The Ohio State University

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Ohio State University provides graduate students opportunities to perform cutting edge research in state-of-the-art research laboratories with many of the top faculty in their respective fields. Our department provides diverse opportunities for graduate studies in fundamental and applied research in all areas of mechanical engineering. The program offers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and it has been recognized for the quality of its academic and research programs. We also focus on multidisciplinary, collaborative research with faculty with other departments in the College of Engineering and in colleges at The Ohio State University including the College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences and the College of Medicine.

Leaders in the Field

Our highly talented faculty consists of more than 40 men and women who are not only leaders in their respective fields, but many have also been recognized at both the national and international levels. Ten of our faculty members have received the NSF Presidential Young Investigator, National Young Investigator, or the CAREER award, while two have received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. In addition, our faculty members hold 35 Fellow-grade memberships in national professional societies including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Acoustical Society of America, the American Nuclear Society, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Diverse Fields of Study

The Department of Mechanical Engineering emphasizes four core research areas that allow students to find a subject that they can enjoy and study for their graduate education. The five principal research areas are: Applied Mechanics, Design and Manufacturing, Dynamic Systems and Controls, Energy, Fluid, and Thermal Systems, and Nuclear Engineering. Within the five core research areas there are more than 35 specific thrust areas allowing students to concentrate on topics ranging from Acoustics and Vibrations to Turbulence. 

World Class Facilities

In order to perform world class research you need first-rate facilities. Our new $71.1 million departmental home, the Peter L. and Clara M. Scott Laboratory, was completed in the Fall of 2006 and provides our students and faculty with state-of-the-art facilities in the form of well-equipped academic and research laboratories and classrooms, resulting in a superb teaching and learning environment. Scott Lab is a high-tech, growth-oriented teaching and research center that sets the standard for university-level mechanical engineering facilities in the country. In addition to Scott Lab, there are numerous other labs associated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering including the Gas Turbine Lab and the nationally renowned Center for Automotive Research (CAR). 

Life Outside the Lab

There must be a balance between a graduate student's work and the rest of their life. As a student you will be able to participate in any of the multiple events hosted by the Ohio Union Activity Board (OUAB). The OUAB is responsible for organizing many of the concerts and shows that are available to students. Some past events hosted by OUAB include performances by Will Ferrell, Carlos Mencia, and Dashboard Confessional just to name a few. Another hot spot on campus is the South Campus Gateway, which offers a movie theater, an assortment of stores, and a wide selection of restaurants for students to discover. Students can also go to any number of sporting events throughout the year ranging from soccer and lacrosse to basketball and baseball and on a Fall Saturday afternoon you can always see the Best Damn Team in the Land and The Best Damn Band in the Land (TBDBITL) in Ohio Stadium.

For those who wish to venture away from campus, the City of Columbus offers many different options for students to get out of their labs and classrooms. Recently named the number one up-and-coming tech city by Forbes magazine, Columbus is home to the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, the MLS's Columbus Crew, and the Arnold Sports Festival. If you are not a sports fan, then there are plenty of other things to do including visiting the world famous Columbus Zoo, COSI, German Village, the Short North, or going to a concert at the Newport Music Hall or Nationwide Arena. Whatever you like to do, Columbus offers a large variety of events and attractions.

To Find Out More...

We encourage you to look around our website where you will find information about our talented faculty, our numerous academic and research labs that students can work in, and our program requirements. Students will also be able to request more information about the program, find information on how to apply, or how to schedule a visit. The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook is available online in PDF format. This guide outlines policies and procedures pertaining to the graduate program in mechanical engineering. In addition, the Graduate School Handbook should be consulted for additional details on rules and regulations relevant to a graduate degree at Ohio State. If you have any questions about admission into the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program, please contact Nick Breckenridge at megrad_recruit@osu.edu.