Environmental Fluids Focus Area

    Environmental Fluid Dynamics Focus Area

    Requirements

    Core Requirements 6 hrs from Any ME EN Fluids & Thermal Sci grad courses
    Focus Electives 6 hrs from Any Environ Science (ENVST) grad courses
    6 hrs from Any Mathematics (MATH) grad courses
    Math Sci Engin Electives 12 hrs Any Math, Science, or Engineering grad classes

    Quick Links

    by Davey Stevenson

    Robotics Focus Area

    Robotics Focus Area

    Requirements

    Core Requirements 3 hrs ME EN 6220 Intro to Robotics
    3 hrs ME EN 6230 Intro to Robot Control
    3 hrs CS 6370 Motion Planning -OR- CS 6300 Artif Intel
    3 hrs CS 6640 Image Proc -OR- CS 6320 Computer Vision
    Focus Electives 3 hrs from Area 1*: any Mechanics, Control, Cognition, Perception, HRI, or Robot Design course
    3 hrs from Area 2*: any Mechanics, Control, Cognition, Perception, HRI, or Robot Design course
    ME Electives n/a n/a
    Math Sci Engin Electives 12 hrs Any

    * Area 1 and Area 2 must be different topics

    Quick Links

    by Davey Stevenson

    Data Science in Mechanical Engineering

    by Davey Stevenson

    Advanced Manufacturing Focus Area

    by Davey Stevenson

    Focus Areas

    MS Non-Thesis Focus Areas

    MSNT students are required to have a focus area for their studies. These focus areas are designed to help guide graduate their coursework. You can find more information about each focus area below.

    Advanced Manufacturing

    stock image depicting Advanced Manufacturing

    Examining materials produced using innovative technologies, and the leveraging of innovative technologies to create existing and new products.

    Aerospace

    stock image depicting Aerospace

    Fundamental and system-level research toward next-generation aerospace and aeronautical systems.

    Biomechanical Engineering

    stock image depicting Biomechanical Engineering

    Applying mechanics to biological systems, including the study of how the human body responds to the application of force.

    Computational Mechanics in Mechanical Engineering

    stock image depicting Computational Mechanics in Mechanical Engineering

    Developing mathematical models to represent physical phenomena and applying modern computing methods to analyze these phenomena.

    Data Science in Mechanical Engineering

    stock image depicting Data science

    Developing and applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to generate new models and learn governing equations using simulated or physical data sets.

    Environmental Fluid Dynamics

    stock image depicting Environmental Fluid Dynamics

    Studying the properties of the Earth’s atmosphere and its relation to the science of fluid dynamics, including large scale simulations and field experiments.

    Micro/Nano

    the U logo written microscopically

    Investigating problems related to micro/nano scale materials, devices, biological systems, and phenomena occurring at the micro/nano scales.

    Robotics

    stock image depicting Robotics

    Researching design, construction, operation, and use of robots with strong collaboration between Computing and Mechanical Engineering.

    Solid Mechanics

    stock image depicting Solid Mechanics

    Characterizing, designing, and predicting mechanics of soft and hard structures.

    Sustainable Energy

    Kay Park research equipment

    Developing clean energy systems, including direct energy production, energy storage, and the integration of energy efficient technologies.

    Systems Engineering

    stock image for systems engineering . A person stands in front of a tech blue portal

    Developing, analyzing, optimizing, and managing complex engineered systems to improve their productivity and efficiency.

    Thermal Science

    photo of the Francoeur Lab

    Studies of thermodynamics and heat transfer physics in a wide range of length and time scales that impact engineering and biological applications.

    Custom Focus Area

    Focus areas that don’t match with the areas above can be approved on a case-by-case basis. Contact your graduate advisor for more details.

    by Davey Stevenson

    Current Student Forms

    Current Student Forms

    by Morgan Sriphong-Ngarm

    Graduate Student Petitions

    Graduate Student Petition Form

    For Registrar's Office, Graduate School, or Income Accounting petitions, go back to the Forms page for links to those petition forms (see form below for reasons this form should be submitted to the Department). See these Petition instructions for further instructions (will also be attached to your email confirmation after submitting this form. Email grad@mech.utah.edu with any questions or if you haven't heard back within 14 days.

     

    Enter uNID as 8 digits with a zero replacing the 'u' (e.g., 00123456)
    Responses will be sent to Umail only. Please check it regularly.
    Check the box(es) to indicate you understand the following statements and then upload a justification and any supporting documents in the next field.

    Maximum file size: 52.43MB

    (1) Write a justification for your petition and upload as a PDF or Microsoft Word document.
    (2) Upload supporting documents (e.g., medical records, support letters, etc.) if applicable.

    by Morgan Sriphong-Ngarm

    Graduate Advising

    Graduate Program Advising and Administration

    The Graduate Advising team in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is here to guide and support you through your program by ensuring you understand the curriculum, requirements, policies and procedures within the Department and the University.

    Lane Sutton, Graduate Advisor

    Current MS & PhD Students Last Names (M-Z)

    Responsibilities: Advises current graduate students (last names M-Z) regarding program milestones, programs of study, tuition benefit, graduation, and thesis and dissertation process. Oversees all aspects of the department’s teaching assistant program. Coordinates the department’s PhD Qualifying Exams, current grad student events, and recruiting.

    Biography: Lane is originally from Grantsville, UT. He completed his undergrad work at the UofU in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2021 and is currently working towards an M.A. in English Education. Before coming to ME, Lane worked at the U as both a College Access Advisor and a Pre-Professional Advisor.

    Contact Information:
    Office: 1569 MEK
    Email: lane.sutton@utah.edu
    Book In-Person and Video appointments
    Walk-In Hours:
    Monday: 2-3pm
    Wednesday: 11am-12pm
    Thursday: 2-3pm
    Friday: 2-3pm

    Karthik Mareddy, Graduate Advisor

    Current MS & PhD Students Last Names (A-L)

    Responsibilities: Advises current graduate students (last names A-L) regarding program milestones, programs of study, tuition benefit, graduation, and thesis and dissertation process. Oversees all aspects of the department’s teaching assistant program. Coordinates the department’s PhD Qualifying Exams, current grad student events, and recruiting.

    Contact Information:
    Office: 1557 MEK
    Email: karthik.mareddy@utah.edu

    Dr. Mark Fehlberg, Director of Graduate Studies

    All BS/MS students and Admissions

    Responsibilities: Advises all BS/MS students during their undergrad and graduate programs. Administers the Graduate Program, including creating and enforcing policies, admissions, petitions and advisor supervision.

    Biography: Dr. Mark Fehlberg has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah and is also an Assistant Professor (lecturer) in the department.  He was previously the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Advisor and also has many years of industry and military experience.

    Contact Information:
    Office: 1340 MEK
    Phone: (801) 585-9293
    Email: m.fehlberg@utah.edu
    Book In-Person and Video appointments

    by Morgan Sriphong-Ngarm

    Frequently Asked Questions-Graduate Future Students

    Graduate Program Frequently Asked Questions

    (Prospective and New Student)

    How Do I Apply to the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program?
    You apply through the University of Utah graduate admissions system and select Mechanical Engineering as your program. Follow the department’s “Application Deadlines and Instructions” and submit all required materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, and any required test scores) by the posted deadlines.

    Can I apply directly to the PhD program with only a bachelor’s degree?
    Yes. Strong applicants may apply directly to the PhD program from a bachelor’s degree. The admissions committee reviews your academic preparation, research experience, letters of recommendation, English proficiency (if applicable), and fit with faculty research areas.


    Can I apply while I am still finishing my current degree?
    Yes. You may apply before your current degree is complete as long as you finish it before starting the program and provide final transcripts to the Graduate School by their deadline. In this case, any offer is conditional until your prior degree is officially posted.


    How are admissions decisions made?
    Admissions decisions are holistic. The department considers GPA, rigor of prior coursework, letters of recommendation, research or project experience, your statement of purpose, English proficiency (for international applicants), and how well your interests align with faculty research strengths.


    Do I need to contact faculty before I apply?
    It is not always required, but it is strongly recommended for PhD and MS‑thesis applicants. You are encouraged to email faculty whose research matches your interests, briefly introduce yourself, and ask whether they are accepting new graduate students.


    How Do I Check the Status of my Application?

    Log back into the ApplyYourself application to check if your application is complete and if a decision has been entered. If you don’t see a decision after several weeks, keep in mind the following:

     

    • Your application could be incomplete. Check in ApplyYourself to make sure all required documents have been received.
    • If you are a PhD applicant, we require a two-way match with a faculty member to be admitted (i.e. a faculty makes you an offer and you accept) or if you have external funding you can also potentially be admitted if you can find a faculty supervisor. If you haven’t communicated with any faculty and none have contacted you, you might want to email faculty who might be a good fit and find out if they’re looking for students. Your application will remain pending unless an offer is made and accepted and your application will be denied and closed at the end of the admission period (end of prior semester to the semester you’re applying for) if an offer wasn’t made to you.
    • Most Master’s students who meet the Graduate School admission criteria should be admitted but international students may need to show they have funding for at least travel to the U.S. and the first year’s expenses because not much funding is available for Master’s students.
    • All Master’s students that are admitted are admitted as non-thesis by default. If you find and confirm an advisor and research topic, you can be considered for admission into the M.S. Thesis Program.


    When Do Classes Start for the Next Term?

    For a listing of classes available by semester, see the Class Schedule.


    Why Does It Say My Application Is Incomplete?

    Four items are required for your application to be complete: application fee payment, 3 letters of recommendation, upload of unofficial transcripts, and upload of personal statement. Please allow at least 2 working days after submission of these items for your application to show a complete status. If all items have been uploaded and your application still shows incomplete after 2 working days, please contact me again.


    Is the GRE Exam Required?

    In a normal year, we require a score of 80th percentile or higher on the GRE Quantitative section to be admitted to our graduate program, however due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the GRE exam is optional for 2021 and 2022 admission but recommended if it will enhance your application (e.g. like if your GPA is a little low).

    Send scores using Institution Code 4853 (U Utah) Department Code 1502 (Mechanical Engineering).


    How Do I Add and Drop Classes?

    Here’s a tutorial about how to add a class.

    Here’s a tutorial about how to drop a class.


    What if My Recommenders are Having Problems Receiving the Form or Submitting Their Recommendation?

    1. Log in to ApplyYourself
    2. Edit your Application
    3. On the Left Sidebar under Important Links, select Recommendations
    4. Check the email address. If it is correct, click Resend. If it is incorrect, delete the recommender and add a new recommender with the correct email address.
    5. Reach out to the ApplyYourself vendor’s technical support team. There is a link for technical support at the bottom of the main login page and at the top if an applicant is logged into the application.
    6. If the person is not receiving the email, you can try to get a different email address for your recommender and add a new recommender listing using the new email address and see if the request goes through.
    7. If nothing else works, contact us about alternative submission methods.


    What are the Steps for Being Admitted Once my Application is Complete

    The Mechanical Engineering Department reviews your file first and recommends you for admission to the Graduate School and the decision is forwarded to University’s Office of Admissions for review. Acceptance by the Office of Admissions is contingent upon their verification of your meeting the Graduate School’s minimum requirements for admissions. If they concur with our decision, a formal letter of acceptance will be sent from the University Office of Admissions.  The whole process can take several weeks, or potentially longer if you applied close to an application deadline.


    What if My GPA or GRE Scores (If Required the Semester You're Applying For) Are Too Low For Admission?

    If your GPA or GRE scores (if required the semester you’re applying) are too low, domestic students may be invited to apply to the University as a non-matriculated student and re-apply to the graduate program for a future semester. You can take up to 9 credits as a non-matriculated student and transfer them to your degree with a B or higher (9 credits total can be transferred so if you already have some graduate credit this may not apply).  If you want to re-apply for the next semester, we can just defer your current application and you will not need to fill out a new one. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for more information.

    If a faculty member wants to recommend you for admission, we may be able to admit you with lower GPA or GRE than required on an appeal. Contact Director of Graduate Studies for more information if you have a faculty member interested in hiring you in their lab.

    You can also retake the GRE to try to get a higher score, if it’s required for the semester you’re applying for (currently optional for 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19).


    How Do I Accept My Admission Offer?

    You should have received an email from the Admissions Office notifying you of your admissions offer. To accept the offer and begin the enrollment process, please complete the following steps:

    1. Log in to ApplyYourself
    2. At the bottom of the page, click link for Decision Status Available
    3. Open and view the letter
    4. Click the link at the bottom of the letter and fill out required info

    What Funding is Available for Graduate Students?
    Funding may include research assistantships (RAs), teaching assistantships (TAs), departmental fellowships, Graduate School fellowships, and external awards. Most long‑term support comes through RA or TA positions arranged with individual faculty or the department
    Is funding guaranteed if I am admitted?
    No. Admission and funding are related but separate decisions. Some students are admitted with a guaranteed assistantship or fellowship, while others are admitted without funding and may later compete for available positions.

    Are international students eligible for funding?
    Yes. International students may be considered for assistantships and fellowships on the same basis as domestic students, subject to visa and employment rules. Because funding is competitive, international applicants should demonstrate strong preparation and a clear fit with faculty research.

    Are application fee waivers available?
    Application fee waivers may be available through university programs or special recruitment initiatives, but they are not automatic. Prospective students should review the Graduate School and department admissions pages for current fee‑waiver options and instructions.

    How long does tuition benefit usually last?
    The Graduate School recommends limits on tuition benefit support, typically up to about two academic years for master’s students and five academic years for doctoral students, including summers. Departments are expected to follow these guidelines when planning funding and advising students.

    Do All Admitted Graduate Students Get Funding/Assistantships?
    Please know that we do not automatically provide financial assistance to all students that are admitted to our graduate program. Unless indicated explicitly in the letter, there is no financial aid associated with your admission offer. To receive financial support as a Research Assistant (RA), Graduate Assistant (GA) or a Teaching Assistant (TA), you must be recommended by a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah. If a financial aid offer becomes available in the near future you will be notified separately.

    Does Being an International Student Affect Funding/TA Assistantships At All?

    All incoming international students must provide proof of financial responsibility in order to be accepted to the University of Utah (can include RA funding from faculty). Please visit International Graduate Admissions for more details. In order to receive a tuition benefit for a TA position, graduate students whose first language is not English must be certified by the International Teaching Assitant (ITA) Program prior to beginning their assignment. This program is offered through The Graduate School and begins with an evaluation of spoken English for admission to an ITA workshop. The workshop is designed to facilitate ITA’s acquisition of skills in oral English and cultural awareness of higher education in the United States.

    Students who are not cleared before the semester begins will be ineligible to receive a tuition benefit under the TA job code. Work as an RA or GA does not require the ITA clearance; however, we highly encourage all international students to participate in an ITA workshop. You must be recommended by the Department of Mechanical Engineering in order to attend the ITA workshop. Priority is given first to students already on campus, then to students who submitted all application materials by the December 1 deadline.

    What is the Best Way to Find Faculty Who May Be Hiring?
    We suggest that you look at our recent funding highlights for professors that have received recent funding. Professors with new funding are generally the ones that are hiring. We also suggest that you look at the professor’s lab website (links here). When you look at the websites, try to familiarize yourself with their research and look for professors with recent publications. Professors without recent publications are generally no longer active in research and aren’t looking to hire new students.
    What is the BS/MS program in Mechanical Engineering?
    The BS/MS program is an accelerated option that allows qualified Mechanical Engineering undergraduates to begin graduate coursework early and count a limited number of credits toward both the BS and MS degrees, subject to university and department rules.
    How do I apply to the BS/MS program?
    Current ME undergraduates apply internally to the BS/MS pathway after meeting GPA and course requirements. Students must consult with the Director of Graduate Studies or Graduate Advisor to plan their program and then complete the department’s BS/MS application process.

