Mechanical Engineering is one of the most diverse fields in engineering. Today, successful M.S.-level engineers must:
MS students in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego have the option to conduct research with a faculty member while taking classes, culminating in a Master's Thesis (Plan I), or the option to focus on specifically-designed coursework curriculums culminating in a Comprehensive Examination (Plan II).
The MAE MS Coursework programs (Plan II) at UC San Diego are uniquely designed curriculums that lead to a well-rounded background in engineering fundamentals while providing exposure and working knowledge of contemporary subjects, preparing our students to become the next generation of industry-leading Mechanical Engineers.
MS Time Limit Policy: Full-time MS students have a maximum of seven quarters to fulfill all degree requirements (the minimum duration being three quarters or one Academic Year). Part-time students do not have specific written time limits; however, the department reserves the right to establish individual deadlines if required.
MS students who pursue Plan I have the option to earn an MS Degree in any of the following UC San Diego Graduate Major Codes:
• MC75 - Engineering Sciences (Aerospace Engineering)
• MC76 - Engineering Sciences (Applied Mechanics)
• MC78 - Engineering Sciences (Applied Ocean Science)
• MC80 - Engineering Sciences (Engineering Physics)
• MC81 - Engineering Sciences (Mechanical Engineering)
• MC91 - Engineering Sciences (Computational Engineering & Science)
• MC92 - Engineering Sciences (Power & Energy Systems)
• MC93 - Engineering Sciences (Controls & Mechatronics)
• MC94 - Engineering Sciences (Biomechanics & Biomedical Engineering)
Program Requirements Requirement Checklist
MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan I (Thesis Defense) - This checklist serves as a guide for students to plan their Master's program coursework and ensure compliance with degree requirements. Regardless of the Major Code chosen, Plan I Students will adhere to the coursework requirements outlined below.
This plan of study involves both coursework and research, culminating in the preparation of a thesis. A total of 36 units of credit are required: 24 units (6 courses) must be in coursework, and 12 units must be in research. The student's program is arranged, with approval of the Faculty Advisor, according to the following policies:
Specialization 1: 3 courses (4 units per course)
Specialization 2: 3 courses (4 units per course)
Thesis Research: 12 units of MAE 299 research
Current MAE Specialization Areas:
Students should reference the MAE Graduate Course Structure for MS and P.hD. Students to help determine which courses they will select to complete the specialization coursework (but are not limited to these suggestions). Course plans must satisfy the coursework requirements described above and must be reviewed and approved by the student’s MAE Faculty Advisor.
Thesis Preparation / Defense
Students selecting Plan I must submit and defend a Thesis. Students are responsible for completing all of the requirements described above as well as those described on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) Dissertation & Thesis Submission website.
Students are allowed to take the oral defense twice. In the event that a student does not pass the oral exam on the second attempt, a third exam will not be offered, and they will not be eligible to continue in the program, resulting in disqualification from the MS degree.
For the oral defense, students are advised to collaborate with their Faculty Advisor to decide the defense format, schedule (including time, date, and location), and the responsibility for generating the Zoom invitation.
Rooms
If you need assistance reserving an on-campus space for a Defense or an Exam, please contact ebu2rooms@ucsd.edu and provide the date/time/purpose/expected number of attendees.
Thesis Committee
The thesis committee, selected by the student and their Faculty Advisor, consists of at least three UC San Diego faculty members, at least two of which must be MAE faculty members. The thesis committee must adhere to the requirements outlined on the Division of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) Doctoral and Master’s Committees website.
Example MS Thesis Committee
Students must notify the MAE Graduate Coordinator of their intent to hold the MS Thesis Defense at least four weeks prior to the defense by submitting the MAE Graduate Exam Form.
For all questions related to the MS Plan I, please contact mae-gradadvising@ucsd.edu or 1-1 Graduate Advising.
Students should refer to the MAE MS Plan I Thesis Defense Checklist to ensure they completed all steps required for their MAE MS Thesis Defense.
In order to satisfy degree requirements, students must:
The Core MS program is uniquely designed to provide students with the opportunity to design a customized curriculum leading to a well-rounded background in engineering fundamentals while providing exposure and working knowledge of contemporary subjects preparing them to become the next generation of industry-leading Mechanical Engineers.
MC81 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam)- Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
Curriculum Requirements
I. ONE REQUIRED CORE COURSE
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
II. FOUR EMPHASIS COURSES
Select 4 courses (16 units) from the following list:
III. FOUR PERMITTED ELECTIVES
Select 4 courses (16 units) in MAE or another STEM field
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
MC75 - (Aerospace Engineering)
The engineering systems employed in aeronautical and space applications are characterized by their high efficiency and reliability. They must be able to operate in adverse environments under varying ambient conditions and meet stringent weight and operational cost constraints. As a result, their design is a challenging task that requires a deep understanding of the complex underlying physics and chemical processes involved in their operation. In most cases, the design includes an important optimization component that requires the application of advanced quantitative techniques. The AES track is designed to respond to these needs by providing students with fundamental knowledge pertaining to the processes involved in aerospace systems, along with a set of advanced computational tools that are currently used in the aerospace industry.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
Students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum covering fundamental aspects of aerospace engineering. Courses cover advanced concepts in quantitative methods, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, combustion and propulsion, and space engineering.
MC75 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam)- Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
MAE 212 Introductory Compressible Flow*
MAE 240 Space Flight Mechanics*
MAE 201 Mechanics of Fluids*
Students planning to complete the fluid mechanics courses offered in Winter (MAE 210B) and/or Spring (MAE 210C) can take MAE 210A* in place of MAE 201* (MAE 210A* will also include a Comp Exam component).
MAE 202 Thermal Processes*
Students planning to complete the heat and mass transfer courses offered in Winter (MAE 221B) and/or Spring (MAE 221C) can take MAE 221A* in place of MAE 202* (MAE 221A* will also include a Comp Exam component).
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
MAE 210B Fluid Mechanics II, MAE 210C Fluid Mechanics III, MAE 211 Introduction to Combustion, MAE 213 Mechanics of Propulsion, MAE 214A Introduction to Turbulence and Turbulent Mixing, MAE 215 (MAE 207) Multiphase Flow and Heat Transfer
Students planning to complete the fluid mechanics courses offered in Winter (MAE 210B) and/or Spring (MAE 210C) can take MAE 210A* in place of MAE 201* (MAE 210A* will also include a Comp Exam component).
Students planning to complete the heat and mass transfer courses offered in Winter (MAE 221B) and/or Spring (MAE 221C) can take MAE 221A* in place of MAE 202* (MAE 221A* will also include a Comp Exam component).
Robots are typically designed to be as rigid as possible, which simplifies the design and control of these systems. However, there is growing interest in the use of advanced materials in the design of sensors, actuators, and mechanisms for robotics that provide capabilities seen previously only in biological systems. This MS program focuses on the range of topics required to design and analyze this new kind of robotic system including the mechanical behavior of materials, the numerical simulation of deformation and stress fields in various structures, and the design and fabrication of novel robotic devices. The courses of the program prepare students to understand the mechanical properties of materials and key design principles for robotics.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this MS degree will enable students from various backgrounds to quantitatively characterize and analyze the mechanical performance of structures and design/fabricate robots for real applications. From the courses, students will learn the fundamental theories to model the deformation and motion of materials and robotic structures.
MC76 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) -Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 203 Solid Mechanics & Materials*
MAE 204 Robotics*
MAE 269 Bioinspired Mobile Robotics*
MAE 232A Finite Element Methods in Solid Mechanics I*
MATS 257 Polymer Science & Engineering*
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
Applied Ocean Science (AOS) is an interdisciplinary track focused on the application of advanced technology to ocean research, exploration, and observation. In addition to the ongoing necessities linked with traditional marine applications, the shifting climate, risks arising from extreme weather events, and novel marine energy ventures have led to unprecedented demands for engineers well-versed in oceanic matters. The AOS specialization aims to build on existing synergies with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to produce graduates who combine strong engineering fundamentals with knowledge of ocean processes, data analysis, and ocean instrumentation.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
This track will provide students with a strong foundation in ocean physics and environmental flows along with preparation in important ocean engineering topics including acoustics and marine instrumentation. The AOS track will allow students to choose course sequences focused on ocean physics, signal processing, data analysis, or numerical methods. Robotics and controls will provide a foundation for autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle applications.
