Professor Guglielmo Scovazzi with colleagues and students in his lab

Master of Engineering (MEng) in Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing

Prepare for a career developing model-based simulations and designs

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.

We offer significant support for competitive applicants—typical scholarships range from $20,000-$30,000

Huidi Ji

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

Huidi Ji
Senior Engineer, SIMULIA Research and Development
Read Huidi's Story »

Increasingly, engineering systems are being designed and tested virtually. The successful use of model-based simulation in modern applications requires a solid background in engineering physics, computer science, probability, data sciences, and applied mathematics. This Master of Engineering program provides a strong foundation in all of these areas.

The program emphasizes the use and development of modern numerical tools for model-based simulations such as finite element methods, uncertainty quantification procedures, and data analysis techniques, among others.

We offer a large number of core and elective courses in finite element methods for applications in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and coupled field problems. 

In the Duke Master of Engineering program, you take specialized technical classes and a core of business leadership and management courses, with a required internship or a project completing the degree.

Scholarships

We offer significant support for competitive applicants—typical scholarships range from

$20,000-$30,000

Degree requirements, detailed below, include:

  • 30 course credits
  • 1 Seminar
  • Required Internship

Application deadlines:

  

how To Apply

Who Should Consider Applying?

The MEng in Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in:

  • Biomedical device design
  • Automotive simulations/crashworthiness
  • Noise reduction in vehicles; mobile device design and vibration analysis
  • Infrastructure design and analysis
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Industrial product design

You should consider this degree if you have an engineering background and are interested in careers in computational modeling in engineering.

If you have a background in physics, computer science, or mathematics and are interested in enhancing your knowledge and understanding applications in engineering and practical modeling techniques, this degree may be for you. 

How This Program Will Prepare You for a Career

  • Engineering positions in model-based simulation and design increasingly require master's-level training. 
  • Students who complete this program will be well-prepared to use finite element methods and other modern numerical tools to model problems in additive manufacturing, engineering mechanics, and engineering consulting. 
  • Students completing the program will be well-prepared to continue on in PhD programs in computational science and engineering. 
  • Students receive interdisciplinary training in modern computational methods, engineering, computer science, and applied math.

Our Graduates Are Working At: 

  • Major corporations, such as 3M
  • Hedge funds
  • Engineering consulting firms, such as Boston Consulting Group
  • Public-sector research positions, such as Sandia National Laboratory

Learn from World Leaders in the Field

Our interdisciplinary faculty bring experience and expertise from mechanical engineering, civil engineering and computer science, including:

Wilkins AquinoWilkins Aquino

Aquino has broad interests in computational mechanics, including finite element methods, computational inverse problems, uncertainty quantification, coupled chemo-mechanics, and computational acoustics, among others.

Volker BlumVolker Blum

Blum's research focuses on "first-principles" computational materials science: using the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics to predict the properties of real materials from the atomic scale on upwards.

John DolbrowJohn Dolbow

Dolbow's research concerns the development of computational methods for nonlinear problems in solid mechanics.

Johann GuilleminotJohann Guilleminot

Guilleminot’s research focuses on uncertainty quantification, computational mechanics and materials science, as well as on topics at the interface between these fields.

Guglielmo ScovazziGuglielmo Scovazzi

Scovazzi’s research interests include finite element and advanced numerical methods for computational fluid and solid mechanics.

Manolis VeveakisManolis Veveakis

Veveakis’s research interests include geomechanics, theoretical and applied mechanics, and thermodynamics, with emphasis in multiphysical modelling of plasticity of solids, solid-fluid interactions, friction laws and rheology of geomaterials.

