Graduate Studies
M.S. & Ph.D. Degrees in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
The Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Department offers an outstanding graduate education experience. Our students work directly with renowned in the fields of Mechanics, Materials, Thermal Fluid Systems and Nuclear Engineering around the nation and world.
Not only do we offer a first of its kind hybrid Ph.D. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, we also offer a traditional Master of Science with either a thesis or non-thesis option. Additionally, we offer an online M.S. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.
Estimate your tuition and fees
Estimate the cost to attend using the VCU cost calculator. Tuition and fees vary based on a student’s residency status with the state of Virginia.
International applicants
VCU Global Education Office (GEO) has a team of immigration advisors to assist prospective and current international students with questions related to visas, housing and more.
Evening master's degree option
Our master's programs offer late-afternoon and evening hour course options. This is great for working professionals who seek to earn a graduate degree while also maintaining employment.
Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Deadlines | Fall: Jan. 15 | Spring: Oct. 1
Ph.D. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering equips students with advanced technical, research, and communication skills for careers in research, teaching, and industry. Graduates are prepared to address challenges in energy, nuclear medicine, and technology development through innovative problem-solving and interdisciplinary expertise.
Core Courses
EGMN 604
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials
EGMN 607
Heat and Mass Transfer Theory & Applications
EGMN 610
Topics in Nuclear Engineering
Seminar
EGMN 690
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Seminar
Research
EGMN 697
Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 36.
Core Courses
EGMN 604
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Materials
EGMN 605
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis
EGMN 606
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics
EGMN 607
Heat and Mass Transfer Theory & Applications
EGMN 610
Topics in Nuclear Engineering
Seminar
EGMN 690
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Seminar
Research
EGMN 697
Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Electives
Select 21 credit hours from:
EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE,CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, OVPR.
Master of Science Degree
Deadlines | Fall: Jan. 15 | Spring: Oct. 1
M.S. in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
The Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering teaches you to apply the principles of engineering, material science, physics and mathematics to design, analyze and manufacture mechanical systems such as vehicles, biomedical devices, consumer products, internal combustion engines, power plants, and other nuclear applications.
Aerospace engineering concentration
The Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in aerospace engineering expands your engineering knowledge to the mechanisms of flight and space. This growing field has employment opportunities covering a wide range of engineering disciplines from material science to mechanical design, sensor development and more.
Core Courses (9 credit hours)
EGMN 605
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis
EGMN 606
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics
EGMN 610
Topics in Nuclear Engineering
Research (6 credit hours)
EGMN 697
Directed Research in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering
Electives (15 credit hours)
Select (500 level or higher) from:
EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRM, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, OVPR.
The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 30.
Core Courses (9 credit hours)
EGMN 605
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis
EGMN 606
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics
EGMN 610
Topics in Nuclear Engineering
Electives (21 credit hours)
Select (500 level or higher) from:
EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE,CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, OVPR.
The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 30.
Online Master of Science Degree
Deadlines | Fall: Jan. 15 | Spring: Oct. 1
Core Courses
EGMN 605
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis
EGMN 606
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Continuum Mechanics
EGMN 610
Topics in Nuclear Engineering
Choose Thesis or Non-thesis option for your M.S. Degree
Seminar
EGMN 690
Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Seminar
Electives
Select 15–21 credit hours from:
EGMN, EGRM, ENGR, EGRN, EGRB, EGRE, CLSE, CMSC, PHYS, MATH, NANO, CHEM, BIOL, GRAD, LFSC, OVPR.
Resources and Forms
Plan of Study for the Master of Science Degree
Plan of Study for the Doctoral Degree
Appointment of Master of Science for Thesis Advisory Committee
Doctoral Committee Approval and Qualifying Exam Results
Graduate Travel and Conference Grant Application
VCU Graduate School Thesis and Dissertation Manual
Notice of dissertation proposal defense for the Ph.D. degree
Notice of final defense examination for degree of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy
Contact
If you have any questions about any of the Graduate programs or forms, please contact the department using the following email: MNEGrad@vcu.edu
John Speich, Ph.D.
Acting Chair, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.
Karla Mossi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director, Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering.