contributions in academic journals or conference papers.
Featured Faculty
Rickey Caldwell, Ph.D.
Chair & Associate Professor, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Dr. Rickey Caldwell, Program Director for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Merrimack College, holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University. His expertise spans dynamics, robotics, vibrations, and engineering education, with published research in the ASME Journal of Vibration and Acoustics.
Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, Ph.D.
Senior Associate Dean of Engineering, Research, and Innovation
Dr. Maria-Isabel Carnasciali, Senior Associate Dean of Engineering, Research, and Innovation at Merrimack College, holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and a B.S. in Engineering from MIT. Her research focuses on engineering education, entrepreneurial-minded learning, and optimizing thermo-fluid systems for aerospace and renewable energy applications.
John Gallagher, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering; Zampell Faculty Fellow
Dr. John Gallagher, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Zampell Faculty Fellow at Merrimack College, holds a Ph.D. from UCLA, an M.S. from Boston University, and a B.S. from Union College. His expertise includes active materials, structural mechanics, and biomedical device design. In 2015, he was awarded the Excellence in Civil Engineering Education Teaching Fellow by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Jamie Kimberley, Ph.D.
Professor, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
Dr. Jamie Kimberley, Professor of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College, holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering and an M.S. in Theoretical & Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on high-rate material characterization, impact mechanics, and damage evolution. He is a recipient of the J.W. Dally Young Investigator Award and the J.O. Smith Excellence in Teaching Award.
Avik Mahata, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department
Dr. Avik Mahata, Assistant Professor of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College, holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Missouri S&T. His research focuses on computational materials science, solidification processes, high-entropy alloys, and machine learning applications for predicting material properties.
Fellowships, Scholarships, and Financial Aid
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Fellowships
Mechanical Engineering graduate fellowships are designed specifically for students enrolled in the Thesis Option in our Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. These fellowships allow students the opportunity to earn hands-on experience as a graduate research assistant alongside an esteemed faculty member from the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences.
The following types of graduate fellowships are available:
- Presidential Fellowships: Provide 100% of your graduate tuition and include a 2-year, unpaid fellowship placement of 25 hours per week.
- Provost Fellowships: Provide 50% of your graduate tuition and include a 2-year, unpaid fellowship placement of 15 hours per week.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Merrimack College offers scholarships for students who are not receiving a full- or half-tuition fellowship. Our scholarship opportunities available to M.S. in Mechanical Engineering students include:
- Dean Scholarship: Determined by academic merit and financial need. Students not receiving a fellowship are automatically considered for a Dean Scholarship upon applying.
- Double Warrior Alumni Scholarship: Available to all Merrimack graduates. Students enrolling immediately after senior undergraduate year automatically receive a 33% discount, and 25% thereafter. Please note that Double Warrior alumni scholarships cannot be combined with Dean Scholarships.
Financial aid in the form of federal aid, private loans, and payment plans are also options available for graduate students. Click the link below to learn more about our scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Application Information for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
It’s easy to apply online! Simply create your account by registering a username and password. This will allow you to start an application, save and log back in at any time to complete it before submission.
A Completed Application Includes:
Important Information:
- Online application
- Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
- Resumé
- Interview OR personal statement
- Contact information for one reference OR one letter of recommendation
- No application fee or GRE requirement.
- If applying for a fellowship, be sure to indicate that on your application.
- Optional: Submit test scores to enhance or support your academic background.
The M.S. Mechanical Engineering has both Fall and Spring start terms.
Graduate Community and Student Support
Discover Merrimack’s vibrant and supportive graduate community! Our Graduate Center, located on the second floor of the McQuade Library, is our hub for student life, resources, and support, ensuring that you get the most out of your graduate experience.
Enjoy the following benefits that are exclusive to graduate students:
A comfortable lounge for studying and socializing
A home base for daily life on campus with coffee and tea, a microwave and a fridge
A venue for programs and services supporting graduate student success
A warm, inviting place to connect with staff and other graduate students
Want to Learn More about the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering?
Contact the Program Director, Dr. Rickey Caldwell!
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way! Please feel free to contact our Graduate Admission team or join us at an upcoming event if you have any questions regarding scholarships, fellowships, financial aid, or the application process.
Programs Related to the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Grad Chat Podcast
In this episode of Grad Chat, we sit down with Diana Castro, an alum of the Mechanical Engineering program. As an international student and a woman in STEM, Diana shares her inspiring journey—from earning a Presidential Fellowship to experiencing hands-on mentorship from dedicated faculty. Now working full-time as a Field Service Engineer, she reflects on how the program prepared her for real-world success. Tune in to hear Diana’s incredible story and her insights on thriving in engineering!
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Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
