Master of Engineering in Computational Mechanics & Scientific Computing

Prepare for a Career Developing Model-Based Simulations

Duke’s Master of Engineering in Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing is one of the most comprehensive in the world—and features a top-notch faculty.

More and more systems are designed and tested virtually.

Success requires solid knowledge of engineering physics, computer science, probability, data sciences and applied mathematics—this master’s degree provides strong foundations in each of those over a three-semester study plan.

Duke will help get you there. Rare for professional master’s programs, we offer scholarships—up to $30,000 to competitive applicants.

Huidi Ji

The problem-solving skills I learned were the most valuable part of my Duke experience.

Huidi Ji Development Engineer
Fall color appears along Chapel Drive, Duke University

Previous Engineering Training Not Required

An engineering degree is suitable, but not required.

If you have an interest in computer modeling and have a background in physics, computer science or mathematics—this may be an ideal master’s degree program for you.

Prepare for a career in:

  • Additive manufacturing
  • Automotive simulations/crashworthiness
  • Biomedical device design
  • Industrial product design
  • Infrastructure design and analysis
  • Noise reduction analysis
  • Vibration analysis

Scholarships

Typically $20,000 to $30,000 for competitive applicants.

Courses

30 credits:

  • Core Industry Preparation Courses (6 credits)
  • Departmental, Disciplinary or Cross-Disciplinary Requirements (12 credits)
  • Technical Electives in Application Areas (12 credits)
    • MENG 540: Management of High Tech Industries (3 credits)
    • MENG 570: Business Fundamentals for Engineers (3 credits)
    • MENG 550: Internship or Applied Research Project (0 credits)
    • MENG 551: Internship/Project Assessment (0 credits)
    • CE 530 / ME 524: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
    • CE 630 / ME 525: Nonlinear Finite Element Method
  • Choose one:

    • Math 561: Numerical Linear Algebra
    • Math 541: Applied Stochastic Processes
    • Math 551 Applied Differential Equations and Complex Variables
  • Choose one:

    • CS 590: Parallel Computing
    • ECE 551D: Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms in C++
  • Choose four courses total; at least one in each application area:

    Mechanics of Materials

    • CEE 520: Continuum Mechanics
    • CEE 541: Structural Dynamics
    • ME 555: Computational Materials Science
    • CEE 622: Fracture Mechanics

    Fluid Mechanics

    • CEE 531: Finite Element Methods for Problems in Fluid Mechanics
    • ME 572: Engineering Acoustics
    • ME 639: Computational Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
    • CEE 690: Turbulence

    Optimization / Data Analytics

    • CS-445/MATH-465: Intro to High Dimensional Data Analysis
    • CE 522 / ME 526: Numerical Optimization
    • CS-571D: Machine Learning
    • STA 502: Bayesian Inference and Decision
    Important Note

    Other course offerings may be substituted with consent of the Director of Masters Studies.

  • CE 703/ME 703: Industrial Colloquia in Computational Mechanics & Scientific Computing

Typical Study Plan

CategoryFall 1Spring 1Summer 1Fall 2
Core Industry Preparation CoursesMENG 570 Business Fundamentals for EngineersMENG 540 Leadership & Management Principles for Technology-Based OrganizationsMENG 550 Internship or Applied Research ProjectMENG 551 Internship/Project Assessment
Finite Element Method CoursesCEE 530/ME 524 Introduction to the Finite Element MethodCEE 630/ME 525 Nonlinear Finite Element Method
Applied Math/Statistics CourseMATH 561 Numerical Linear Algebra
Computer Science CourseCS 590 Parallel Computing
Technical ElectivesElective 1Elective 2Elective 3

Elective 4
ProseminarCE 703/ME 703 Industrial Colloquium in Computational Mechanics & Scientific Computing

Expert Faculty

Leaders in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and computer science.

Wilkins Aquino Profile Photo
Wilkins Aquino Profile Photo

Wilkins Aquino

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

John Everett Dolbow Profile Photo
John Everett Dolbow Profile Photo

John Everett Dolbow

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Johann Guilleminot Profile Photo
Johann Guilleminot Profile Photo

Johann Guilleminot

Paul Ruffin Scarborough Associate Professor of Engineering

Guglielmo Scovazzi Profile Photo
Guglielmo Scovazzi Profile Photo

Guglielmo Scovazzi

Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Manolis Veveakis Profile Photo
Manolis Veveakis Profile Photo

Manolis Veveakis

Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Take the Next Step

Want more information? Ready to join our community?

Master’s Contacts

Fred K. Boadu Profile Photo
Fred K. Boadu Profile Photo

Fred K. Boadu

CEE Director of Master’s Studies, Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering