Swanson School of Engineering—Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science offers MS and PhD degrees in both areas as well as administering the graduate certificate in Nuclear Engineering which is open to all graduate students within the Swanson School of Engineering. The certificate in Nuclear Engineering may also be earned by qualified post baccalaureate students who are not seeking to also earn an MS degree.
Contact Information
Department Chair: Minking Chyu, PhD
Main Office: 648 Benedum Hall
412-624-9784
Fax: 412-624-4846
E-mail: pittme@engr.pitt.edu
http://www.engineer.pitt.edu/MEMS/
Materials Science and Engineering
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers broad-based educational and research programs in materials science and engineering leading to the degrees of Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy. These programs are oriented toward the application of fundamental knowledge of materials science and engineering to the solution of real-world materials problems that impede technological progress. They are designed to educate engineers, providing them with the tools to become successful in research, development, production, management, and teaching. The department also offered a joint degree program with the Katz Graduate School of Business.
Basic courses on the structure, properties, and energetics of materials are taken in common and through advanced and specialty courses. The student, working with faculty advisors, tailors the program to suit individual interests and demands of the student's chosen field of specialization.
The range of research programs in the department reflects the broad spectrum of interest of the faculty. However, interest in the structure and properties of materials and their relationship to materials processing is a common thread that ties together many of the programs. Research is aimed at building an understanding of basic phenomena that will lead to solutions of materials problems at the forefront of technological and social progress.
Current research programs are centered in several areas of ceramics, metals, and polymers, including corrosion and oxidation; high-temperature materials; magnetic materials; materials for energy applications; metal-forming processes; phase transformations in metals and ceramics; intermetallic phases; plastic deformation of metals; surfaces and interfaces; thermomechanical processing of steels; ceramic processing; sintering science; high-temperature superconductivity; electronic properties of ceramics; ferroelectrics and magnetorheological fluids; nanostructured materials; catalytic materials; thin film science and technology; and laser processing of materials
Contact Information
Graduate Program Director: Jorg Wiezorek
Main Office: 848 Benedum Hall
412-624-0122
Fax: 412-624-8069 or 412-624-4846
E-mail: msegrad@engr.pitt.edu
http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/MEMS/Graduate/Materials_Science_and _Engineering/
Students wishing for more information or application forms for admission or financial aid may write to the graduate director, Jorg Wiezorek, or individual faculty members of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at msegrad@engr.pitt.edu or visit http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/Admissions/MEMS_Graduate_Default/.
Master of Science Program
The Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering degree (MSMSE) may be pursued as either a Professional MS Track program (for practicing engineers) or a Research MS Track program. Students can tailor their individual MS program to emphasize different aspects of materials science and engineering (e.g., ceramics, metallurgy, etc.).
Professional MS Track Requirements
The professional track consists of a minimum of 30 course credits (equivalent to 10 courses). There are no thesis or comprehensive examination requirements for this
degree. Up to nine (9) credits of coursework counting towards the 30 course credits
requirement may consist of non-MSE courses in other Engineering, Science or
Mathematics disciplines that are approved by a student's advisor. No more than
nine credits may be granted to a student as transfer credit for work done at another
accredited graduate institution. At least 21 course credits must be obtained from
MSE 2000 and 3000 courses, not including Graduate Seminar (MSE 3023 and
3024), MS Research (MSE 2997), and MS Thesis (MSE 2999). An independent
graduate project (MSE 2998) can be conducted after consultation with the student’s
faculty advisor and may account for 3 of the 21 required MSE credits. Students with
non-MSE backgrounds are strongly encouraged to take for credit introductory
courses (e.g. MSE 2067, MSE 2068 or equivalent). MS degrees are conferred only
on those students who have completed all course requirements with at least a 3.00
(B) GPA.
Research MS Track Requirements
The Research Track MS degree requires a minimum of 30 credits of course and
research based graduate study, including at least 21 course credits. At most up to nine (9) credits of coursework counting towards the required minimum of 21 course credits may consist of technical courses in other non-MSE Engineering, Science or Mathematics disciplines that are approved by a student's advisor. No more than six (6) credits may be granted toward completion of the requirements for the Research Track MS for work completed at another accredited graduate institution. A minimum of 12 course credits must be derived from 2000- and 3000-level MSE courses, not including credits associated with Graduate Seminar (MSE 3023 and 3024), MS Research (MSE 2997), and MS Thesis (MSE 2999). Students with non-MSE backgrounds are strongly encouraged to take for credit introductory courses (e.g. MSE 2067, MSE 2068 or equivalent). The student's advisor must approve the course sequence selection. In addition to coursework requirements a minimum of 3 credits of MS research (MSE 2997) and six (6) credits of MS Thesis (MSE 2999) are required. Master's degrees are conferred only on those students who have completed all courses required for the degree with an average grade of least a 3.00 (B) GPA.