    Can non‑resident BS/MS students receive reduced tuition through Western programs?
    Some students who are legal residents of specific Western states may qualify for a reduced non‑resident tuition rate through regional programs. Eligibility depends on residency and program participation, and students must be correctly coded in the university system before the semester begins.

    Can Western reduced tuition be combined with graduate tuition benefit?
    Students should not assume that a regional non‑resident discount and tuition benefit can be stacked. If you later receive an eligible RA or TA appointment, the Graduate School and department will determine which tuition rules apply under university policy.

    Do I need a faculty sponsor for PhD or MS‑thesis admission?
    In many cases, thesis‑based applicants must have a faculty advisor willing to supervise their research before final admission or funding is confirmed. Applicants are encouraged to identify potential advisors and discuss mutual research interests as part of the application process.
    How should I choose a research advisor?
    Start by reviewing faculty profiles, lab websites, and recent publications to identify faculty whose work matches your interests. Then contact a small number of faculty to discuss possible projects, expectations, timelines, and funding opportunities.

    Can I change advisors after I start the program?
    Changing advisors is sometimes possible when research interests or funding change. Any advisor change must be discussed with your current advisor, the prospective new advisor, and the Graduate Advisor or DGS to ensure that supervision, funding, and degree progress remain clear.

    What graduate policies should I review before accepting an offer?
    You should review the department Graduate Handbook and University of Utah Graduate School policies related to GPA, continuous registration, time‑to‑degree limits, academic integrity, and milestone requirements. Understanding these policies early helps you plan your program effectively.
    How long does it usually take to earn an MS or PhD?
    A thesis‑based MS commonly takes about two years of full‑time study, while a PhD often requires four to five years beyond the bachelor’s degree. Actual timing depends on your research area, funding situation, and the pace at which you complete exams, proposals, and the thesis or dissertation.

    Can I attend part‑time?
    Part‑time enrollment may be possible for some unfunded students, but it can extend time to degree and may limit eligibility for assistantships and tuition benefit. Students considering part‑time study should consult the Graduate Advisor to understand program expectations.

    >What are typical career paths for ME graduate students?
    Graduates pursue careers in industry (research and development, design, analysis, systems engineering), national laboratories, government agencies, startups, and academia. Departmental websites and alumni profiles often highlight recent graduate placements and research strengths.

    Am I Required to Complete an Orientation?
    All international students must attend an orientation, which typically takes place a week before classes start. Information regarding orientation, and also crucial dates, visas and living in Salt Lake City can be found on the International Student & Scholar Services website. Domestic students are not required to attend an orientation.

    A department-specific new student orientation is available to all students typically the first week of classes but is optional. This orientation typically lasts 2-3 hours.

    When Can I Register for Classes?

    To view the assigned registration date, log in to the Campus Information Services, click on the “Registration” tile on your Student Homepage, and then click on the “View Your Registration Dates’ link. For more detailed information, see our View Your Registration Dates Tutorial (PDF).

    Newly admitted students register fairly late compared to current students but for your second semester on, you will register on the first 1-2 days of the published registration period.


    When Do Classes Start for the Next Term?

    For a listing of classes available by semester, see the Class Schedule.


    How Many Credits Can I Take in a Semester?
    9 credits is considered full time for a graduate student.  Most graduate students probably enroll in 9-12 credits.  Campus Information Services limits registration to 16 credit hours. To register for more than 16 credit hours, a graduate student should work with his/her department to get permission on letterhead from the dean of the Graduate School. The Graduate School forwards the approval to our office and it is the student’s responsibility to register for these classes during the open enrollment period.

    Where Can I View My Current Class Schedule?
    To view the classes for which you are currently registered, log into the Campus Information Services and select “view your class schedule” under the registration menu; you will need to specify which term you wish to view.

    How Do I Add and Drop Classes?

    Here’s a tutorial about how to add a class.

    Here’s a tutorial about how to drop a class.


    How Do I Used Schedule Builder?
    Log in to CIS, click the “Registration” tile on your Student Homepage, click on the “Add Class” link, select your term (if needed), and then click “Schedule Builder” and create your own optimized, personalized class schedule. Instructions available here.

    by Morgan Sriphong-Ngarm