Mechanical Engineering Career Outlook

The demand for engineers and their valuable skill sets is on the rise as more and more companies seek out these qualified professionals to help build a better, more sustainable world. 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of mechanical engineers to increase by 10 percent over the next decade, which translates into over 19,000 mechanical engineer job openings each year.

Although a graduate degree is not always required, earning a master’s in mechanical engineering can positively impact earning potential. Typically, mechanical engineers’ median annual wage is $96,310; however, their salary can range from $61,990 to over $150,000 based on the industry in which they work and their professional experience.

Applying to the MSE in Mechanical Engineering

At UM-Flint, we make the application process straightforward. To apply to our master’s in mechanical engineering program, please submit the following materials:

• Application for Graduate Admission.
• $55 application fee (non-refundable).
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy.
• For any degree completed at a non-US institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read the following for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
• If English is not your native language, and if you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
• International students on a student visa (F-1 or J-1) may begin the MS program in the fall or winter semesters only. To comply with the immigration regulations requirements, international students on a student visa must enroll in at least 6 credits of in-person classes during their fall and winter semesters.
• University of Michigan will consider a three-year degree from India equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree if the degrees have been earned with a minimum of 60% marks and the awarding institutions have been accredited by India’s National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with a grade of “A” or better.
• Statement of Purpose: Describe your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program. You may submit statements online during the application process or email them to [email protected]. 
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation. Recommendations should be from individuals familiar with your work in academic or professional contexts who can comment on your critical thinking skills, ability to undertake independent projects, and capacity for collaborating with colleagues. We send electronic recommendation requests as a part of the online application process.

Email additional application materials to [email protected] or deliver them to the Office of Graduate Programs.

Special Requirements for Citizens of India

Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score are eligible for standard admission and have no further English proficiency requirement; those with below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.

Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.

*If you are a US citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the Director of Graduate Program by emailing [email protected]. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.