MS Thesis
An MS student should initiate research work as early as possible. Once thesis work has begun the student must register for thesis credits in each succeeding term until successful completion of the thesis and a final oral defense. The purpose of the MS thesis oral defense is to evaluate the MS thesis and the student’s command of the research subject. The thesis examining committee consists of at least three members of the MSE faculty who are recommended by the student’s advisor and approved by the department chair.
Part-time students may pursue the research MS degree. However, they must recognize that, while the thesis topic may be related to the broad technical area of the student’s employment, results of work-related routine technical activities, analysis, surveys, or studies conducted for the employer are not acceptable for inclusion in the MS thesis. Furthermore, part-time students should become aware of the University Intellectual Property Ownership Policy before undertaking a thesis.
The Doctor of Philosophy Program in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering is a research degree leading largely to careers in teaching and research in academia and in industry. This program is designed for excellent students. As the studies progress, students develop an understanding at the highest level in their area of specialization that must lead to an original contribution to the field in the PhD dissertation.
Requirements for the PhD Degree
A minimum of 72 credits beyond the BS is required for the PhD. The students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 (B+) in this course work. The course work is made up of two major parts: a five-course materials core of which four courses must be taken by all students and a group of four advanced courses tailored for the student’s research and a set of additional courses. These courses must be taken within the first two years of the program.
The core courses are offered annually and most graduate courses are offered on a two-year rotation. If a student’s background is insufficient for a graduate course, the student must prepare by attending an appropriate undergraduate course or through independent studies. Since the PhD assumes a quantitative understanding, the mathematics courses should be taken in the first year of the PhD program, if possible.
Core Courses
- MSE 2011: Thermodynamics of Materials/Energetics
- MSE 2003: Structure of Materials
- MSE 2013: Kinetics in Materials Science
- MSE 2015: Electromagnetic Properties of Materials
- MSE 2030: Mechanical Behavior of Materials
Advanced Courses
- A group of four courses selected by the student and the student's advisor as the best advanced preparation for research in the area of the dissertation. Two of these courses may be taken outside the department.
Mathematics Courses
- Two mathematics courses (6 credits) beyond the mathematics level of the MSE BS.
Additional Requirements
- Six additional credits, as a broadening experience, to complement the student’s PhD specialization and contribute significantly to the student's career preparation. The two courses should work as a group but they do not need to be taken in the same department.
- At least 6 credits of MSE 3997 (Research, PhD)
- At least 12 credits of MSE 3999 (PhD Dissertation)
- Passing the preliminary examination, which is based on a broad body of knowledge in MSE
- Passing the comprehensive examination in the area of specialization (thesis area)
- Completion and successful defense of a PhD dissertation
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Degree Programs
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers graduate studies in core areas, as well as an opportunity to carry out research in many highly interdisciplinary fields. The curriculum is an integrated program of study with applications to fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, thermal systems, and dynamic systems and control. The graduate faculty is committed to high-quality research and teaching, and to maintaining sophisticated experimental and computation facilities. Research areas include fluid mechanics (non-Newtonian fluids, rheology, biofluids), heat transfer, applied mechanics (computational mechanics, fracture mechanics, biomechanics, composites), smart materials and structures, Nanotechnology (fabrication and characterization), acoustics and vibrations, bioengineering, microelectromechanical systems (MEMs), rehabilitation engineering and strip handling and metals processing. In addition to the MS and PhD degrees, the department also offers a dual degree program with the Katz Graduate School of Business.
An application for either the MS in mechanical engineering or PhD program is judged on the student's prior academic record, GRE scores (required for PhD applicants), the accreditation of the prior degree granting school, and the capability of the department to match the applicant's interest with the program. Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in another engineering field, mathematics, or physics will also be considered for the graduate program with the possibility that prerequisite courses may be required.
A part-time program is available for students who are employed in local industries. Part-time students usually carry from 3 to 6 credits per term in either day or evening classes.
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree (MSME) can be pursued as either a Professional MS Track (for practicing engineers) or a Research MS Track. The Professional Track is best suited to those currently in industry who are looking to increase their knowledge.
