ME Grad Links
Master of Science in ME
The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 hours of approved coursework, six hours of thesis research and submission of a thesis defended in a final examination. The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 30 hours of approved coursework and a six credit-hour project for a master report, which needs to be defended in a final examination.
The Accelerated Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering can be pursued by LSU juniors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 who are working towards a BSME. While the non-thesis option is open to all eligible students, the thesis option is reserved for exceptional students invited by the department after having completed a prescribed portion of the BSME coursework. The requirements are the same as for the regular MSME, and the program is structured so that completion of this degree is possible one year after receiving the BSME.
Degree Requirements
To receive an Master of Science degree from the ME program, you must satisfy the degree requirements as specified in the current General Catalog. The MSME program offers both thesis and non-thesis tracks. An accelerated MSME path is available to LSU undergraduate students demonstrating superior academic performance.
Disclaimer: the information below reflects recent changes as approved by the MIE Department and the College of Engineering that are expected to take effect in Fall 2025. For current guidelines, please refer to the ME Graduate Student handbook; students affected by the transition should contact the graduate advisor.
Major Professor and Graduate Advisory Committee
When you start the program, you must choose a major professor who is affiliated with the Mechanical Engineering program and specializes in your area of interest. With your major professor's guidance, you are required to select members for your graduate advisory committee. This committee will be chaired by your major professor and will include at least two other professors. Two members must be ME faculty, and one can be from a different program. They all need to be members of the LSU Graduate Faculty, where at least one ME faculty should be a full member. You must meet with all committee members and complete the departmental major professor agreement form. The form should be submitted to the graduate coordinator by the start of your second semester in the program.
Plan of Study
At the beginning of the graduate program, you and your major professor will create a plan that outlines the courses to be taken for your MSME degree. This initial plan must be documented on the departmental plan of study form and approved by your advisory committee. The completed plan of study form should be submitted to the graduate coordinator together with your major professor agreement by the start of your second semester in the program. You should review your plan of study every semester with your major professor. In case any changes should be required, you will need to get approval from your major professor and submit an updated plan of study to the graduate coordinator.
Credit Hour Requirements
The thesis option requires a minimum of 24 hours of lecture courses (must not include any type of independent study) and a minimum of six hours of thesis research (ME 8000). The non-thesis option requires a minimum of 30 hours of lecture courses and two three credit-hour ME 7903 courses taken in consecutive semesters.
Course Requirements
Curricular requirements for both options include:
- At least 9 credit hours from an approved list of core courses.
- At least 50% of the required course work must be at the 7000-level.
- At least 50% of the required course work must be in Mechanical Engineering.
- 3 credit hours of 4000 level or higher mathematics courses are recommended.
- Attendance of the ME Graduate Seminar (ME 7901).
- A research presentation in the departmental Graduate Student Research Conference (GSRC) is required prior to graduation.
Graduate Seminar
The ME 7901 Graduate Seminar course is offered each Fall and Spring semester. Full-time students must attend the seminar each semester, whereas part-time students only need to attend for one semester. After a student successfully defends their thesis or if they participate in an out-of-state internship or exchange program, they are excused from seminar attendance. Seminar registration is waived if the condition is met for the entire semester.
Thesis and Non-Thesis Report
A Master’s degree requires the preparation of a final document. This document will be used in your final examination, where you show that you have mastered your chosen subject. Depending on your program track, you will either write a thesis or a non-thesis report.
A Master’s Thesis should demonstrate the capacity for research, originality of thought, and facility in organizing materials. Students pursuing the thesis option take ME 8000 thesis research under the direction of their major professor.
A Non-Thesis Master’s Report should document the ability to do in-depth analysis of a Mechanical Engineering topic, without the need to pursue rigorous research. Students pursuing the non-thesis option take no more than one ME 7903 independent study course per semester under the direction of their major professor.
Accelerated MSME Program
If you are an LSU junior studying Mechanical Engineering with a GPA of at least 3.5, you are eligible for an accelerated Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program is available for both non-thesis and thesis tracks. The thesis track is reserved for exceptional students invited by the department. The requirements for both tracks are the same as the regular MSME program, where up to half of the required graduate credit hours can be taken prior to receiving the BSME. The program is structured so that completion of this degree is possible with one year after receiving the BSME.
For the accelerated MSME program, follow these steps:
- Find an advisor willing to supervise your master’s project (thesis or non-thesis)
- Submit application documents to the graduate coordinator by the end of the semester
before starting your final year in the BSME program:
- One-page summary of your research project.
- Major Professor Agreement (departmental form).
- Plan of Study (departmental form).
- Request for Accelerated Master’s Program (LSU Graduate School form).
- During the final year of your BSME program, you should:
- Start your research project (thesis option).
- Take up to 9 credit hours counting towards both BSME and MSME degrees (requires Graduate School approval); additional graduate courses will only count for MSME.
- Apply to the LSU Graduate School.
- After graduating with your BSME, you should:
- Reserve the summer for research (recommended for thesis option).
- Take remaining credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
- Submit application for degree and request final defense at the beginning of the Spring semester (refer to deadlines published by the LSU Graduate School).
Suggested outline (may be adjusted)
Suggested outline (may be adjusted)
Petitions
A petition to waive or modify any of the requirements in this section requires approval of your graduate advisory committee and the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) of the ME program.
Final Examination
An open, announced, oral presentation and a “defense” examination is required after completion of writing of thesis or non-thesis project. The exam part is administered by your advisory committee in a closed session for privacy purposes.
- You must schedule the final examination and submit the "Application for Degree: Master’s Degree" form before the current semester deadline as indicated on the Graduate School calendar. In addition to meeting the semester deadline, the final examination request should be submitted to the Graduate School at least three weeks prior to the proposed examination date.
- You must provide copies of thesis/report at least two weeks prior to the final examination to your examination committee. The document must have been reviewed and approved by your major professor prior to submission to the committee members.
- The result of this examination will be filed with the Graduate School by your major professor through the graduate coordinator as soon as possible, provided all degree and program requirements have been met.
- For the thesis option, you must upload your thesis document to the Graduate School website by the semester deadline indicated on the Graduate School calendar.
Other Requirements
Check with the Graduate Administrative Coordinator and Graduate School regarding other requirements regarding graduation. Also, leave your future contact address with the Graduate Administrative Coordinator. Keep in touch with your home department and Alma Mater, and inform us of your professional affiliation and growth in your career.