There are eight focus areasÌýfor mechanical engineering students enrolled in the Master of Science Thesis program. Each has a unique curriculum. Click the links below for curriculum information on each focus area.

MS Thesis Degree Requirements

MS Thesis students must complete the following requirements:

  • Coursework: 30 graduate-level credit hours must be completed with a grade of C or higher in eachÌýcourse. All MS Thesis students must complete the following courses:ÌýMCEN 5020ÌýMethods of Engineering Analysis 1Ìý(3 credits),ÌýMCEN 5030ÌýIntroduction to Research (3Ìýcredits), MCEN 6959 MS Thesis (6 credits).ÌýNote:ÌýAt least 18 credits must be mechanical engineering credits, including the 6 required thesis hours. Up toÌý12 credit hours may be taken outside the Department, inclusive of any transfer credits applied towardsÌýthe degree. Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA to remain in good standing.Ìý
  • Thesis Advisor Selection: In order to enroll in the MS Thesis program, students must first secure a thesis advisor. Upon finding a research advisor, MS Thesis students should complete the MSÌýThesis Research Expectations Form. This form should be completed no later than the end of the firstÌýsemester of enrollment in the MS Thesis program. This form is also a required element of MCEN 5030ÌýIntroduction to Research. Note: MS Thesis students are eligible to work with CU research advisorsÌýoutside the Paul M. RadyÌýDepartment of Mechanical Engineering; in such cases, the MS Thesis Research ExpectationsÌýForm must still be completed in its entirety.ÌýMS Thesis students should also consult with their thesis and graduate advisors for course selection recommendations.
  • Declaration of MS Thesis Degree Track:ÌýBeginning Spring 2025, official transition and the timing of a student's record changeÌýto the MS Thesis Degree Track depends on that student's residency status for tuition classification (in-state resident or out-of-state/international non-resident). Please contact MS Academic Advisor/Senior Graduate Program Specialist, Megan Varra, for more information.Ìý
  • MS Thesis Hours: 6 credits of MS thesis hours (MCEN 6959) must be completed, typically in the final twoÌýsemesters of the program. Students are not able to register for MS thesis credits on their own and shouldÌýsubmit a request for thesis hours through the Thesis/Dissertation Hours Enrollment Request Form.
  • Research Development Requirement: A passing grade in MCEN 5030:ÌýIntroduction to Research is required.ÌýThis course is offered each fall semester and provides a strong foundation in a variety of topicsÌýrelated to research that will prove valuable both as a student and professional. Covered topics includeÌýethics in research, literature reviewÌýand grant writing, among others. This requirement should be completedÌýduring the first fall semester.Ìý
  • Written Thesis: The written thesis must comply with Graduate School rules and procedures in terms ofÌýformat and submission and meet set deadlines.ÌýStudents are required to submit the full written thesis electronically at the .
  • Thesis Defense: Students must pass a thesis defense,Ìýwhich is a final examination on the thesis andÌýrelated topics. In the defense, students are expected to explain their research clearly and concisely andÌýto discuss how it relates to other research in the field. This is an opportunity for recognition of completedÌýMS Thesis research. It is also an opportunity for discussion and formal evaluation of the thesis.ÌýThe thesis defense may occur before or after the final electronic submission of the written thesis to theÌýGraduate SchoolÌýbut must take place prior to the end of the final semester.