The PhD in Mechanical Engineering is research intensive. It can be funded by industry or by agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Department of Defense. Nationwide, 80% of PhD graduates go to work in industry; however, the PhD also provides the avenue for a rewarding career in academia.
The Master of Science often has a strong application in industry or serves as the basis for the PhD. The MS degrees in ME-EM are offered with a project component (course work and thesis/report), which can be completed in one year and strengthens professional skills.