Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

At Cornell University, tuition is Please note there is no financial support available to students in this program—it is self-paid by the student..

This is a terminal Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. The program provides classroom training and experience with research methodology, combining academic rigor with a strong research component. Students tailor their studies with faculty advisors, incorporating core and specialized courses, and undertake substantive research documented in a master's thesis.

Focus areas include Biomedical mechanics, Dynamics and control, Energy and sustainability, Fluid dynamics, Micro- and nanoscale engineering, Solid mechanics and materials.

The program requires a minimum of 48 credits of core courses and at least 20 credits of research, culminating in a defended master's thesis over four semesters.

Graduates are prepared to succeed in industry, government, and academia.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or physical sciences. Required documents include three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, an academic statement of purpose, and a resume or CV, in addition to Graduate School requirements including English language proficiency.

In Person, Ithaca, NY, typically two years (4 semesters). For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 8% of applicants.

Cornell University, founded in 1865 in Ithaca, New York, is an Ivy League research university that blends rigorous scholarship with broad public engagement. As both a privately endowed institution and New York State's statutory land-grant university, Cornell brings together liberal arts, engineering, agriculture, and professional schools to offer wide academic choice across more than twenty colleges and programs. Its historic mission emphasizes teaching, research, and service, making Cornell a global destination for students seeking depth and interdisciplinary opportunity.

Academically, Cornell is known for high-impact research across the sciences, humanities, and applied fields. With about 25,582 students and over 6,200 international learners, the campus provides extensive resources including research centers, interdisciplinary institutes, and industry partnerships that support undergraduate and graduate training. Students benefit from hands-on learning, internship networks, and faculty mentorship that often include international collaborations and community-engaged projects.

Life in Ithaca balances scenic natural spaces with a lively arts and dining scene and strong student services, from career counseling to study abroad advising. Residential options, student clubs, and entrepreneurial hubs help newcomers settle in and build professional pathways both in the United States and abroad. For international applicants seeking world-class research, wide program choice, and a community that values public service and innovation, Cornell offers a supportive and stimulating environment.