The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Houston continues to rise in national prominence, recognized for its research excellence and commitment to student success. Recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report place the department among the top 70 graduate programs in the nation, reflecting a trajectory of rapid growth and increasing peer recognition. As a cornerstone of an R1 university with very high research activity, the department boasts world-class faculty, including members of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Inventors, who drive innovation in energy, materials, health, and space exploration.
The University of Houston offers a diverse portfolio of master’s and doctoral programs in mechanical and aerospace engineering, designed to meet the evolving needs of both full-time students and working professionals. Your interest may be to gain specialized expertise in thermal-fluid sciences and control systems, or to pursue interdisciplinary research in space architecture and advanced manufacturing. Whatever your professional goals, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering provides the platform to achieve them. Located in the heart of the “Energy Capital of the World” and “Space City,” our programs offer unmatched industry connections, with many graduate courses and research opportunities available in the late afternoon and evening to accommodate your schedule.
Doctor of Philosophy
Candidates for the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) go beyond the study of established engineering principles to become creators of new knowledge. While building a strong foundation through advanced coursework, doctoral students focus primarily on intensive, individual research that expands the frontiers of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Working alongside world-class faculty, Ph.D. candidates are expected to master the methods of scholarly inquiry and make original, substantive contributions to their field, often resulting in peer-reviewed publications before graduation. Acceptance into the full-time Ph.D. program is competitive and is accompanied by departmental financial support in the form of teaching or research assistantships.
Master’s Programs
The department offers a diverse suite of master’s level programs designed to meet the distinct needs of both industry professionals and aspiring researchers:
- Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME): A professional, non-thesis program (30 credit hours) ideal for working engineers seeking to deepen their technical expertise without interrupting their careers.
- Master of Science (M.S.): Available in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) and Aerospace Engineering (MSAE), this degree offers thesis and non-thesis tracks for those interested in research or specialized technical depth.
- Master of Science in Space Architecture: The world’s only M.S. degree in this field, offered through the Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture (SICSA).
- Dual Degree Options: We offer several dual master’s degrees, allowing you to combine Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Space Architecture, or pair an engineering discipline with Engineering Data Science to develop a powerful interdisciplinary skill set.