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Dec 07, 2025
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Mechanical Engineering: Motorsports Engineering Concentration, MSME (Indianapolis)
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 Return to: Graduate Degrees
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About the Program
With the only accredited Motorsports Engineering program in the country, Purdue University in Indianapolis provides an MS in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on racing. Students get hands-on experience and direct connections to the industry in the “Racing Capital of the World.” Purdue University students have always been interested in speed: from steam locomotives in the 1800s, to the supersonic rockets of the space age. Motorsports is a natural proving ground for the engineering knowledge and experience Purdue is famous for worldwide. Beyond the thrill of victory, motorsports teaches teamwork, innovation, and other skills prized by companies. Many of the program’s students end up at SpaceX, Boeing, John Deere, Polaris, and other companies. Students will earn a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering while concentrating on aerodynamics, heat transfer, or whatever aspect of motorsports they choose. Master’s students can pursue a thesis, non-thesis, or non-thesis/Professional Master’s option. See below for each set of requirements. Program Website Program Requirements - Thesis & Non-thesis
30 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (21-30 credits)
Applied Mathematics Courses (6 credits)
At least 3 credits must be an MA 500/600-level course, from the MATH department (cannot be an independent study course). The other 3 credits may be from approved applied math courses, which are listed here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Courses not allowed on the plan of study to satisfy the math requirement include: MA 580; ME 562 and 579; MSE 697; STAT 501 & 513. Mechanical Engineering Courses (15-24 credits)
Students must take at least 15 credits from 500/600-level ME courses. They should consult with their major advisor for course options that suit their research interests. Suggested courses by area of interest can be found here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Thesis Research (9 credits)
Only required for thesis MS students. The thesis option is highly recommended because it includes conducting independent research and a publishable report (or thesis). Outstanding performance in the thesis MS provides students with a distinct advantage when applying for a PhD program or employment. Admission to the PhD requires that the student provide evidence of the ability to perform independent research. Independent Study Course (0-6 credits)
Optional for non-thesis MS students. Independent project work may be completed under the supervision of the Chair of the Advisory Committee (Major Professor) or any other member of the faculty, including members of the Advisory Committee. Non-ME Electives (0-9 credits)
Students may choose up to 9 credits of non-ME courses. They should consult with their major advisor for course options that suit their research interests. A non-exhaustive list of options can be found here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Program Requirements - Professional Master’s
30 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (24 credits)
At least 3 credits must be from the MA options listed below. The other 3 credits may be from approved applied math courses, which are listed here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Courses not allowed on the plan of study to satisfy the math requirement include: MA 580; ME 562 and 579; MSE 697; STAT 501 & 513. Applied Mathematics Courses (6 credits)
At least 3 credits must be from the MA options listed below. The other 3 credits may be from approved applied math courses, which are listed here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Courses not allowed on the plan of study to satisfy the math requirement include: MA 580; ME 562 and 579; MSE 697; STAT 501 & 513. Mechanical Engineering Courses (12 credits)
Students must take at least 12 credits from 500/600-level ME courses. They should consult with their major advisor for course options that suit their research interests. Suggested courses by area of interest can be found here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . Electives (6 credits)
Students have a choice between conducting one or two independent projects and taking the associated course (ME 597) or choosing electives within or outside of the department. The electives must be technical and quantitative in content. A non-exhaustive list of ME or non-ME electives can be found here: Mechanical Engineering Supplemental Information (GR) . If students choose to conduct independent research projects, it is their responsibility to find a ME professor that will oversee the projects. Independent study projects are not automatically established in the semester course listing. Each research project can be counted for 3 credits. Please note: not all ME 597 courses are independent project coursework. If the 597 course is notated in the course listing to be a lecture type, and not independent study, it is allowed on the plan of study if it meets the specialization option for the student’s area of interest. All independent study credits are classified as technical electives, even if taken as ME 597 or ME 697. As always, students should consult with their major advisor for course options that suit their research interests. Concentrations
Optional interdisciplinary concentrations: Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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