Professional Master of Science Track
Students must take at least one of the following mathematics courses:
- ME 2001: Differential Equations
- ME 2002: Linear and Complex Analysis
- ME/ECE 2646: Linear Systems Theory
Mechanical engineering courses are offered from the following subject areas:
Dynamic Systems
- ME 2020: Mechanical Vibrations
- ME 2027: Advanced Dynamics
- ME 2042: Measurement and Analysis of Vibroacoustic Systems
- ME 2045: Linear Control Systems
- ME 2046: Digital Control Systems
- ME 2080: Intro. to Microelectromechanical Systems
- ME 2082: Principles of Electromechanical Sensors and Actuators (3 credits)
- ME 2222: Nanoscale Modeling and Simulation: Molecular Dynamics
- ME/ECE 2646: Linear Systems Theory
- ME/ECE 2671 Optimization Methods
- ME/ECE 3650 Optimal Control
Fluid Mechanics
- ME 2003: Introduction to Continuum Mechanics (3 credits)
- ME 2055: Computer Analysis Transport Phenomena
- ME 2070: Microfluidics
- ME 2074: Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1
MEMS/NEMS
- ME 2010: Nanomechanics, Materials & Device
- ME 2080: Introduction to MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)
- ME 2082: Principles of Electromechanical Sensors & Actuators
- ME 2222: Nanoscale Modeling and Simulation: Molecular Dynamics
Materials and Biomechanics
- ME 2005: Structure of Materials
- ME 2007: Elements of Materials Science and Engineering 1
- ME 2008: Elements of Materials Science and Engineering 2 (Proposed)
- ME 2009: Processing of Materials
- ME 2010: Nanomechanics, Material & Device
- ME 2048: Engineering Alloys for Construction
- ME 2060: Numerical Methods
- ME 2062: Orthopaedic Engineering
- ME 2064: Intro to Cell Mechanobiology
- ME 2067: Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
- ME 2069: Materials Science of Nanostructures
Nuclear
- ME 2100: Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering
- ME 2101: Nuclear Core Dynamics
- ME 2102: Nuclear Plant Dynamics and Control
- ME 2103: Integration of Nuclear Plant Systems with the Reactor Core
- ME 2104: Nuclear Operations Safety
- ME 2105: Integrated Nuclear Power Plant Operations
- ME 2110: Nuclear Materials
- ME 2115: Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow In Nuclear Plants
- ME 2120: Mathematical Modeling of Nuclear Plants
- ME 2125: Case Studies in Nuclear Codes and Standards
- ME 2130: Environmental Issues and Solutions for Nuclear Power
Solid Mechanics
- ME 2003: Introduction to Continuum Mechanics
- ME 2004: Elasticity
- ME 2005: Structure of Materials
- ME 2010: Nanomechanics, Materials and Device
- ME 2022: Applied Solid Mechanics
- ME 2033: Fracture Mechanics
- ME 2047: Finite Element Analysis
Thermal Systems
- ME 2050: Thermodynamics
- ME 2053: Heat and Mass Transfer
- ME 2055: Computational Fluid Dynamics and Heat Transfer
- ME 2070: Microfluidics
- ME 2074: Advanced Fluid Mechanics 1
- ME 2254: Nanoscale Heat Transfer
A student may take up to 9 graduate credits from other engineering, mathematics, or physics departments.
Research Master of Science Track
The Research MS Track is designed for individuals seeking an in-depth research experience in mechanical engineering. A total of 21 course credits and a master’s thesis are required for this degree. Upon entering the program, students plan a program of study with the aid of their faculty advisor.
Students must take:
- ME 2997: MS Research (3 credits)
- At least 6 credits of ME 2999: MS Thesis
- At least one of the following mathematics courses: ME 2001: Differential Equations, or ME 2002: Linear and Complex Analysis or ME/ECE 2646 Linear Systems Theory
A student may take up to 9 graduate credits from other engineering, mathematics, or physics departments.
The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to develop the student for the rigorous career demands of engineering research either in the industrial or academic fields. The student is educated at the pioneering edge of technical, management, systems design, and decision-making concepts. This work requires a strong background in mathematics and one of the specialty areas of mechanical engineering. The PhD student is expected to attend full time. It is possible, however, to seek candidacy as a part-time student with the stipulation that the PhD candidate must spend at least one full-time academic year on campus.
A graduate student who has completed eight course courses of the master’s program in good standing can go directly into the PhD program. An applicant who has received the Master of Science in mechanical engineering from a university with an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited mechanical engineering curriculum, or who has substantially equivalent preparation, is eligible to enter the Doctor of Philosophy program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
If deficiencies in engineering preparation are noted, as in the case of science majors from accredited institutions, admission may be granted after the completion of such designated undergraduate courses as may best correct the deficiencies. Only those individuals whose preparation has been judged satisfactory for graduate study in the Department of Mechanical Engineering will be admitted to full graduate status.
