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MS Degree — Mechanical Engineering (Controls)

The following list shows course offerings by semester.

Fall Semester

ME 446
Automatic Controls
ME 547
Physics-Based Modelling for Computer Control. AUDIT ONLY.
ME 699
Independent Study
ME 746
Dynamics of Controlled Systems. AUDIT ONLY.
ME 747
Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes
ME 790
Masters Research and Thesis

Spring Semester

ME 447
Computer Control of Machines and Processes
ME 699
Independent Study
ME/ECE 739
Advanced Automation and Robotics. AUDIT ONLY.
ME 747
Advanced Computer Control of Machines and Processes
ME 790
Masters Research and Thesis

2009 Summer Intersession (3 weeks)

ME/ECE 577
Automatic Controls Lab, May 26-June 12, 2009.

This laboratory course is offered every other summer (alternating with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering lab course). We offer this course during the three-week summer intersession. Please contact us for more information.

Internationally Known Program

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest departments in the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It enrolls more than 200 graduate students from all over the world in MS and PhD programs. They are taught by 40 faculty members.

As a mechanical engineering student, you are part of a stimulating learning community of highly motivated students, energetic educators, creative researchers, and a dedicated staff. You will learn from internationally known professors who conduct in-depth research as well as teaching the principles of engineering.

Graduate Study in Controls

The graduate program covers courses listed both in mechanical engineering as well as electrical and computer engineering. This flexibility allows each student to select the program that meets his or her particular educational needs. A typical student at the MS level choosing the thesis option would take six formal courses and write a thesis on a selected research topic. A master's student selecting the non-thesis option would take 10 courses in engineering subjects.

Degree Requirements for Off-Campus Students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering

  • For off-campus students seeking an MS degree (controls emphasis) in mechanical engineering, all regular MS degree requirements apply. GRE scores are required for admission to the program. For complete information on applying to the Graduate School, please refer to the ME website:

  • Students may choose one of two options: the thesis route or the “all course” route.

  • For the thesis route, a total of 24 credits must be taken — a minimum of 18 formal course credits (at least nine formal course credits in ME taken at UW-Madison), five thesis credits, and examination on the thesis.

  • The “all course” route requires a total of 30 credits — a minimum of 24 formal course credits (at least 15 formal course credits in ME taken at UW-Madison); nine credits must be core ME courses.

  • At least three credits of independent study (ME 790) with a faculty advisor are required.

  • Students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 in all graduate-level courses attempted.

  • Students must take at least one 700-level formal course at UW-Madison.

  • A minimum of one three-week, on-campus intersession course in ME must be taken.

Faculty Profiles