Program Details

The Master of Engineering in Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing is a 30-credit degree distributed as follows:

  • Core Industry Preparation Courses (6 credits)
  • Departmental/Disciplinary or Cross Disciplinary Requirements (12 credits)
  • Technical Electives in a Concentration Area (12 credits)
  • Internship, Project or Equivalent (0 credits)

 

Curriculum Overview

I. Core Requirements (6 credits / 2 courses)

  • MENG 540: Management of High Tech Industries (3 credits)
  • MENG 570: Business Fundamentals for Engineers (3 credits)

 II. Proseminar (0.0 credits / 1 course)

  • CE 703 /ME 703: Industrial Colloquia in ComputationalMechanics and Scientific Computing

 III. Finite Element Methods (6 credits / 2 courses)

  • CE 530 / ME 524: Introduction to the Finite Element Method
  • CE 630 / ME 525: Nonlinear Finite Element Method

 IV. Applied Math/Statistics ( 3 credits / 1 course from list)

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

 V. Computer Science ( 3 credits / 1 course from list)

  • CS 590: Parallel Computing
  • ECE 551D: Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithms in C++

 VI. Application Areas ( 4 of any courses from three areas of concentration, 12 credits)
 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

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

VII. Internship, Project or Equivalent Requirements (0 credits)

  • MENG 550: Internship or Applied Research Project
  • MENG 551: Internship/Project Assessment

Sample Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing Curriculum (No Specialization)

 

Fall Year 1

Spring Year 1

Summer Year 1

Fall Year 2

Core Industry Preparation Courses

MENG 570:Business Fundamentals for Engineers

MENG 540:Leadership & Management Principles for Technology-Based Organizations

MENG 550:Internship or Applied Research Project

MENG 551:Internship/Project Assessment

Departmental Requirements

CEE 530 / ME 524: Introduction to the Finite Element Method

CEE 630 / ME 525:Nonlinear Finite Element Method

 

 

Departmental Requirements

 Applied Math / Statistics course

Computer Science Course

 

 

Specialization

Concentration Elective

Concentration Elective

 

Concentration Elective

Specialization

 

 

 

Concentration Elective

 

PROSEMINAR

 

 

 

Admissions Profile

The Duke Master of Engineering (MEng) program does not require a minimum GPA or a minimum score on the GRE or TOEFL. The program does not require work experience. Average GRE, TOEFL and grade-point averages of recently admitted Duke MEng applicants were*:

  • GRE Quantitative: 163-169
  • GRE Verbal: 152-161
  • UGPA: 3.4-3.7

* Mid-50% range

Scholarships and Cost of Attendance

We offer significant support for competitive applicants – typical scholarships range from $20,000-$30,000.

For details on the cost of attendance before scholarships, go to the Duke Engineering MEng website »

Financial Aid and Fellowships

For costs after scholarships, many students take out loans and believe there will be an excellent return on investment when they get out into the work force.

Limited additional financial aid is available to highly qualified candidates through academic scholarships with an emphasis on increasing diversity within the program.

Diversity Scholarships

Underrepresented minorities may receive up to 50 percent per year in tuition scholarship through our Diversity Scholarships. 

Externally Funded Scholarships

We also offer support to recipients of select competitively externally funded scholarships, such as

  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Fellowships
  • Fulbright Scholar Program

DoD SMART Scholarship Program

For US Citizens only – The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The program aims to increase the number of civilian scientists and engineers working at DoD laboratories.  Read more...

Veteran's Benefits

Duke University offers information for veterans who are applying for VA benefits, including the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Federal Loan Programs

Duke University offers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs for graduate students, including Stafford unsubsidized loans, Graduate PLUS, and Carl Perkins loans. Each of these loans has different terms and conditions, but they are generally deferrable until after graduation or until the student is enrolled for less than half-time.

These federal loans are available only to United States citizens. Visit the Duke Financial Aid website for more information and application procedures for student loans.

On-Campus Work

While enrolled in the program, many students work in a variety of places, such as campus libraries and various departments within Duke University. Teaching assistantships are available in various departments, and some departments have research assistantships as well.

These positions are paid an hourly rate, and most students work between 10 to 20 hours per week. Positions are generally posted and filled just a week or two before classes begin each semester.

External Funding Opportunities

Browse our extensive list of potential external funding opportunities on our dedicated website for MEng students.

Career Services

We provide outstanding career support to our master's students.

As a Duke master's student, you can take advantage of our comprehensive and aggressive career development and job search program. You will receive advice from our Master's Assistant Directors of Career Services who work with the Duke Career Center to coordinate various activities throughout the year.

Our career services include:

  • On-campus recruiting
  • Individual and group career coaching
  • Special networking events such as Career Fairs, Tech Connect, Night with Industry and Alumni Networking Event
  • Resume and cover letter development, interviewing tips, and social media advice