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MEMS Graduate Curriculum
Graduate Curriculum
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science offers highly individualized programs supporting the Master of Science and Ph.D. degree in two major areas of specialty:
- mechanical engineering, and
- materials science
The recommended course distributions for both the MS and the PhD program are summarized below.
The MS program requires a total of 30 credit hours, consisting of 6 core courses tailored to each of the areas of specialty, 2 approved technical electives, and 6 credits of research (reflecting a thesis requirement).
The PhD program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, consisting of 6 core courses tailored to each of the areas of specialty, and 4 further approved graduate-level courses.
Students entering the PhD program with a Masters from another institution should consult the DGS and their advisor for possible substitution of other courses and/or waivers of some of these course requirements, depending on the content and extent of prior coursework. Students are also subject to general Graduate School degree requirements, available at http://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/degree_reqs/ma_reqs.php (for the MS degree) and http://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/degree_reqs/phd_reqs/index.php (for the PhD).
Core Requirements At A Glance (18 cr.)
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Available Courses to Fulfill Requirements
Ph.D. At A Glance
Each cube represents 3 credits. Total credit requirement: 30 credits. Note: Beyond the first year, the curriculum can be de-compressed, e.g., more time can be allotted to research. The asterisk (*) associated with some credit cubes suggests that the course should be taken from the set of recommended courses listed in Available Courses (above).
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Master of Science (Thesis) At A Glance
Each cube represents 3 credits. Total credit requirement: 30 credits. The asterisk (*) associated with some credit cubes suggests that the course should be taken from the set of recommended courses listed in Available Courses (above).
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The mission of Duke's Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science educational programs is to provide the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to be successful in the practice of engineering; the preparation necessary to undertake professional registration; an educational preparation for graduate or professional study; and an education background that is the basis for professional growth and leadership throughout a career that may encompass a broad range of endeavors, both technical and non-technical.