Accelerated Masters Degree Program in Mechanical Engineering

4+1 year B.S. + M.S. Program in Mechanical Engineering

Through the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering, undergraduate students enrolled in a STEM discipline can obtain the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) within a five-year time frame. The MSME degree offered through this program is identical to the individual MSME offered by the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) Department. This combined five-year program enables students to obtain the B.S. and M.S. degrees in less time than would be required when pursuing them independently and can help students boost their salary when entering the workforce. In addition, the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering provides a fast-track process for admission to the Graduate School by waiving the otherwise required GRE scores, letters of reference, statement of purpose, and application fee.

Structure of the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering

To manage all the required courses* for the B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years, students should consider the following provisions:

1. Two additional graduate-level courses (500 or 600 level) may be taken during the first four years (typically the senior year), to be later transferred into the M.S. program.
2. Two online or independent study courses may be taken during the summer between the fourth and fifth years. With this provision, eight courses need to be taken during the fifth year in the M.S. program.
3. The above two provisions may be combined to require six lecture-based courses during the fifth academic year in the M.S. program.
4. Participants in the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering should consult their academic advisor to ensure that their study plan meets the necessary requirements.
5. All degree requirements for the B.S. degree and the M.S. degree must be met. While the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering does not affect the requirements for either one of these degree programs, as stated above, two graduate-level courses can be used to satisfy requirements for both the B.S. and M.S. degrees.

*Courses are assumed to be 3 credit hours

Eligibility Requirements

The Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering is open to UMass Amherst or Five College students who are enrolled in STEM disciplines with a minimum GPA of 3.5. For a GPA requirement, the cumulative GPA at the end of the third year will be used. All admissions into the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering are conditional. Specifically, admission into the M.S. program through the fast-track process is contingent upon the students completing their B.S. degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Application and Admission Process

There are three steps to enter the Accelerated Master's Degree (M.S.) Program in Mechanical Engineering:

1. During the fall semester of their senior year, students should formally apply to the MSME program through the Graduate School. Students who meet the GPA requirements do not have to fill out the otherwise required GRE scores, letters of reference, and statement of purpose. In the statement of purpose section, simply write that you are applying as a fast-track 4+1 candidate.
2. After you have submitted your application, please email Kevin Romani, Academic Advisor, at kromani@umass.edu to let him know you have submitted an application and which program you applied to specifically. Please then be on the lookout for a follow-up message from Kevin confirming you were admitted and additional details about the program.
3. Once you have been accepted, you need to official accept the offer the application portal.