Current Master's Students

MS Degree Requirements

Students pursuing an MS degree may choose either the thesis or non-thesis option. Regardless of the selected track, all students must meet the following requirements:

Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain in good academic standing.
Complete courses that are graduate-level and approved for the MS degree program.
Earn a minimum of 30 approved graduate credit hours to fulfill the degree requirements.

MS With Thesis

The thesis track provides students with hands-on research experience under faculty supervision and is well suited for those considering doctoral studies or research-focused careers. The table below outlines the degree requirements for students pursuing the thesis option.

Requirement	Credits	Details
MEC Course Requirement	18 credits (minimum)	No more than 3 credits of the following courses may count: MEC 599 MEC 696
Thesis Requirement	9 credits (maximum)	The following course numbers will count: MEC 596 MEC 597 MEC 599 MEC 696
Non-MEC/Transfer Credits *Optional	12 credits (maximum)	Subject to Graduate Program Director approval Must be directly relevant and/or fundamental to mechanical engineering Includes MEC courses taken in non-MEC status at Stony Brook (e.g., SPD or GSP students)
Seminar Requirement	0 credits	MEC 691 Full-time students (required every semester) Part-time students (optional)

MS Without Thesis

The non-thesis track emphasizes advanced coursework and project-based learning, making it an excellent option for students preparing for technical and professional careers in industry. The table below outlines the degree requirements for students pursuing the non-thesis option.

Requirement	Credits	Details
MEC Course Requirement	18 credits (minimum)	No more than 3 credits of the following courses may count: MEC 599 MEC 696
Experiential/Project Courses *Optional	6 credits (maximum)	The following courses may count: MEC 596 MEC 597 MEC 696 * MEC 599 does not count*
Non-MEC/Transfer Credits *Optional	12 credits (maximum)	Subject to Graduate Program Director approval Must be directly relevant and/or fundamental to mechanical engineering Includes MEC courses taken in non-MEC status at Stony Brook (e.g., SPD or GSP students)
Seminar Requirement	0 credits	MEC 691 Full-time students (required every semester) Part-time students (optional)

Additional Degree Requirement Information

A student appointed as a teaching, graduate or research assistant must choose the thesis program.
Once the thesis option is chosen, you may not switch to the MS without Thesis option without thesis advisor and Graduate Program Committee approval.

Non-MEC/Transfer Credits

Credits counted toward another degree are not transferable
Maximum of 6 credits from outside institutions may count
All transfer credits require Graduate Program Director and Graduate School approval

Courses directly related to fundamental mechanical engineering will be considered
Typically, graduate courses offered in the following schools/departments are approved:

- College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS)
- Math Department
- Physics Department
- Chemistry Department
- Biology Department

MS Thesis Process

Find an advisor.
- Discuss your research requirements and research expectations with your advisor for successful thesis completion.
Form a committee.
- Choose a thesis committee with at least 3 members.
- At least 2 must be Mechanical Engineering faculty.
Complete research under MEC 596, MEC 597, MEC 599 and/or MEC 696.
- Typical thesis research can take between 2-3 semesters to complete.
Schedule your oral defense.
- Oral defenses must occur at least 2 weeks before the end of the semester.
- Submit the MS Thesis - Defense Information google form on the MEC Graduate Brightspace Course.
  - For room reservation assistance, email the Graduate Program Coordinator.
Submit your approved thesis.
- Submit your thesis to the MEC Graduate Brightspace Course.
- ProQuest submissions are not required for the MS Thesis track.
- Note: Submissions must be done before the semester ends.