Additive Manufacturing students

Master of Engineering in
Additive Manufacturing and Design

Program summary

Position yourself to be a leader in the fast-growing 3D printing industry. This online master's program draws upon the resources and faculty of Penn State’s renowned College of Engineering offering students the analytical and practical skills required using additive manufacturing technologies.

Application deadline

Apply by June 1 to start August 21

Credits and costs

30 Credits $1,121 per credit

Nationally Recognized

US News and World Report graduate engineering
Our graduate engineering programs are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Earn a Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design  

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a rapidly emerging trend in the manufacturing sector, redefining how everything from medical devices to aerospace structures are designed, engineered, manufactured, certified, and brought to market. 

Fabricating three-dimensional parts layer by layer through additive manufacturing on a 3D printer provides engineers with unprecedented possibilities for designs and materials. In doing so, this innovative design process allows engineers to create light-weight structures, consolidate assemblies of multiple components into a single 3D printed part, and functionally grade structures using multi-material components to improve performance. This rapid prototyping ability is generating considerable interest in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, consumer goods, energy, medical, oil and gas, and space. The technology shows the potential to find new applications for virtually every material, as well as the opportunity to create new alloys and composites not previously thought possible.

Work With Faculty to Accelerate Additive Manufacturing and Design Technology

The 30-credit online Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design (AMD) is offered through Penn State World Campus in partnership with Penn State's College of Engineering and the School of Engineering Design and Innovation, along with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. It is the first multidisciplinary graduate-level program focused on additive manufacturing and design in the country. 

The primary goal of the Additive Manufacturing and Design program is to prepare you to apply foundational knowledge, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity, in your use of additive manufacturing and associated design tools and methods. You can grow as a leader in 3D printing and prototyping and help accelerate industry adoption of additive manufacturing, while striving for advancement of the technology and developing innovative solutions. 

The Penn State Difference

This program combines a focused, groundbreaking curriculum with a flexible, convenient, online format, allowing you to maintain your professional commitments as you acquire a valued credential. You can learn from faculty who have experience teaching in online education environments, with a range of expertise in such fields as 3D printing, rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM, additive manufacturing, materials science, technology innovation, and leadership.

Your Engineering Course Work

The focus of the curriculum is to help engineers become well versed not only in technical engineering skills, but also in communication, ethics, entrepreneurial thinking, and professionalism. The courses can help you acquire the analytical and practical skills to digitally design, develop, analyze, numerically model, optimize, fabricate, and inspect new components and subassemblies, using additive manufacturing technologies.  

Who Should Apply?

The program is designed for working professionals who have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field, relevant work experience, and some experience with proficiency 3D printing software and hardware, who are looking for career development opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skill sets in additive manufacturing and design. 

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions. 

Courses

The 30-credit Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design (AMD) degree program offers graduate students the analytical and practical skills required to digitally design, develop, engineer, analyze, numerically model, optimize, fabricate, and inspect new components and subassemblies using appropriate additive manufacturing and digital design technologies. 

All AMD students will be required to enroll in five core courses that cover additive manufacturing processes, materials for additive manufacturing, the engineering and scientific foundations of additive manufacturing, design for additive manufacturing, and laboratory experience in additive manufacturing.

In addition to the core courses, students will be required to enroll in electives (9 credits) that include design, materials, manufacturing, technical writing, technical presentations, and supply chain, along with enrolling in a seminar course (1 credit, not counted toward the degree). To meet the degree requirements, students will also be required to complete a culminating project that leads to a paper, which will be worth three (3) credits. 

Core Courses (19 credits)

You must successfully complete one 1-credit course of Colloquium, preferably in your first two semesters of the program. The following courses are offered to meet this requirement: AMD 590 and ME 590. 

  • 4
    credits

    Comprehensive study of the fundamentals, process characteristics, economics, and practical applications of various additive manufacturing processes.

  • 4
    credits

    Explores processes with a focus on the fundamentals of sintering and fusion of metals, ceramics, and polymers.

  • 4
    credits

    Explore design methods and tools for additive manufacturing, including opportunistic and restrictive aspects of different additive manufacturing processes and their related industry applications.

  • 4
    credits

    Focuses on the state of the art in understanding processing, structure, and property relationships in materials fabricated using additive manufacturing.

