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Jenni M. Buckley, PhD – University of Delaware
Dr. Jenni Buckley is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Delaware. She teaches the design of experiments, introductory statistics, solid mechanics, and orthopedic biomechanics. Her research centers on the life and health sciences, biomedical engineering, and design science. Outside of her teaching responsibilities, she also serves as the chief scientific officer for the Taylor Collaboration and the executive director of The Perry Initiative.
Her research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and the Journal of Biomechanics, and she reviews Medical Engineering and Physics, the Journal of Biomechanics, and the Journal of Engineering in Medicine. Dr. Buckley is a recipient of several awards, including the University of California Berkeley Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor and the Chancellor’s Award for the Advancement of Women. She completed her doctorate and master's in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley. She has a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Delaware.
Catherine Berdanier, PhD – Pennsylvania State University
Catherine G.P. Berdanier is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Pennsylvania State University and the director of the online MSME program at Penn State. She earned her BS in chemistry from the University of South Dakota, her MS in aeronautical and astronautical engineering from Purdue University, and her PhD in engineering education from Purdue University. Her research interests include graduate-level engineering education, including attrition, online engineering cognition and learning, and engineering writing and communication.
William Healy, PhD – Johns Hopkins University
Dr. William Healy is a mechanical engineering professor at John Hopkins University. He teaches online courses in thermal systems design and analysis, and his research explores energy resources, the use of energy, and the development of infrastructure to make energy conservation technology more feasible. His work has appeared in the Journal of Building Performance Simulation, the Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Energy and Buildings.
Dr. Healy is part of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. In recognition of his contributions to the field, he has won the Department of Commerce Energy and Environmental Stewardship Award, the Department of Commerce Silver Medal, and the ASHRAE Best Paper Award. Dr. Healy completed his doctorate and master’s at the Georgia Institute of Technology and bachelor's at Cornell University, all in mechanical engineering.
Johns Hopkins University offers an online master’s and post-master’s certificate in mechanical engineering. The programs enrich students’ knowledge of the fundamentals of engineering and introduce them to modern technologies. They prepare students to become leaders in the field of mechanical engineering. Students have the option to take the course online, on-campus, or opt for a mix of online and on-site.
To apply for the master’s program, students must have either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute or a graduate degree in a technical discipline and a minimum 3.3 GPA, among other requirements. Those applying for the post-master’s certificate should have a master’s degree in engineering or a relevant science discipline.
The master’s in mechanical engineering features various tracks, including manufacturing, the solids and mechanics of materials, robotics and controls, and thermofluids. Master’s students must complete ten courses, while post-master’s students must complete six. The master’s curriculum comprises one core course in math, two core and three optional courses from a track of the student’s choice, and four more full-time or part-time courses.
Studentsl study manufacturing systems analysis, mathematical methods for engineers, intermediate fluid mechanics, data analysis, additive manufacturing, and robot motion planning. Students learn how to use advanced analysis techniques, modern tools, and develop an ability to apply the information gathered from experimentation.
Colorado State University’s online master’s in mechanical engineering program helps students expand their knowledge of engineering and apply it in innovative ways. The program concentrates on materials engineering and is an excellent option for students looking to make a career in mechanical engineering. The fully online program is available through Colorado State University’s private platform. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related subject and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Taught by experienced faculty members, the 30-credit program includes courses in materials engineering, materials issues in mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, reliability engineering, applied engineering economy, and biofluid mechanics. Students also get advanced training in metals and alloys, mechanical design, and advanced composite materials. One of the highlights of the program is the focus on real-world applicability. Students learn through case studies and work on group projects that simulate real-world scenarios.
The program equips students with an understanding of the design, cost, and environmental impact of engineering projects. They develop critical thinking and technical skills required for fieldwork. Graduates of the program can pursue opportunities in consulting companies, industrial enterprises, manufacturing, and the public service energy sector.
U.S. News and World Report ranked Purdue University’s 100 percent online master of mechanical engineering program among the top ten online programs of its kind. The program provides students with the opportunity to work directly with faculty members and industry professionals while studying.
Students can choose to pursue a master of science in mechanical engineering or an interdisciplinary master of science in engineering with a mechanical engineering concentration. Both courses have a thesis and non-thesis option. The 30-credit curriculum covers the design and control of production, lean manufacturing, manufacturing process engineering, powder processing, and micromechanics of materials. From fuel pumps to heat pumps, solid rockets to soft robotics, and carbon fiber to carbon nanotubes, students master skills that can be applied to virtually any field.
Thanks to Purdue University’s partnerships within the industry, graduates from the program have numerous professional opportunities. Moreover, students have access to Purdue’s vast network of 82,000 alumni to help them find their dream jobs.
The University of Delaware offers a fully online master of science in mechanical engineering. It is one of the oldest programs in the university and can be completed online or in a hybrid format as a mix of online and on-campus courses.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field as well as a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit GRE scores. The 30-credit program covers topics in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, intermediate dynamics, orthopedic biomechanics, and intermediate heat transfer. Students can also choose from a wide range of electives on topics such as clean energy and environment, robotics, composite materials and manufacturing, and smart cities.
Through the program, students get the opportunity to develop sustainable energy sources, reduce pollution, and solve biomechanical problems. On completion of the program, students can work in various industries (e.g., chemicals, controls, design, bioengineering, aerospace, automotive). They can opt for research or fieldwork, or choose to work in non-engineering fields such as business, medicine, or law.
Iowa State University offers an online masters in mechanical engineering. The program blends creativity with experimentation and research, giving students the opportunity to make new discoveries. The degree extends several specializations in complex fluid systems, clean energy techniques, and biological and nanoscale sciences. Along with a degree from an accredited institute and a minimum GPA of 3.0, students must submit their GRE scores for admission.
The 30-credit program introduces students to research, operations, testing manufacturing, administration, and marketing. Students study globalization and sustainability, advanced thermodynamics, alternative energy conversion, advanced energy systems, and optimization methods. Along with learning how to identify and tackle engineering problems, students also develop an understanding of ethical and professional responsibility. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students also get the opportunity to perform cutting-edge research on critical national and global issues.
The online master of science in mechanical engineering at Penn State is taught by the same expert faculty that teaches the on-campus program. It has an emphasis on research in biomedical devices, energy conversion and storage, bioinspired engineering solutions, and future transport systems. The application process involves the submission of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE test scores, among other documents.
The 32-credit program provides students with an in-depth overview of research, design, and analysis in mechanical engineering. While the courses are delivered online, they offer plenty of opportunities for students to interact with each other and build ties across the globe and multiple industries. The curriculum explores topics such as computer-aided analysis of machine dynamics, thermodynamics of propulsion and power systems, combustion, automatic control systems, and principles of turbomachinery.
The program helps students develop essential skills for today’s hyper-competitive engineering landscape. At the end of the program, graduates can pursue careers in robotics, nuclear energy, biomedical, automotive, aerospace, air conditioning, ventilation, and power generation.
Farheen Gani has researched a wide array of topics related to engineering since 2018. She has written about electrical and computer engineering programs, structural engineering programs, mechanical engineer salaries, environmental engineering programs, and many other subfields of engineering. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).
As with other engineering disciplines, mechanical engineering is complex, and the success of a mechanical engineering project can often be mission-critical. Given that, it is essential to learn from the best, and these professors represent the most accomplished and involved in the field, ready to inspire and impart their knowledge to a new generation of engineers.
