Integrated B.S. Physics & M.S. Mechanical Engineering Program

Why apply for the Integrated B.S. Physics & M.S. Mechanical Engineering Program?

The Integrated BSPHYS/MSME program prepares students to apply their physics expertise to engineering challenges in an increasingly interdisciplinary workforce. Offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Physics and Astronomy, the program is available exclusively to students admitted to the College of Science and Engineering’s B.S. Physics program. By combining undergraduate study in physics with graduate training in mechanical engineering, students can broaden their career options and prepare for opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, and beyond. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be admitted to the BSPHYS/MSME program, students must:

  • Be enrolled in the physics undergraduate program in the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus.
  • Have a minimum of 3.25 GPA (cumulative). Priority is given to students with a GPA of 3.50 or greater.
  • Be completing their junior year and have flexibility in their senior year to complete the requirements for the BSPHYS degree along with extra course work.
  • Apply for admission at the end of their junior year.

Application Procedure

Students who wish to apply for admission into the program must submit the following at the end of their junior year (with two semesters remaining before graduation) to the Graduate School:

  1. Completed Graduate School application form.
  2. Necessary application fee.
  3. Original transcripts from post-secondary education institutions.
  4. Statement of purpose including planned area of concentration.
  5. Completed BSPHYS/MSME Combined Course Projection Sheet that includes: 
    1. Planned courses necessary to complete the B.S. Physics degree requirements (the semester and year in which the courses will be taken should also be noted as some courses are offered alternate years) 
    2. Planned graduate level courses necessary to complete the M.S.M.E. degree requirements (the semester and year in which the courses will be taken should also be noted as some courses are offered alternate years).
  6. One letter of recommendation from a full-time faculty member in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Pathway to an Integrated B.S. Physics & M.S.M.E.

Course sequence flowchart for 4th and 5th year BSPHYS/MSME degrees, leading to graduation.

Students may apply up to 12 credits completed during their senior year toward the master's degree as part of the integrated bachelor's/master's program. Eligible credits must be from ME 5xxx- or ME 8xxx-level courses offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, excluding ME 8001, ME 8002, ME 8010, ME 8011, ME 8333, ME 8444, ME 8666, ME 8888, and ME 8990.

Credits cannot be double counted (used for both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements). This includes credits used for other undergraduate degrees, majors, or minor

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John Gardner
Graduate Program Manager
[email protected]
612-625-2009
Mechanical Engineering