November 3, 2026
4–5 p.m.
Register for this session(opens in a new tab)Why Rice for your MME?
The Rice Master of Mechanical Engineering is built for engineers headed to industry, not research. Study in a department focused on new systems that benefit people, and go beyond your undergraduate foundation to design and test working systems
Information Sessions
December 1, 2026
4–5 p.m.
Register for this session (opens in a new tab)Spring Session to be announced
(opens in a new tab)
Choose one of five specializations
Focus on Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Energy, Robotics or Mechanical Engineering. Three courses in one area give you depth in the field you want to work in.
Put your skills to work
Every MME student spends two semesters on applied work: a team project (MECH 601 and 602) or an independent project with a faculty member (MECH 621 and 622). They leave ready to contribute to real mechanical engineering projects quickly.
Build your career in Houston
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, NASA's Johnson Space Center and the energy industry. Studying here puts you in the same city as employers, internships and projects in those industries.
Where can a Master of Mechanical Engineering take you?
Our graduates head into industry with a specialization and an applied project behind them.
Program Overview
What can you specialize in with a Master of Mechanical Engineering at Rice? Choose one of five specializations and take three courses in the field you want to work in.
Aerospace Engineering
Design materials, structures and systems for next-generation aerospace missions.
Biomedical Engineering
Create biomedical devices, sensors and assistive technologies that improve human health.
Energy
Improve the efficiency and performance of energy devices and systems.
Robotics
Build and control advanced robotic systems for manufacturing, health and aerospace.
Mechanical Engineering
Explore a range of graduate topics to keep your career options open.
The Master of Mechanical Engineering requires 30 credit hours (10 courses) at the 500 level or above. At least 24 credit hours must be taken at Rice. The degree is typically completed in two or three semesters, full-time or part-time, with small classes and an MME advisor who helps you plan your courses.
The degree plan is designed to help students gain graduate-level breadth in foundational ME courses, while providing flexibility and depth in an industry-relevant Area of Specialization.
Speak and write like an engineering leader
A required Engineering Communication course pairs students with communication experts to sharpen their writing and presentation skills.
| Category | Requirement | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations in ME | 3 courses | 9 |
| Engineering Communication | 1 course | 3 |
| Area of Specialization | 3 courses in one area | 9 |
| Applied Mechanical Engineering | 2 courses | 6 |
| ME Elective | 1 course | 3 |
| Total | 10 courses | 30 |
Representative courses
MECH 588
Design of Mechatronic Systems
A hands-on course in combining mechanical, electrical and computer control subsystems. You design circuits, program digital controllers and wire up sensors and actuators to build working electromechanical prototypes.
MECH 594
Introduction to Aeronautics
The fundamentals of flight, aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion. You use theoretical and numerical models to calculate aerodynamic forces, analyze airfoil and wing theory and design flight vehicles.
MECH 597
Neuromusculoskeletal Modeling and Simulation
Build computer models of human movement that bring together the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems. You measure motion in 3D, run dynamic simulations in MATLAB and calculate muscle forces to evaluate motor control and clinical treatments.
MECH 565
Renewable and Advanced Energy Systems
A look at global energy use and the technologies driving the energy transition. You apply thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and heat transfer to judge the efficiency, environmental impact and cost of alternative energy systems.
Program Details
- Degree: Master of Mechanical Engineering (MME)
- Format: On campus in Houston
- Degree type: Non-thesis
- Program length: Typically two or three semesters
- Enrollment: Full-time or part-time
- Credit hours: 30 (at least 24 at Rice)
What are the admission requirements for the Rice MME?
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field
- Transcripts from all colleges attended (unofficial copies are fine to apply)
- 3.0+ GPA
- Statement of purpose
- At least three letters of recommendation
- $85 application fee
- TOEFL (90 minimum, internet-based) or IELTS (7 minimum), if applicable
- GRE recommended, but not required
A strong background in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and physics will serve you well. Applicants from fields other than mechanical engineering may need to complete prerequisite courses.
Explore Admission RequirementsTuition and Financial Aid
Partial merit-based scholarships are available. No additional application is needed for the scholarship; your application will be considered for the scholarship on a rolling basis. Additionally, U.S. citizens and permanent residents may explore outside loans and other financial resources through the Rice Financial Aid Office.
Explore Tuition & Financial ResourcesThe Rice MME is a non-thesis master's degree program designed for engineers or professionals entering industry.
The MME is built on coursework and applied projects for industry careers. The MS and PhD are research degrees for students pursuing research or academic careers.
Most students finish in two or three semesters, or about 12–16 months.
Yes. You can enroll full-time or part-time.
No. You need an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related STEM field. A strong background in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and physics is recommended, and some applicants may need prerequisite courses.
No. The GRE is recommended but not required.
No. However, the Career Development (CCD) (opens in a new tab) supports graduate students at every stage of their career journey, from identifying professional goals to navigating the job market. CCD services include one-on-one career coaching, resume and CV review, interview preparation and access to Rice's global alumni and employer network.
Yes. Partial merit-based scholarships are available. No additional application is needed for the scholarship; your application will be considered for the scholarship on a rolling basis.
Yes. The MME admits students for fall and spring. The spring deadline is October 15.
Up to 6 credit hours (two courses) from universities of similar standing may apply.
Registration for new students begins during orientation week via Esther (opens in a new tab) . Your login information will be sent from graduate@rice.edu once your application is processed.
You’re billed for tuition and fees when you register. Rice offers a payment plan that spreads payments across the semester. See the Bursar's Office (opens in a new tab) for details.
Yes. Through the fifth-year option, many Rice students finish the MME in two semesters with early planning. Apply in your junior or senior year.
For more detailed information about admissions, please visit Graduate Admissions (opens in a new tab) .
Applications open September 1. Offers and scholarships are made on a rolling basis, so apply early.
| Start term | International applicants | Domestic applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 | May 1 | July 1 |
| Spring 2028 | October 15 | October 15 |
Ready to take the next step?
Start your application today to be considered for a merit scholarship.
Have questions?
Join an information session, request more information or contact us at mme@rice.edu.