The program provides a strong pathway for students seeking advanced engineering careers through rigorous coursework, hands-on research, and faculty mentorship. With access to modern laboratories, applied research opportunities, and strong industry relevance, students build the technical expertise and problem-solving abilities needed to drive innovation across today’s engineering fields.
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Program Overview
The M.S. in mechanical and manufacturing engineering provides advanced graduate education for students seeking to deepen their technical expertise, strengthen their research capabilities, and expand their professional opportunities in one of the broadest and most versatile engineering disciplines. The program combines rigorous coursework with faculty-guided research to prepare students to address complex challenges in advanced mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Through the thesis option, students gain experience in defining research problems, applying advanced engineering methods, analyzing results, and communicating technical findings, preparing them for careers in industry, research and development, advanced technology sectors, or continued doctoral study.
Course Work
The coursework is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in advanced engineering principles while allowing flexibility to pursue specialized interests. Students may engage with topics related to engineering analysis, mechanical design, manufacturing systems, materials, mechanics, computational methods, automation, thermal-fluid systems, and emerging technologies.
| Degree | Hours | Thesis Option | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Degree M.S. | Hours 31 | Thesis Option Thesis | Location San Marcos |
Program Details
The program is designed to support graduates pursuing careers in industry, research, academia, and advanced technology sectors by combining rigorous coursework with applied learning and faculty-guided research. With an emphasis on innovation, practical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the program equips students to address complex engineering challenges and contribute to the design, development, and improvement of modern engineering systems and manufacturing solutions.
Program Mission
This M.S. in mechanical and manufacturing engineering prepares students to advance engineering knowledge, solve complex technical challenges, and contribute to innovation across industry, research, and society. The program emphasizes applied learning, research-driven discovery, and professional development, helping students strengthen their technical expertise, analytical skills, and leadership potential.
Career Options
Alumni work in diverse fields across industry, service, government, and academia. Potential industries include mechanical systems, advanced manufacturing, robotics, energy, aerospace, semiconductor, automotive, biomedical engineering, and high-technology.
Graduates will hold titles such as:
- mechanical engineer
- manufacturing engineer
- design/product development engineer
- process/quality engineer
- automation or robotics engineer
- R&D engineer
- project engineer
- Ph.D. or research career pathway
Program Faculty
This program is supported by faculty with broad expertise across core and emerging areas of mechanical and manufacturing engineering. Faculty research interests include rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, composite materials, biomechanics, computational mechanics, digital twins, thermal-fluid systems, micro/nanoengineering, sensors and actuators, semiconductors, robotics and automation, and artificial intelligence. Through this diverse expertise, students have opportunities to engage in applied research, advanced technical training, and interdisciplinary problem-solving aligned with modern industry and research needs.
Contact us for general questions about your application, funding opportunities, and more. If you have specific questions after reviewing the program details, contact the program's graduate advisor.
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Application Deadlines
| DEADLINES | U.S. CITIZEN | INTERNATIONAL |
|---|---|---|
DEADLINES Fall - Priority | U.S. CITIZEN February 1 | INTERNATIONAL February 1 |
DEADLINES Fall - Standard | U.S. CITIZEN August 1 | INTERNATIONAL June 1 |
Priority Deadline: Ensures full consideration for admission and eligibility for certain funding opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, and guarantees that your application will be considered in the initial review.
Standard Deadline: Represents the last day a complete application can be submitted, but does not guarantee admission consideration. After the priority deadline, applications are reviewed on a rolling, space-available basis until the program is full, at which point, applications will close.
For important information regarding deadlines and decision timelines, review the Graduate Admission Policies page.
Admission Requirements
The items required for admission consideration are listed below. Further details on individual requirements can be found on our admission policy page. Additional information for applicants with international credentials can be found on our international webpages.
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Application
- completed online application
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Application Fee
- $55 nonrefundable application fee, OR
- $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
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Transcripts & GPA
- Baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited university. (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our International FAQs for more information.)
- A copy of an official transcript from each institution where course credit was granted.
- A 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses).
- Non-credit (leveling) course work may be required prior to admission into the program if the student lacks sufficient background course work. Any required leveling course work must be completed with grades of B or better prior to admission.
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Test Scores
GRE
- Official GRE (general test only) with competitive scores in the verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and writing sections will be required. Texas State University students are exempt from this requirement.
Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores
Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our exempt countries list.
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall if taken on or before January 21, 2026
- official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 4 overall if taken after January 21, 2026
- official PTE scores required with a 52 overall
- official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
- official Duolingo scores required with a 110 overall
- official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall
- official Texas State Intensive English Program score of 90% or higher in the highest-level course (level 5)
This program does not offer admission if the scores above are not met.
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Documents & Other Requirements
- resume/CV detailing prior work experience, research experience, awards, scholarships, and other related qualifications
- statement of purpose (two pages) conveying research interests, plans for graduate study, and professional aspirations
- two letters of recommendation from non-related individuals familiar with the student’s scholarly work and/or relevant work experience