Graduate study in mechanical engineering at UWM’s College of Engineering & Applied Science prepares you to lead innovation, advance knowledge, and solve complex engineering challenges.
At UWM, graduate students work closely with faculty on impactful research in areas such as advanced manufacturing and materials, energy and sustainability, robotics and controls, fluids and computational modeling, and health-related engineering. You’ll gain deep technical expertise while contributing to projects with real-world applications and industry relevance.
UWM offers a collaborative research environment where graduate students are mentored, not lost in the crowd. You’ll have access to modern laboratories, interdisciplinary research centers, and partnerships with industry, healthcare, and government organizations—creating pathways to funded research, internships, and career advancement.
Located in Milwaukee, UWM connects you to a strong regional and national engineering network. Graduates are well prepared for careers in industry, research and development, national laboratories, and academia, as well as for entrepreneurial ventures.
Whether you are seeking advanced technical specialization, research leadership, or a pathway to a PhD, graduate study in mechanical engineering at UWM provides the expertise, experience, and professional connections to move your career forward.
Assistantship decisions are made by the academic departments only after an applicant has been accepted to the program.
Mechanical Engineering Research Labs
The team at the Center for Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems (SEES), led by Rob Cuzner, are exploring methods to make electric power systems more sustainable, cost-effective, and secure through research on energy storage, microgrid systems, and renewable energy sources.
The Connected Systems Institute (CSI), led by Joe Hamann, accelerates innovation by bringing together industry and academic researcher to facilitate digital transformation for small and medium-sized manufacturers, ultimately developing an educational curriculum to better prepare the workforce of the future.
In the Energy Storage Research Laboratory, led by Deyang Qu, the focus is on fundamental electrochemical research, seeking new materials and understanding reaction mechanisms in the areas of renewable energy, sensor and water treatment.
The mission of GRid-connected Advanced Power Electrical Systems (GRAPES), led by Rob Cuzner, is to accelerate the adoption and insertion of power electronics into the grid in order to improve system stability, flexibility, robustness, and economy.
The Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), led by Ryo Amano, is a Department of Energy program dedicated to helping small and medium-sized manufacturers and wastewater treatment plants minimize their energy costs through efficient use of resources
The Machine Shop, led by Michael Brown, is a hands-on facility with state-of-the-art manual and computer-assisted equipment and machine tools used by faculty, students, and members of industry.
As an R1 research institution, research is integral to our work at UWM and to the experience of students pursuing graduate degrees. Our college has a wide range of faculty-led labs that perform cutting edge research. Full list of our college’s research labs, centers and institutes.
Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis
The annual Poster Competition & Three Minute Thesis is a signature event for our college. Students gain valuable communication experience sharing their research and out-of-classroom experiences with faculty and industry judges, who provide feedback.
Student Organizations
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics
AIAA is the largest aerospace professional society in the world, and its members help make the world safer, more connected, more accessible, and more prosperous.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASME promotes knowledge of the theory and practice of mechanical engineering, and offers the opportunity to participate in activities that promote a professional awareness of mechanical engineering.
Prototyping Club
PC provides students the tools, knowledge, and support to develop an idea into an invention.
Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE provides members an opportunity to gain insight into the engineering profession by offering hands on engineering experience through student design competitions like the BAJA vehicle challenge, monthly meetings with engineering professionals, and local industry tours.
Habib Rahman, professor and chair, mechanical engineering, and Inga Wang, professor, occupational therapy, science & technology, worked together to test the iTbot, a portable, assistive robotic arm, that allows stroke patients to receive physical therapy without leaving their homes. The arm-based platform that Rahman is developing has advantages for both patients and therapists. (Photo by Troye Fox)
