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Information for Incoming Students

We are so excited you have decided to join the Mechanical Engineering graduate program!  Below you will find some information helpful to your transition to University of Michigan.  If you have any questions not answered on this page, the Graduate Handbook is a great resource for answers that you will reference throughout your time in the program.  If you cannot find your answer you are always welcome to contact me-grad-coordinator@umich.edu.

Overview of the Graduate Program

Master’s Degree:

Doctoral Degree:

Course Registration

Registration opens on June 1st at 8:00am for new students. Registration can be done on your own via Wolverine Access.  Helpful instructions can be found in the Course Enrollment section of the Graduate Handbook and here.

Need help deciding what courses to take?

Current students are here to help!  The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Council (MEGC) has mailing lists you can contact for each functional area.  They will respond to your inquiry promptly.

Automotive: megc.mentoring.automotive@umich.edu

Biomechanics/Biosystems/Biomedical: megc.mentoring.bio@umich.edu

Controls, Mechatronics and Robotics: megc.mentoring.controls@umich.edu

Design and Manufacturing: megc.mentoring.design@umich.edu

Dynamics: megc.mentoring.dynamics@umich.edu

Fluids: megc.mentoring.fluids@umich.edu

Mechanics and Materials: megc.mentoring.materials@umich.edu

Micro/nano: megc.mentoring.micro.nano@umich.edu

Thermal Sciences and Energy: megc.mentoring.thermal@umich.edu

Waitlists & Overrides

It is likely that some of the classes you want to take will have a waitlist already and you will not be able to enroll.  For ME classes, put yourself on the waitlist and myself or another member of the Academic Services Office team will give overrides (also known as permissions) as we are able.  This process continues throughout the summer and into the start of the fall as student schedules begin to settle.  Be patient!  For non-ME courses, you should put yourself on the waitlist and contact the instructor or the department directly to learn about their override process.

International Student Issues

Your I-20 is created and issued by Rackham Graduate School.  If you have questions about this process and when you should expect to receive your I-20, you should contact Rackham Admissions.  The International Center is a great resource as well for any issues that come up before or during your time in the program.  The International Center requires a Mandatory Check-in for all International Students.  You should receive an email 30 days before the start date on your I-20 with instructions for how to sign up for a check-in appointment.  If you do not receive this email, you can get more information and sign up here.

Housing Options

There are plenty of on-campus and off-campus housing opportunities for graduate students in Ann Arbor. Learn more below:

On-Campus Housing

Off-Campus Housing

Funding Opportunities

Complete information about funding opportunities can be found here.

PHD

Students admitted to the PhD program will be offered a full funding package for their studies. The offer usually entails 4 years of funding for students that come into the program with a master’s degree in a relevant area of study; or 5 years of funding for students that enter the program after receiving a bachelor’s degree. Financial support includes a stipend, tuition and registration fees, as well as health and dental benefits. Support is offered in the form of a fellowship, Graduate Student Research Assistantship (GSRA), Graduate Student Instructorship (GSI), or Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA) position.

MASTERS

Students admitted to the Master’s program are expected to secure their own financial support. A student may fund his/her education through personal funds, loans, financial aid, fellowships, or through employment at the University. The University of Michigan establishes standard student budgets each year to help students plan how they will pay for their graduate program. Master’s students are encouraged to seek employment opportunities in other academic departments and around campus.