MC78 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) -Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
Curriculum Requirements *Updated for 2023-24 Academic Year*
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 210A Fluid Mechanics I*
MAE 210B Fluid Mechanics II*
MAE 223 Ocean Technology Design and Development*
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
MAE 224A Environmental Fluid Dynamics I*
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
Students must complete four different elective courses from the list below including both courses from at least one sequence.
Ocean Physics Sequence:
Signal Processing Sequence:
Data Analysis Sequence:
Numerical Methods Sequence:
Additional Permitted Electives:
Students in the Energy & Climate track are exposed to a rigorous curriculum on the science and technology of abrupt climate change mitigation. This MS program focuses on thermal processes that drive climate change and the energy technologies that can help alleviate the radiative forcing on the atmosphere caused by greenhouse gases, clouds, and aerosols. Course selection is designed to prepare students to understand and quantify radiative forcing processes and their effect on large-scale renewable power plants. The program is not specifically focused on Global Circulation Models (GCMs), but rather on the quantitative analysis required to understand the thermal forcing mechanisms that drive radiative imbalances at planetary and local scales.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this MS degree will enable students from various backgrounds to quantitatively analyze the potential for scalable renewable energy solutions in disrupting energy industry carbon emissions. Students will acquire theoretical and computational skills to evaluate the role of different greenhouse gases, clouds, and aerosols on climate forcing, and will develop a solid appreciation for the role that scalable renewable technologies need to play in the effort to decarbonize the atmosphere. Both engineers and atmospheric scientists will benefit from the coursework as it covers the fundamental principles underlying the complex thermal relationships between energy conversion and abrupt climate change, as well as the impact of large-scale renewable power generation on the local environment.
MC80 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) -Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 221A Heat Transfer*
MAE 221B Mass Transfer*
MAE 256 Radiative Transfer for Energy Applications*
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
MAE 221C Convection Heat Transfer*
MAE 206 Energy Systems*
MAE 119 Introduction to Renewable Energy: Solar & Wind
MAE 255 Boundary Layer and Renewable Energy Meteorology
SIOC 217A Atmospheric and Climate Sciences I
SIOC 217B Atmospheric and Climate Sciences II
MAE 221D Radiation Heat Transfer
SIOC 217C Atmospheric and Climate Sciences III
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
MC91 - (Computational Engineering & Science)
Computational Engineering & Science (CE&S) is an interdisciplinary program that uses mathematical modeling and advanced computing to solve complex physical problems arising in engineering. Next to theory and experimentation, the use of high-fidelity numerical simulations that leverage high-performance computing environments has become the third paradigm of scientific discovery. Used for computer-based optimization, the same numerical tools are drivers for technological progress in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
The Computational Engineering & Science specialization provides students with a strong foundation in the development of the application of numerical methods and tools for the computer-based solution of complex engineering problems. The core curriculum encompasses comprehensive training in computational fluid dynamics, solid mechanics, and model reduction. In a parallel sequence of courses, the students can specialize in either large-scale computing, controls, or applied mathematics.
MC91 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
MAE 290A Numerical Linear Algebra*
MAE 290B Numerical Differential Equations*
MAE 290C Computational Fluid Dynamics*
MAE 232A Finite Element Methods in Solid Mechanics I*
MAE 232B Finite Element Methods in Solid Mechanics II*
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
Students in the Energy Systems track are exposed to a rigorous curriculum on fundamentals and applications in the optimization of electric power systems. As the penetration of variable renewables (solar and wind) on the electric power grid has increased, economic and reliable integration into the power system has become the principal engineering challenge. Power systems are also increasingly shifting away from an overly conservative, insufficiently metered, and inflexible operation. Modern power systems instead reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions through flexible distributed energy resources (energy storage, electric vehicles, and flexible loads), abundant metering, and easier market access. The field of optimization lies at the intersection of these thrusts.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this MS degree will enable students from various backgrounds to understand and optimize the operation of electric power systems. Students will develop skills in solar and wind resource characterization and modeling, power systems modeling, and optimization theory and applications to advance the field of electric power system planning and operation. Target employers are in the fields of renewables planning, energy systems consulting, and transmission system operation.
