An advanced program of study that covers fundamental and applied topics in modern manufacturing and mechanical design.

Manufacturing and Design

Degree: Master of Science in Engineering – Manufacturing & Design

Area Director:  Professor Xiaochun Lixcli@seas.ucla.edu

Program Description:
An advanced program of study that covers fundamental and applied topics in modern manufacturing and mechanical design. The program includes ​Finite Element Methods in design, mechanics of intelligent material systems, nano- and micro-manufacturing, material processing, rapid prototyping, composites manufacturing, design with composites, digital control, design of power transmission systems, design of high-temperature components, and design of smart grids. The program prepares students with the higher educational background and the competence that are necessary for today’s rapidly changing technology needs.

Program Statistics for Manufacturing and Design

Degree Requirements:
Nine courses are required (36 Units), of which five must be graduate courses at the 200 level (excluding ENGR 299 Capstone Project course), and meet Comprehensive Exam Requirement.

Select a minimum of six courses from the list below.  Graduate students should not take more than (3) 100-level courses. 

  • MECH&AE 166C – Design of Composite Structures
  • MECH&AE M168 – Introduction to Finite Element Methods
  • MECH&AE 171B – Digital Control of Physical Systems
  • MECH&AE M183B – Introduction to Microscale and Nanoscale Manufacturing
  • MECH&AE C237 – Design and Analysis of Smart Grids
  • MECH&AE C294A – Compliant Mechanism Design (new course projected for Summer 2023)
  • MECH&AE C296A Mechanical Design for Power Transmission
  • MECH&AE C297A – Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing
  • MECH&AE M297C – Composites Manufacturing
  • MAT SCI 298 – Materials Science in Additive Manufacturing

Please visit the Registrar’s webpage for Course Descriptions.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REQUIREMENT

Students can meet the Comprehensive Exam Requirement by choosing ONE option below:

Option 1:
Take and Pass ENGR 299 Capstone Project course.

Option 2:
Take and pass three written exams for three different graduate level courses within the student’s area of specialization. The written exams are held concurrently with the final exam of the graduate level courses. Students may select which exams they would like to count towards the Comprehensive Exam requirement.

Electives:
As long as you have met the requirements above, the remaining courses may be selected from other Engineering departments. No approval is necessary.  Please note: Students may not apply electives towards earning a certificate.  Certificate programs are intended for non-matriculating students and are categorized as separate programs.

Thesis Plan:
NONE

Time-to-Degree:
Students are expected to complete the degree within two academic years and one quarter, including two summer sessions. The maximum time allowed in this program is three academic years (nine quarters), excluding summer sessions.