Master in Science in Advanced Manufacturing

Northwestern is uniquely positioned to offer an advanced degree in manufacturing, due in part to a convergence of manufacturing research expertise, nationally funded manufacturing centers, undergraduate focus in design and manufacturing, award winning teaching faculty, and further collaboration potentials in the Chicago, Midwest region and nationally. 

Engineering Faculty 

Among the top 20 engineering schools, Northwestern is ranked 2nd based on citations of ‘manufacturing’ papers per faculty and 3rd based on the number of journal publications with the keyword ‘manufacturing’ per engineering faculty. Faculty at Northwestern with manufacturing experience and involvements are well recognized, with at least 20 academy memberships (NAE, NAS, NAM, AAA&S). 

Manufacturing & Research Facilities 

Research labs in McCormick include an array of advanced equipment used in the development of additive manufacturing processes, deformation-based manufacturing, micro/nano and precision manufacturing. Similarly, advanced computing resources are available at all levels – local, edge, and cloud-based computing, to support high-demand physics-based & data-driven process design and analysis. 

HAMMER -– NSF Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution Engineering Research Center 

HAMMER is a large multi-institutional collaboration, including Northwestern University, utilizing $26 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to launch a new advanced manufacturing research center. Called the Hybrid Autonomous Manufacturing, Moving from Evolution to Revolution (HAMMER), the new Engineering Research Center (ERC) develops and implements new manufacturing technologies for agile, high-performance and quality-assured components.   

Northwestern Initiative for Manufacturing Science and Innovation (NIMSI) 

The Northwestern Initiative for Manufacturing Science and Innovation (NIMSI) undertakes multi-disciplinary research and education initiatives associated with manufacturing across the broad spectrum that impact both mass-production manufacturing and emerging hyper-customized and personalized manufacturing. NIMSI seeks new solutions to meet the ever-increasing demand on rapid manufacturing, while addressing the complexity and scalability of manufacturing systems using predictive digital tools across length and time scales. More broadly, NIMSI considers issues related to supply chains, energy use, sustainability, cybersecurity, and economic and employment policy. 

There will be two thesis tracks available for the MS in advanced manufacturing. The two tracks are provided to allow an option between an industry or research focused thesis, permitting students to focus on coursework for either option. Thesis projects for either option are: 

• Research thesis – Single academic focused project. Students may complete this thesis in their 4th quarter, or start early in the 3rd quarter of the program 

• Practicum thesis – 2-3 small Industry-focused projects. Students may complete one project per quarter 1-3 (strongly encouraged for BS/MS who have existing department network), or complete all projects in their 4th quarter 

The MS in Advanced manufacturing will require a thesis to be completed by all students enrolled in the program. No non-thesis options will be available. This requirement will enhance hands-on experience with real-world problem-solving practices.  

For each track, timeline of completion is shown below. Within each track, there are options to attempt to complete the program in between 3-4 quarters, depending on student engagement and available time. Flexibility with BS/MS program students and timeline can be determined with the program directors. 

Research Thesis (Single large project) 

  Practicum Thesis (Multiple small projects) 

Summer Quarter: Students are strongly encouraged to complete an internship during the summer quarter of the program to gain industry experience (enrollment in an internship course, CRDV, will not be required). Those students who are returning for a 4th quarter are encouraged to continue work from their internship project as a thesis project for either track option. 

6 core courses (6 units), and 3 electives (3 units) are required to complete coursework for the MS program. 3 additional thesis units are then required to complete the MS thesis requirements, for a total of 12 units required for the degree. 

Required Courses 

Elective Courses 

This program is aimed at students who have recently completed a BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing & Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related fields. Work experience is considered an added bonus, however, will not be required for the program. Evaluation criteria will include:  

1. Demonstrated experience in manufacturing, captured through either a portfolio or written statements outlining what students have specifically been responsible for designing, fabricating, or testing. 
2. Review of Grades, GPA, test scores, indicating general compatibility with required incoming skillsets and knowledge. 
3. Recommendation letters from faculty with focus in manufacturing, or employers in similar fields. 

Eligible students interested in applying may do so via Northwestern’s application website – ApplyWeb. The application process requires (letters of recommendation, a CV, and a sample of scholarly work, among other things.) 

Please contact Michael Beltran, listed below with questions about this program. 

Program Lead

Michael Beltran
Lecturer for the Mechanical Engineering Department
Instructor in the CAD/CAM/CAE Lab
2145 Sheridan Roas, Room AG28, Evanston, IL 60208
847-467-1995
mbeltran@northwestern.edu

Administrative Contact