MC92 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
MAE 206 Energy Systems*
MAE 227 Convex Optimization*
MAE 280A Linear Systems Theory*
MAE 243 Electrical Power Systems Modeling* (moved to SP25)
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
Additional Fall 2024 Permitted Electives:
The opportunities to apply control principles and methods are exploding. Computation, communication, and sensing are becoming ubiquitous, with accelerating advances in the fabrication of devices including embedded processors, sensors, storage, and communication hardware. The increasing complexity of technological systems demands inter- and cross-disciplinary research and development. The realized impact of control technology is matched by its anticipated future impact. Control is not only considered instrumental for evolutionary improvements in today's products, solutions, and systems; it is also considered a fundamental enabling technology for realizing future visions and ambitions in emerging areas such as biomedicine, renewable energy, and critical infrastructures. Based on the current level of MS enrollment in the courses that compose the C&M specialization, this is already a hugely successful specialization, and its formalization will provide students with more value in regard to the job market.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
The MS degree in C&M will enable students to develop the skills necessary to deal with multi-faceted systems and applications. Students will be exposed to a multidisciplinary curriculum where they will develop an appreciation for building reliable systems, designing algorithms, analyzing dynamics, and formulating qualitative and quantitative properties. The C&M track puts particular emphasis on applications to robotics, haptics, and learning, but students will benefit from acquiring critical analytical thinking, practical understanding, and systems perspective that is applicable to other disciplines in the development of other large-scale, safety-critical, and mission-critical systems.
MC93 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
MAE 280A Linear Systems Theory*
MAE 204 Robotics*
MAE 242 Robot Motion Planning*
MAE 283A Parametric Identification: Theory and Methods*
MAE 281A Nonlinear Systems*
*Course includes a comprehensive exam component
Today we are witnessing rapid advancements in healthcare from understanding and using the mechanical behavior of biological entities across a tremendous range of scales, from molecules to organelles, cells, organs, and organisms. The multidisciplinary curriculum of B&BE, as a relatively new and exciting discipline, offers comprehensive training from the fundamental structure and function of biological systems to the applied design of medical devices to overcome unmet needs in healthcare. By virtue of the breadth of courses in B&BE from rigorous fundamentals to applied engineering, students can construct a program tailored to their career aspirations, whether it be in research or industry. With an emphasis on the mechanical engineering perspective of B&BE, mathematics, and physical analysis dominate training in fluid, continuum, cell, and molecular mechanics alongside training in biomaterials, computational methods, practical back-of-the-envelope design, immersion in the clinical environment alongside practitioners, and the handling of intellectual property and regulatory issues.
Target Skill Sets and Learning Outcomes
Completion of the B&BE MS degree will confer an ability to define and solve engineering problems in the creation of new medical technologies, and to have sufficient knowledge of what is known and unknown of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning biological systems to work towards creating new knowledge and exploiting current knowledge to benefit society. Direct interaction with clinical practitioners will provide the student with valuable experience in understanding and solving problems in healthcare. Students with training from other engineering disciplines particularly electrical, computer, and bioengineering will gain uniquely valuable multidisciplinary skills to lead or work in the burgeoning medical device industry. Those with training in allied fields of physics, chemistry, and biology will find themselves with the key knowledge needed to enter and lead research and development work in B&BE, with the MS degree serving as the gateway to this new discipline.
MC94 - MAE MS Program Requirements Checklist - Plan II (Comprehensive Exam) Students will use this checklist to plan their Master's program coursework and to ensure they are meeting degree requirements.
Curriculum Requirements - Please email mae-gradvising@ucsd.edu for more elective options.
FALL
WINTER
SPRING
MAE 208 Mathematics for Engineers*
MAE 275B Medical Device Experience I*
MAE 275C Medical Device Experience II*
MAE 201 Mechanics of Fluids*
MAE 262 Biological Fluid Mechanics
MAE 263 Experimental Methods in Cell Mechanics
MAE 219 Design & Control of Haptic Systems
MAE 261 Cardiovascular Fluid Mechanics
MAE 209 Continuum Mechanics Applied to Medicine/Biology*
*Required course that includes a comprehensive exam component