Ideal preparation for industry, a research career or doctoral study
The Duke Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science provides a unique combination of opportunities that only Duke can offer:
- World-class research integrated with project-based learning
- Flexible, individualized curriculum combined with a research project or thesis
- Three-semester study plans which allow you to focus on your defense
- Excellent career placement in PhD programs and industry
"Duke allowed me to choose from dozens of classes to create a curriculum specific to my thesis and interests."
Meghan Booze, MS '20
United States Air Force Pilot
More about Career Outcomes »
Mentorship From Top Researchers
Our Master of Science students are mentored by our world-class faculty researchers:
- Duke MEMS faculty are consistently ranked in the Top 15 in research productivity
- Their research is translated into our Master of Science courses and research projects
Investigate our research and meet our faculty »
Innovative Concentrations and Hands-On Learning
- Cutting-edge concentrations that access our faculty's current research—
- Autonomous, Intelligent Machines and Systems
- Energy, Propulsion, and Structures for Land and Space
- Multi-scale, Advanced, and Bio-Inspired Materials
- Optimal Design of Physical and Virtual Systems
- Master's Capstone Course which provides unparalleled—
- Experiential, project-based design work
- Training to develop a digital portfolio
- Development of oral and written technical communication skills
More about master's concentrations »
3 Semesters + 1
Our flexible study plans cover two years of study and research, but:
- Take courses and pay tuition for just three semesters—about 1 1/2 years
- In your fourth semester focus on defending your research—without paying full tuition
See a typical Master of Science study plan »
Excellent Career Outcomes
- Nearly half of our master’s students go on to PhD programs, often at Duke
- Recent graduates who obtained industry jobs had an average starting salary over $78,000
More Details
- Typical Study Plan
-
- 10 Courses
- 5 Core courses (4 ME courses and 1 qualifying MATH/STAT course)—all 500-level or above
- 5 Elective courses—which may include up to 6 credits of independent study
- And, a research project or thesis
Research Work Concentration Courses Elective Courses Semester 1 Identify MS Project Math Course Elective Core Course Semester 2 Independent Study or Elective Core Course Elective Core Course Semester 3 Independent Study or Elective Core Course Elective Semester 4 Defend Research (Only 1 credit "continuation" tuition charged) - 10 Courses
- Admissions Profile
-
Averages of recently admitted applicants:
- GRE Quantitative: 167
- GRE Verbal: 154
- UGPA: 3.5
- Cost of Attendance
-
Master's students are required to enroll in and pay tuition for at least three semesters of full-time study. After that, students are charged per credit. Subject to change each year. Tuition typically increases by no more than 4 percent per academic year.
- Diversity Scholarships
-
Limited financial aid is available to highly qualified candidates through academic scholarships with an emphasis on increasing diversity within our master's degree programs.
Underrepresented minorities may receive up to 50 percent per year in tuition scholarship through our Diversity Scholarships. Additionally, up to $10,000 per year may be allocated for the student to gain experience in a research setting under the direction of a principal investigator.
Contact pratt_masters@duke.edu for more information.