ME-MS - Mechanical Engineering (MS)

Degree requirements

1. Mathematical Fundamentals: Two math courses covering two different areas out of: partial differential equations, linear algebra, numerical analysis, and statistics. One area covered by each class must be listed on the MS program sheet. The following courses automatically satisfy the requirement in the indicated area(s):

   		Course List
   course/course	Linear Algebra with Application to Engineering Computations	Linear Algebra
   course/course	Partial Differential Equations in Engineering	Partial Differential Equations
   course/course	Introduction to Numerical Methods for Engineering	Numerical Analysis
   course	Numerical Linear Algebra	Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis
   course/course	Spectral Methods in Computational Physics	Numeric Analysis
   course/course	Uncertainty Quantification (Not offered AY21)	Numerical Analysis, Statistics
   course	Probabilistic Systems Analysis	Statistics
   course	The Fourier Transform and Its Applications	Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis
   course/course	Introduction to Linear Dynamical Systems	Linear Algebra
   course/course	Convex Optimization I	Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis
   course/course	Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Engineers	Statistics
   course/course	Engineering Design Optimization	Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis
   course	Continuous Mathematical Methods with an Emphasis on Machine Learning	Linear Algebra, Numerical Analysis
   course/course	Machine Learning	Linear Algebra, Statistics
   course	Introduction to Statistical Inference	Statistics
   course	Probabilistic Analysis	Statistics
   course	Fundamentals of Data Science: Prediction, Inference, Causality	Statistics

   The Mathematical Fundamentals requirement excludes programming classes such as course/course/course, course, course, course, course, and course. Likewise, MATH or CME courses that address applications of mathematics but are not primarily focused on mathematical fundamentals (e.g., MATH 275, CME 285) are excluded. These classes can be placed in the approved electives category. Other MATH and CME courses with catalog numbers greater than 200 that focus on one or more of the four required areas, such that at least two different areas are covered, can be approved by advisors. Students with questions about their math curriculum covering two different areas should check the course descriptions and consult with their advisor.  Courses taken for the math requirement must be taken for a letter grade, except those taken during Spring 2020 and AY20-21.

2. Depth in Mechanical Engineering: Depth refers to a cluster of courses with thematic and/or technical continuity that enables a student to study a part of mechanical engineering in more depth, with more focus, and over a period of time. A depth cluster or area typically is made up of 9 units (2-3 courses). These courses have been approved by the faculty as providing depth in specific areas as well as a significant component of applications of the material in the context of engineering synthesis. The depth areas are outlined in the Depth and Breadth Areas for the MSME Degree section Below. Courses taken in the depth area must be taken for a letter grade, except those taken during Spring 2020.

3. Breadth in Mechanical Engineering: "Breadth" refers to graduate level ME courses outside of the student's depth area. The intent is for students to engage in course work in areas of mechanical engineering outside of the depth to broaden understanding and competency in a wider range of topics. Two courses are required from the list of eligible breadth courses described under each depth area outlined in the Depth and Breadth Areas for the MSME Degree section below. Courses taken in the breadth area must be taken for a letter grade, except those taken during Spring 2020.

4. Sufficient Mechanical Engineering Course Work: Students must take a minimum of 24 units of coursework in mechanical engineering topics. For the purposes of determining mechanical engineering topics, any course on approved lists for the math requirement, depth requirement, and breadth requirement counts towards these units. In addition, any graduate level course with an ME course number is considered a mechanical engineering topic. Research (independent study) units cannot count towards the 24 units of ME coursework.

5. Approved Electives: Additional graduate (numbered 200+) engineering, math, and science courses bring the total number of units to at least 39. All of these units must be approved by the student’s advisor. Graduate engineering, math, and science courses are normally approved. 100-level CS courses that satisfy the M.S. in Computer Science program are also allowed. Of these 39 units, no more than 6 units may come from independent study (ME 391 and ME 392) and no more than 3 units may come from seminars. A student planning to continue for a Ph.D. should have a discussion with the academic advisor about taking ME 391 or ME 392 during the master’s program. ME 491 and ME 492 may not be included in approved electives. Students may use one of the following courses as an approved elective, without petition: CS 106A, CS 106B, CS 106X, CS 107. Approved electives must be taken for a letter grade unless grades are not an option (e.g., seminars and ME 391 and ME 392), and except those taken during Spring 2020 and academic year 2020-21.
   Students participating in ME 391 or ME 392 should make the necessary arrangements with a member of the faculty. In addition, the faculty member and the student should determine the number of units for the course. ME 391 and ME3 92 may only be taken on a satisfactory/no credit (S/NC) grading basis. If a student takes an independent study in a different department, the grading option should be credit/no credit.

6. Unrestricted Electives: These courses bring the total number of units submitted for the M.S. degree to 45. Students are strongly encouraged to take these units outside of engineering, mathematics, or the sciences. Students should consult their advisor for recommendations on course loads and on ways to use the unrestricted electives to make a manageable program. Unrestricted electives must be level 100+ and may be taken credit/no credit. IntroSem courses (those appended with N and Q) cannot fulfill MS requirements.

7. Laboratory Requirement: Within the courses satisfying the requirements above, there must be at least one graduate-level course with a laboratory component. Courses which satisfy this requirement are: 

   		Course List
   		Units
   course	Design and Manufacturing	4
   course	Introduction to Mechatronics	4
   course	Smart Product Design Fundamentals	4-5
   course	Smart Product Design Applications	4-5
   course	Smart Product Design Practice	4-5
   course	Smart Product Design: Projects	3-4
   course	Introduction to Sensors	4
   course	Vehicle Dynamics and Control	3
   course	Mechanics of Biological Tissues (not offered 2020-21)	4
   course	Global Engineering Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship	4
   course	Global Engineering Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship	4
   course	Global Engineering Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship	4
   course	Computer-Aided Product Creation	4
   course	Precision Engineering	4
   course	Design and Control of Haptic Systems (not offered 2020-21)	3
   course	Medical Robotics	3
   course	Experimental Stress Analysis	3
   course	Experimental Methods in Fluid Mechanics (Not offered AY21)	4
   course	Optical Diagnostics and Spectroscopy Laboratory	4
   course	Engineering Problems	1-10
   course	Experimental Investigation of Engineering Problems	1-10
   course	Ph.D. Research Rotation	1-4
   And similar directed study/research courses offered by faculty in other departments will satisfy this requirement if 3 units are taken for work involving laboratory experiments.
   course/course/course	Principles of Robot Autonomy II	3-4
   course	Experimental Robotics	3

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Depth and Breadth Areas for the MSME Degree

Depth - Select one area as your specialty

Breadth - Select two courses (6 units) from area(s) outside your depth, as noted in each depth area description.  They can come from the same area or two different areas.

*Students who were Stanford undergraduates and used ME203 towards their BS degree may not use ME203 towards their Product Realization Depth and can substitute one of the courses below.

Master of Science in Engineering, Biomechanical Engineering

The Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering (MSE:BME) promotes the integration of engineering mechanics and design with the life sciences. Applicants are expected to have an additional exposure to biology and/or bioengineering in their undergraduate studies. Students planning for subsequent medical school studies are advised to contact Stanford's Premedical Advising Office in Sweet Hall.

Students wishing to pursue this program must complete the Graduate Program Authorization form and get approval from the Student Services Office. This form serves to officially add the field to the student's record. This form must be filled out electronically on Axess. The Mechanical Engineering Department does not have a coterminal Biomechanical Engineering Master's program.

Degree Requirements

All courses except unrestricted electives must be taken for a letter grade unless letter grades are not an option.  A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for degree conferral.

1. Mathematical competence (min 6 units) in two of the following areas: partial differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables, or numerical analysis, as demonstrated by completion of two appropriate courses from the following list: ME300A, ME300B, ME300C, MATH106, MATH109, MATH113, MATH131P, STATS110 or ENGR155C, CME108, CME302.  Students who have completed comparable graduate-level courses as an undergraduate, and who can demonstrate their competence to the satisfaction of the instructors of the Stanford courses, may be waived via petition from this requirement by their advisor and the Student Services Office. The approved equivalent courses should be placed in the “approved electives” category of the program proposal.

2. Graduate Level Engineering Courses (minimum 21 units), consisting of:

   a. Biomechanical engineering restricted electives (9 units) to be chosen from:

   		Units
   ME 234	Introduction to Neuromechanics (Not offered AY21)	3
   course	Biotransport Phenomena	3
   ME 244	Mechanotransduction in Cells and Tissues	3
   ME 281	Biomechanics of Movement	3
   ME 283	Introduction to Biomechanics and Mechanobiology	3
   ME 285	Computational Modeling in the Cardiovascular System	3
   ME 287	Mechanics of Biological Tissues	4
   ME 328	Medical Robotics	3
   ME 337	Mechanics of Growth	3
   ME 380	Current Topics in Exoskeleton and Prosthesis Research	3
   ME 381	Orthopaedic Bioengineering	3
   ME 485	Modeling and Simulation of Human Movement	3
   b. Specialty in engineering (9-12 units): A set of three or four graduate level courses in engineering mechanics, materials, controls, or design (excluding bioengineering courses) selected to provide depth in one area. Comparable specialty sets composed of graduate engineering courses outside the Mechanical Engineering Department can be used with the approval of the student’s advisor. c. Graduate engineering electives (to bring the total number of graduate level engineering units to at least 21.  These electives must contribute to a cohesive degree program, and be approved by the student’s advisor.  No units may come from bioengineering courses, mathematics courses, or seminars.

3. Life science approved electives (minimum 6 units): Undergraduate or graduate biological/medical science/chemistry courses which contribute to a cohesive program.

4. Biomechanical Research Symposium (ME 389).

5. General approved electives (to bring the total number of units to 39):  These courses must be approved by the student’s advisor. Graduate level engineering, math, physical science courses and upper division undergraduate or graduate life science courses are normally approved.

6. Unrestricted electives (to bring the total number of units to 45):  Students without undergraduate biology are encouraged to use some of these unrestricted units to strengthen their biology background.  Students should consult their advisor for recommendations on course loads and on ways to use the unrestricted electives to create a manageable program.

7. All courses except unrestricted electives must be taken for a letter grade unless letter grades are not an option.

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Master of Science in Engineering, Design Impact

The Master’s Program in Design Impact is project-driven, highly immersive, and based on design thinking, the human-centered design process pioneered at Stanford. We teach the process, mindsets and skills needed to lead high-impact design teams. In our work on products, services, systems, and experiences, empathy is our guiding principle. Students completing the two-year program will earn a Master’s of Science in Engineering degree with a concentration in Design Impact (MSE-Design Impact).

The Master’s Program in Design Impact is a distinct degree from the MS Mechanical Engineering discipline with a separate application process. You can learn more about the application procedure by navigating to the "How to Apply" page at http://designimpact.stanford.edu/.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for the Design Impact Engineering master’s degree are expected to have the approval to graduate from the faculty and a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 57 units completed in the program.

All required classes and electives must be taken for a letter grade unless:

1. The class is not offered for a letter grade, or

2. Prior approval has been granted to take a class CR/NC in the form of a signed petition filed and approved before the class begins.

In the first year, students take most of their classes together as a cohort. In the second year, students will continue to work together in the year-long “Design Impact Master's Project” course series (ME316A, B, C). This sequence of classes will be the culmination of their educational experience and launch them into their individual careers as designers.

The student selects electives with their advisor. The electives are of two types: focused on building a deep learning in the student’s chosen ME316A/B/C area and expanding the student’s skill set and design toolkit. Students may choose elective courses at the 100 level or higher, in consultation with their advisor, from any of the Schools at the University to fulfill their elective requirement.  The advisor must sign off on a program sheet containing proposed electives prior to the students committing to taking them.

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