Detailed information
Master of Engineering degree
The Masters of Engineering degree program in the Mechanical Engineering Department is currently targeted towards on-campus, self-funded students who wish to complete a bachelor of science plus the M.E. degree in a total of 5 years.
These students will likely be interested in careers in H V A C&R, power generation, transportation, internal combustion engines, renewable energy, cryogenics, nuclear power, energy consulting, and other energy-related industries.
Advantages
In only 2 semesters of extra study focused on energy systems & thermal-fluids you will:
- receive an advanced engineering degree and
- obtain independent research experience
Faculty contacts
Sanford A. Klein ( klein@engr.wisc.edu ), 608/263-5626, 1343 Engineering Research Building
Gregory F. Nellis ( gfnellis@engr.wisc.edu ), 608/265-6626, 1339 Engineering Research Building
Christopher J. Rutland ( rutland@engr.wisc.edu ), 608/262-5853, 1018B Engineering Research Building
Energy Systems
Energy systems utilize primary energy forms to accomplish desired tasks. From industrial applications to manufactured products to the transportation that allows mobility of people and goods throughout the world, energy systems are the common thread that transforms primary energy sources to accomplish useful work. Energy systems also play an increasingly important role in a number of environmental issues such as indoor and outdoor air quality, ozone depletion, and global warming. With growing cognition of our dependence on foreign oil (a finite primary energy source), the importance of advancing capabilities in energy systems and technologies has never been higher.
Industries and employers are demanding engineers who are prepared to meet the challenge of developing, deploying, operating, and maintaining energy systems. Tomorrow's engineers will need to be proficient in simulation techniques, design, experimental methods, and development of advanced thermal-fluid systems to meet the world's growing needs in this area. The opportunities for energy system engineering will continue to increase in the coming years as these issues gain momentum and increase in importance.
Students in Mechanical Engineering obtain an education that includes the principles of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. These disciplines and their associated conservation laws are the foundation of all energy systems analyses. In the undergraduate curriculum, however, there is little opportunity to integrate these topics and others such as optimization and economics together so that they can be effectively used in applied studies of energy systems. Achieving improvements in energy systems technology will require engineers with advanced studies and experiences that extend beyond what can be provided within an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering curriculum. This is provided by the Masters of Engineering program in Energy Systems.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
1. The degree program is administered by the department of Mechanical Engineering. The candidate must be admitted into graduate studies in Mechanical Engineering in order to enroll in this program.
2. Twenty-six (26) credits of approved engineering courses are required beyond the B.S. degree. Approved courses include all formal graduate-level courses in the Engineering College that are documented in the Graduate School Catalog. Students must meet with an advisor or with the Director of the M.E. program to select their courses.
3. At least eighteen (18) credits must be formal lecture or laboratory courses.
4. At least twelve (12) credits must be from the list of Approved Courses.
5. At least three (3) and no more than six (6) credits of independent study courses (e.g.,
6. Exactly two (2) credits of graduate seminar courses, e.g.,
Summary of degree information
- 26 credits (2 semesters)
- 18 formal lecture or laboratory courses
- 12 credits from approved course list
- M.S. thesis credits are not counted
- non-thesis degree, but independent study required (3-6 credits)
APPROVED COURSES (as of 12/2002)
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics