Duke University

How this program compares

Duke University's MS in Mechanical Engineering (MEMS) AI Track lists about $67.7K total tuition — about 58% above the $42.9K AI master's average (83rd percentile in our data). It runs on a full-time schedule (on-campus).

Admission Snapshot

Typical admitted student: Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Relevant coursework in physics, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals is typically required; professional experience in robotics, controls, or AI is preferred but not mandatory.

About This Program

This Master of Science program integrates mechanical engineering principles with specialized training in artificial intelligence, focusing on advanced research and the application of data-driven methods. Most students complete it in about 1.5 years.

Estimated total tuition is $67.7K, above the $42.9K average for AI master's programs in our database and in the 83rd percentile on cost at this level. Applicants should weigh that premium against the program's outcomes and brand.

It is one of 31 AI-related programs we track in North Carolina, of which about 45% offer an online option. On price, it comes in higher than about 55% of the North Carolina programs in our data, where typical tuition runs near $69.0K.

Graduates frequently move into roles such as AI Engineer, with reported salaries around $88,000.

Design and analyze micro-scale mechanical systems with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities.

Career Outcomes

The MS in Mechanical Engineering (MEMS) AI Track at Duke University (Durham, North Carolina) is oriented toward AI Engineer hiring, with alumni reporting pay near $88,000. Its focus on Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning and AI Engineering / Applied AI maps directly to how employers in engineering ai screen for specialized skills rather than generic degrees. Federal projections for this occupational area point to roughly 8% growth this decade — verify the current figure on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook before you rely on it.

• 1. Robotics Engineer
• 2. AI/ML Systems Engineer
• 3. MEMS Device Designer
• 4. Autonomous Systems Engineer

What You'll Learn

• Design and analyze micro-scale mechanical systems with integrated sensing and actuation capabilities
• Develop and implement machine learning algorithms for autonomous control, motion planning, and predictive modeling
• Apply computational tools (finite element analysis, CFD, simulation software) to optimize electromechanical device performance
• Conduct research integrating AI/ML with hardware systems, from digital twins to real-world robotic deployment

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum includes a cornerstone experience, advanced departmental coursework in mechanical engineering and materials science, and a research project or thesis supervised by world-class faculty.

Top Employers

Top employers include Duke University research labs, Boston Dynamics, Tesla, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

Admissions

Admission to Duke University's MS in Mechanical Engineering (MEMS) AI Track generally expects a ms (master of science). Plan for the GRE, which this program lists as required. Deadlines, testing policies and funding change year to year, so confirm the current requirements on the official program page before applying.

Application Materials

• Statement of Purpose: Required
• Letters of Recommendation: 3
• Resume: Required
• Transcripts: Official transcripts required

Frequently Asked Questions