Mechanical Engineering Online Graduate Certificate Offers Fast-Track, Relevant Credential on your Schedule
The Cockrell School of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Graduate Certificate provides engineers and technical professionals the option of furthering their mechanical engineering education without committing to a full degree program. This 100 percent online program combines top quality content and maximum flexibility. The course curriculum and faculty teaching in the programs are directly aligned with the UT Cockrell School of Engineering Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, one of the nation’s top mechanical engineering programs.
Program Highlights
- Certificate program is 100 percent online and asynchronous, encompassing three courses/nine credit hours.
- Course content focuses on statistical methods, modeling, simulation and control and automatic control.
- Comprehensive courses are updated regularly to reflect industry trends and challenges and reflect same content taught on campus.
Program Outcomes and Benefits
- The courses will count for academic credit and could be applied to a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
- Learning modules provide challenging materials, using online delivery best practices and featuring experiential learning capabilities.
- This option provides an affordable, fast track for engineers to hone their professional abilities and expand career opportunities.
The Mechanical Engineering Controls Graduate Certificate is ideal for engineers of all levels who are interested in expanding their knowledge of the control and optimization of processes and systems. Certificate courses include:
- ME 381M Statistical Methods for Process Control and Manufacturing
An introduction to statistical monitoring of processes and design of experiments (DOE) techniques. - ME 386M Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Physical Systems
An introduction to analyzing and creating mathematical and simulated models with an emphasis on predicting system behavior and performance. - ME 398M Introduction to Automatic Control
An introduction to automation, this program looks at controlling the behavior of open-loop (non-feedback) and closed-loop (feedback) control systems.
All nine credit hours earned in this graduate certificate program can be applied to the Online Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, if you are accepted and in good academic standing. Completion of our graduate certificate program does not guarantee admission into our master’s degree program, but it may help satisfy admission requirements.
Dragan Djurdjanovic, Ph.D. | Analytics and Probalistic Modeling
Dr. Djurdjanovic obtained his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and in Applied Mathematics from the University of Nis, Serbia, his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He was the director of the recently graduated NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (I-UCRC) on Intelligent Maintenance Systems at The University of Texas at Austin and is associate director of the NSF Engineering Research Center on Nanomanufacturing Systems (NASCENT Center).
Dr. Djurdjanovic teaches Statistical Methods for Process Control and Manufacturing.
Raul Longoria, Ph.D. | Robotics and Intelligent Mechanical Systems
Dr. Longoria received his B.S.M.E. and his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin. His teaching and research focus on development and application of multi-disciplinary dynamic system modeling, vehicle system dynamics and controls, electromechanical system modeling and simulation and application of machine learning and AI for smart hand tools. Dr. Longoria is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and a member of the ASME, IEEE, SAE, ISTVS and ASAIO.
Dr. Longoria teaches Modeling, Simulation, and Control of Physical Systems.
Mitchell W. Pryor, Ph.D. | Nuclear and Radiation Engineering
Dr. Pryor earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin with an emphasis on the modeling, simulation, and operation of redundant manipulators. Since earning his PhD, Dr. Pryor has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in the ME and ECE departments and conducted research in applied robotics and automation with an emphasis on robotics in hazardous environments, including nuclear, energy, and defense.
Dr. Pryor teaches Introduction to Automatic Control.
Mechanical Engineering Controls Graduate Certificate
Total tuition and fees: $12,000 ($4,000 per course).
Non-Degree Single Course Option
Tuition and fees: $4,000 per course.
Federal Loans
Master’s degree students are not eligible for financial aid, as the Executive Online MS in Mechanical Engineering program is not state-funded. However, master’s degree students are eligible for federal loans through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct PLUS and private loans may help cover the cost of tuition. Offered by private lenders and federal and state governments, these federal loans often feature lower interest rates than traditional loans. If you are interested in learning more about federal loans, please refer to the Loans page on Texas One Stop.
Master’s degree students are not eligible for loans through the College Access Loan (CAL) Program.
Veteran Benefits
Texas Engineering Executive Education welcomes veterans, active-duty members and their families to apply. If you have questions about your eligibility as it relates to the University of Texas at Austin, please contact Student Veteran Services for assistance.
*Please note that Texas Veterans Hinson-Hazlewood education benefits are not applicable, as this program does not receive state funding.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is a benefit offered by many employers to employees who are looking to gain job-related skills and advance their careers within the company.
If you are interested in tuition reimbursement, you should first verify whether your employer has an existing tuition reimbursement policy. From there, you can determine your eligibility and work with your employer to receive benefits.
What is the application fee?
There is a $65 fee for domestic applicants and a $90 fee for international applicants, paid at the time of application submission.
Can I apply to enter the certificate program in the summer semester?
No, students are only accepted into the program in the fall and spring semesters.
How do I check my application status?
Students can view their application status by monitoring MyStatus.
Is the GRE required for admission?
No, the GRE is not required at this time, although it may be used to strengthen an application. UT Austin’s institution code is 6882. Please note that all application materials are due by the deadline and test scores may take up to three weeks to transmit to UT Austin.
How are online courses delivered?
Online courses are delivered through Canvas. Students can click here to log into Canvas and access 24/7 support.
Are the courses asynchronous?
Yes, courses are 100% asynchronous. However, there are deadlines to ensure that courses are completed in a timely manner.
How long does it take to earn a graduate certificate in Mechanical Engineering?
The graduate certificate takes approximately 18 months to complete, taking one course at a time in three semesters.
Can students reach out to professors for assistance?
Yes! In addition to providing feedback, professors are available to students when needed. Professors and teacher assistants can be reached during their office hours and are enthusiastic to answer questions.
Can students take a leave of absence?
Yes, all students are granted two leaves of absence, which excuses them from either a fall or spring semester with no penalty. A leave of absence must be approved prior to the first day of class. Leave of absences are not required to skip a summer semester enrollment.
What online services are available to students?
UT Austin students have access to numerous online resources, including academic coaching through the Sanger Learning Center and writing appointments through the University Writing Center.
Do I have access to UT Austin’s library?
Yes, students can access databases, digital collections, e-journals and e-books online at the University of Texas Libraries.
How do I access the student handbook?
Students can view the student handbook in Canvas.
How do I get help with technical issues?
Technical assistance is available 24/7 through Canvas. Students can also request tech support by visiting IT@UT or the Cockrell School of Engineering’s IT site.
What financial aid options are available?
Master’s degree students are not eligible for financial aid, but they are eligible for federal loans through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Can I apply my veterans or military benefits toward tuition?
Yes, students enrolled in either the master’s degree or graduate certificate program are eligible to receive veterans benefits from the G.I. Bill or V.A. Tuition Assistance. Please refer to the Veteran Education Benefits page on Texas One Stop for more information.
How do I make a payment?
Students can pay their tuition online at My Tuition Bill. Students can pay online using a credit card, eCheck, electronic funds transfer, installment plan, tuition loan or eProxy.
How can I access my transcripts?
Unofficial transcripts are available to current and former students with a financial bar. Students can email
For the same cost as an unofficial transcript, students without a financial bar can order an official transcript. Students can order an official transcript online through the secure online transcript order system using their EID. Official transcripts can be sent electronically or by mail to students or third parties. Official transcripts can also be ordered by submitting a signed transcript order form 891 via one of the following:
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Fax
512-475-7681 - Mail
The University of Texas at Austin
Office of the Registrar
Transcript Services
P.O. Box 7216
Austin, TX 78713-7216,
Does this program offer networking opportunities?
Yes! Students and graduates of the Cockrell School of Engineering have access to the Engineering Career Assistance Center (ECAC), which offers career counseling and workshops to help students navigate the recruitment process and find high-paying careers. Texas Engineering also offers numerous ways for graduates to stay connected with their 70,000 fellow alumni.
What does Option III mean?
Option III is the designation used by UT Austin for self-funded programs with atypical hours and adjusted modes of instruction.
