Mechanical Engineering
Master's
Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Mechanical Engineering
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students build graduate-level knowledge in mechanical engineering while developing a personalized path of study. Students do not declare a thesis or non-thesis option when applying. After matriculation, students may select a thesis option with the support of a faculty advisor. Non-thesis degrees may be completed in one academic year of full-time study, while thesis and non-thesis degrees may also be pursued part time.
Coursework and research opportunities may address topics such as:
- Robotics and autonomous systems
- Thermal-fluid systems
- Mechanics and materials
- Controls and dynamical systems
- Advanced manufacturing
- Product design and development
- Micro and nanoscale systems
- Energy systems
- Human factors and human-centered engineering
- Biomechanical systems and devices
- Computational modeling and simulation
- Aerospace and transportation systems
About the Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tufts supports graduate study and research across a broad range of mechanical engineering fields, including robotics, human factors, materials, manufacturing, thermal-fluid systems, design, micro/nanoscale systems, biomechanics, and human-robot interaction.
Faculty research includes areas such as soft-bodied robots, superconducting materials, cell swimming at the microscale, airspace systems, fluid mechanics, advanced manufacturing, materials science, robotics, human-machine systems, engineering education, and bioengineering applications. Students benefit from small classes, faculty mentorship, and opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary research across the School of Engineering.
Personalized Graduate Study
Students can build a path of study aligned with their technical interests and goals. The program supports both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to pursue research preparation, advanced coursework, or professional engineering development.
Faculty Mentorship
Graduate students learn in small classes and may work closely with faculty whose research spans robotics, materials, fluids, manufacturing, human factors, biomechanics, design, and micro/nanoscale systems. This mentorship can support students preparing for industry, research, or doctoral study.
Interdisciplinary Research
Mechanical engineering at Tufts connects with fields such as robotics, human-robot interaction, biomedical engineering, materials science, data science, manufacturing, and human-centered design. Students can explore how mechanical engineering contributes to emerging technologies and real-world systems.
Boston and Cambridge Location
Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus is located near Boston and Cambridge, giving students access to a major engineering, technology, healthcare, research, and innovation ecosystem. Students benefit from proximity to employers, laboratories, startups, universities, and professional networks.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering?
Graduates may pursue engineering, research, design, manufacturing, or technical roles in areas such as mechanical engineering, robotics, product design, aerospace, energy systems, thermal-fluid systems, materials, biomedical devices, automation, transportation, consulting, and technical project work. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, thesis or non-thesis pathway, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Mechanical engineer
- Robotics engineer
- Product design engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Energy systems engineer
- Thermal-fluid systems engineer
- Automation engineer
- PhD student or research scientist in training
What is the Career Outlook?
Mechanical engineering skills are relevant across product design, manufacturing, robotics, energy, aerospace, automotive systems, materials, and research and development.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mechanical engineers had a median annual wage of $102,320 in May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Average Salary: $99K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 10%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Mechanical Engineering Students Complete a Co-op?
Eligible M.S. in Mechanical Engineering students may have the opportunity to participate in the School of Engineering Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op can allow students to apply graduate coursework to real-world engineering projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build a resume, and develop professional connections.
What academic background is expected?
Applicants should have a strong academic background in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline.
Is a thesis required?
No. Applicants do not choose a thesis or non-thesis option when applying. After enrolling, students may select a thesis option with the support of a faculty advisor.
Is the GRE Required?
No. GRE General Test scores are not required for the M.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Do We Host Information Sessions and Campus Tours?
Yes. Prospective students may attend admissions events, information sessions, or campus visit opportunities to learn more about Tufts graduate programs and the application process. Visit go.tufts.edu/gradevents for the event schedule and previously recorded videos.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
