Mechanical Engineering: Accelerated Program MS

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

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Is this program right for you?

The accelerated MS in Mechanical Engineering at UW–Madison offers a flexible, course-only path to a degree. As a student, you’ll choose from six focus areas designed to give you a deeper understanding of what interests you the most. Join a top-ranked program and learn from renowned faculty working on cutting-edge technologies to improve society.

  • Accelerated and course-based, so you graduate in as little as one year, with no thesis required
  • Choose your focus area: Biomechanics, Computation and Data-Driven Engineering, Energy Systems, Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanics, and Robotics, Controls and Sensing
  • Our mechanical engineering department is consistently ranked as a top graduate program by U.S. News & World Report rankings

Education that works for you

Learn to work independently to formulate, analyze, and solve advanced engineering problems with UW–Madison’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Program type

Master’s degree

Graduate education in a specific area of expertise

Explore program types

Degree awarded

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Commitment

16 months

Tuition

$1,200 per credit

Format

Accelerated

Fast-paced program with higher course load

Face-to-face

On-campus, in-person courses

Credits

30 graduate credits

Admission terms

Program admits for fall and spring terms

STEM opt eligible

Yes

Supports F-1 Visa

Application deadlines

Spring 2027

  • Deadline: September 1, 2026

Fall 2027

  • Deadline: December 15, 2026

Spring 2028

  • Deadline: September 1, 2027
View UW–Madison’s Guide

Your questions, answered

Have questions? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

Alexis Oxborough

I liked the Accelerated program because it’s course-based but allows the student to choose their courses. It’s much more customizable for my interests than most course-based programs. I’m not required to focus on a particular element of engineering, instead I can take any course that interests me or is useful for my career.

– Lexi Oxborough, Mechanical Engineering: Accelerated Program MS

Admissions and events

Program requirements

All applicants must:

  • Have a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering or a Bachelor of Science in any other engineering or physics and natural science discipline
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 to be reviewed by the admission committee. The Department of Mechanical Engineering prefers a 3.2 or greater GPA
  • Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information

Application materials required

  • Online application
  • Resume/CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation*

*Applicants earning a BS degree from UW-Madison are not required to obtain any letters of recommendation. Within the Graduate School application, in the letters of recommendation section, applicants must enter three contacts to submit the application. However, these contacts do not need to submit letters.

For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide →

August 18, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering accelerated master’s programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.

Register now →

August 20, 2026 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering accelerated master’s programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.

Register now →

August 25, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Ask Me Anything: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Bring your questions and learn more about UW’s Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs in a casual virtual session. No registration required.

Register now →

August 26, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Ask Me Anything: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Bring your questions and learn more about UW’s Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs in a casual virtual session. No registration required.

Register now →

August 27, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering accelerated master’s programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.

Register now →

September 1, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Application Assistance: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Learn about the College of Engineering accelerated master’s programs and application best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully apply.

Register now →

September 4, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

International Student Q&A

Have questions about studying as an international student? Bring them! This live Q&A covers UW’s Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs, the application process, and the student experience. No registration required.

Register now →

September 9, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Career Outlook: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Explore career outcomes for graduates of UW’s Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs, including top employers, common job titles, salary ranges, and hiring locations.

Register now →

September 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Engineering Pathways

Join program staff to get more information about the College of Engineering graduate programs, delivery formats, curriculum, application requirements, and potential post-graduation career paths.

Register now →

September 14, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Program Pop In: How to ask for a letter of recommendation?

Learn about the College of Engineering Accelerated Master’s programs and best practices for securing strong letters of recommendation. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of application requirements and how to successfully request the recommendations you need.

Register now →

September 15, 2026 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Program Pop-In: Why UW–Madison for Graduate School?

Discover the benefits of earning an Accelerated Engineering Master’s degree at UW–Madison and ask your questions.

Register now →

September 18, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.

Already a Badger? Fast‑Track Your Master’s Degree

Discover how UW-Madison engineering undergraduates can pursue an accelerated master’s degree by applying eligible undergraduate coursework toward graduate credits, helping you earn your degree faster and gain a competitive edge in your career.

Register now →

September 23, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ask Me Anything: Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs

Bring your questions and learn more about UW’s Accelerated Engineering Master’s Programs in a casual virtual session. No registration required.

Register now →

September 24, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Program Pop-In: Writing your Statement of Purpose

Join program staff to learn about the College of Engineering Accelerated Master’s programs and statement of purpose best practices. You’ll leave knowing what you need, and how to successfully craft a strong statement of purpose for your application.

Register now →

September 29, 2026 from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Program Pop-In: Pre-Application Course Planning

Didn’t study engineering at UW-Madison as an undergrad? Learn what courses engineering students typically take and how to compare that with your own background so you can identify what you already know and any areas to strengthen before applying.

Register now →

Results that work for you

Mechanical Engineering: Accelerated Program MS

$101,150

Median salary in 2024, Lightcast™

Job titles

  • Manufacturing engineers
  • Quality engineers
  • Design engineers
  • Process engineers
  • Production engineers

Top industries

  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
  • Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
  • Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
  • Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing
  • Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises

Top employers

  • Boeing
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Northtrop Grumman
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • GE

10.5%

Projected growth for mechanical engineers from 2024–2034. Source: Lightcast™ 2024.

#9

graduate ranking for mechanical engineering among U.S. public universities

U.S. News & World Report, 2025

What you’ll learn

Fast-track your mechanical engineering career. Through this intensive program you’ll learn about core areas such as: Biomechanics, computation and data-driven engineering, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, mechanics, and robotics, controls and sensing.
For complete curricular details visit UW-Madison’s Guide →
  • Biomechanics
  • Computation and data-driven engineering
  • Energy systems
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Mechanics
  • Robotics, controls and sensing
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Video insights

Want a closer look at the Accelerated MS program? Check out our official YouTube playlists for a program overview, application tips, and student outcomes.

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Connect with an enrollment coach

Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Connect with us to:

  • Explore your program options
  • Review courses and outcomes
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Get help with your application
  • Learn about financial aid

Email us: coach@pdc.wisc.edu

Schedule a meeting

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Frequently asked questions