Minimum course requirements (beyond the MS or equivalent degree, or beyond 21 MS-level course credits for those students permitted to bypass an MS) include:
- Eighteen course credits at an advanced graduate level (approved by the student's advisor and the graduate committee)
- Eighteen dissertation credits, 12 of which must be for ME 3999
- Thirty credits for the MS degree (or equivalent)
- Six additional course credits approved by advisor and graduate committee
- Preliminary (qualifying) and comprehensive examinations
- PhD dissertation proposal
- PhD dissertation and final defense
- 72 credits total
Nuclear Engineering Graduate Certificate
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Sciences is offering a certificate for students in the Swanson School of Engineering with an interest in nuclear science and technology. Students from the Bioengineering, Civil, Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical, Materials Science, and Electrical/Computer engineering programs may be most interested in obtaining this certificate. Fifteen units are required to complete the certificate. This certificate may be combined with graduate courses in any one of the School's seven Master of Science (MS) degree programs or the certificate may be awarded stand-alone as a post-baccalaureate certificate. Since the nuclear courses are cross-listed as Mechanical Engineering courses, they can be counted toward both a MSME degree and Nuclear Engineering Graduate Certificate.
This program provides coursework for graduate level nuclear engineering education with a focus on nuclear operations and safety. This focus on nuclear operations and safety not only fulfills a recognized educational need, but is also designed to take advantage of unique industrial resources in the Pittsburgh area which will greatly facilitate student learning.
The renaissance of nuclear science and technology in the United States has created a need in the marketplace once again for engineers with nuclear knowledge. The University of Pittsburgh aims to meet these marketplace needs by preparing engineers through the graduate certificate in nuclear engineering. Classes are taught by current and former nuclear engineers, including faculty with experience conducting commercial nuclear operations programs for Westinghouse or the Beaver Valley Nuclear Station and with certificates or operation licenses from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Objectives
The objectives of the nuclear engineering certificate are:
- To develop the basic competencies needed by science and engineering graduates to contribute quickly and effectively to the renaissance of nuclear science and technology in the United States and abroad.
- To create a benchmark educational program that can serve as a model throughout academia
Requirements
Students must satisfactorily complete five of the following nine courses in order to earn either the graduate or post- baccalaureate certificate in nuclear engineering:
- ENGR/ME 2100: Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering (3 credits)
- Pre-req: an undergraduate degree in engineering or science.
- ENGR/ME 2101: Nuclear Core Dynamics (3 credits)
- Pre-req: ENGR/ME 2100 or an undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering, work experience in nuclear engineering with instructor's permission.
- ENGR/ME 2102: Nuclear Plant Dynamics and Control (3 credits)
- ENGR/ME 2103: Integration of Nuclear Plant Systems with the Reactor Core (3 credits)
- ENGR/ME 2104: Nuclear Operations Safety (3 credits)
- ENGR/ME 2105 Integrated Nuclear Power Plant Operations (3 credits)
- Pre-req: ENGR/ME 2102, 2103
- ENGR/ME 2110: Nuclear Materials (3 credits)
- Pre-req: an undergraduate course in materials science or instructor's permission
- ENGR/ME 2115: Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Nuclear Plants (3 credits)
- Pre-req: an undergraduate course in heat transfer and fluid flow or instructor's permission.
- ENGR/ME 2120: Mathematical Modeling of Nuclear Plants (3 credits)
- ENGR/ME 2125: Case Studies in Nuclear Codes and Standards (3 credits)
- ENGR/ME 2130: Environmental Issues and Solutions for Nuclear Power (3 credits)
The program will be sufficiently flexible to accommodate students from a wide spectrum of engineering disciplines.
Who may apply
- Practicing engineers currently in or aspiring to a leadership role in the nuclear industry,
- Engineering professionals who desire graduate level education in nuclear engineering with a focus on safe nuclear plant operations,
- New graduates with a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a technical discipline, and
- Professionals who manage multidisciplinary teams for project design or management in the nuclear industry
How to apply
At the University of Pittsburgh, any student pursuing a Master's degree in the Swanson School of Engineering may pursue the graduate certificate in nuclear engineering as a focus track. It is also possible for individuals who wish to achieve the certificate only to apply to the program.
Questions
Inquires regarding the graduate certificate in nuclear engineering can be directed to:
Dr. John Metzger, Director of Nuclear Engineering Program
609 BENDM
jdm75@pitt.edu
Inquires regarding registration can be directed to:
Carolyn Chuha, Mechanical Engineering Graduate Administrator
847 BENDM
412-624-9781
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