  • 3
    credits

    Explore all aspects of metal additive manufacturing including design, prototyping, build preparation, fabrication, post-processing, machining, inspection, and characterization.

Electives (8-9 credits)

At least eight (8) credit hours in 400- and/or 500-level courses from an approved electives course list maintained by the program.  Note that EDSGN 596, ESC 596, IE 596, MATSE 596, and ME 596 cannot be used to fulfill this requirement. 

Culminating Project and Research (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Creative projects, including non-thesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

    • Note

      AMD 596 must be scheduled over two semesters in a 1-credit/2-credit consecutive sequence for a total of 3 credits.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,121 per credit
12 or more $13,452 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, should be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by June 1 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by September 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 1, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree in engineering, engineering technology, manufacturing, materials science or related or discipline from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

For admission to the program, a 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) is needed. Exceptions to the minimum 3.0 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interest. A minimum of 2–3 years of relevant work experience is recommended.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

GPA and Test Scores —  All applicants are expected to have earned a junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. Official GRE scores are not required but will be considered if submitted. GRE scores can be submitted using institution code — 2660.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment to success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application. One-to two-page listing of your professional experience and education.

How to Apply

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this program.

Note about additional hardware: it is a requirement for this online program that students have ready access to a document scanner that allows for the creation of PDF files, which will enable students to submit handwritten homework and exams in several of the mathematics-based courses.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by June 1 to start August 21. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

Two engineers review blueprints and working at a computer

You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Manufacturing Process Engineer
  • Process Engineering Manager

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Industrial Engineers

10.2%
employment growth (10 years)
293,950
total employment

Engineers, All Other

0%
employment growth (10 years)
151,940
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way 

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

Establish foundational knowledge of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and improve the critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity skills needed by additive manufacturing engineers with this online certificate program.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Additive Manufacturing and Design  

Supplement your technical engineering skills with courses focused on communication, ethics, entrepreneurial thinking, and professionalism. This online certificate program was designed for working engineering professionals who want to prepare for leadership positions.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Master of Engineering in Additive Manufacturing and Design, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Engineering, School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs, along with the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, please contact:

Allison M. Beese, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering
Director, Additive Manufacturing & Design Graduate Program 
[email protected]

Jaclyn Stimely
Assistant Director, Additive Manufacturing and Design Graduate Program
Room 104, The 230 Building 
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Allison Beese

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State

    Dr. Allison Beese is an associate professor of materials science and engineering and mechanical engineering. Her research interests are in experimental and computational multiscale mechanics of materials ranging from metals to composites. Her research focuses on developing experimental methods to elucidate the connections among the microstructure, macroscopic deformation, damage accumulation, and failure properties of materials. Using experimental data, physically based large deformation and failure models can be developed to predict component performance.

  • Sanjay Joshi

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial Engineering, Purdue University
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial Engineering, SUNY Buffalo
    • Degree
      B.E., Production Engineering, University of Bombay

    Dr. Sanjay Joshi is a professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering. His research and teaching interests are in the areas of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), with specific focus on computer-aided process planning, additive manufacturing, control of automated flexible manufacturing systems, and topics in advanced manufacturing.

  • Guha Manogharan

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University
    • Degree
      M.S., Industrial and Systems Engineering, North Carolina State University
    • Degree
      B. Tech, Mechanical Engineering, SASTRA University

    Dr. Guha Manogharan is an assistant professor of mechanical and nuclear engineering, and industrial and manufacturing engineering departments. He heads the Systems for Hybrid-Additive Process Engineering (SHAPE) lab at Penn State and is an expert in both additive manufacturing and the growing area of hybrid manufacturing. Dr. Manogharan's research interests include additive manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing, biomedical implants via additive manufacturing, and CNC and nontraditional machining and design optimization for additive manufacturing.

  • Nicholas Meisel

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University

    Dr. Nicholas Meisel is an assistant professor of engineering design and mechanical engineering in the School of Engineering Design, Technology, and Professional Programs at Penn State. He is the director of the Made by Design Lab, which conducts research in the area of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) as well as its role in engineering education. Dr. Meisel's current research centers on high-level, innovative DfAM concepts (e.g., functionally graded multi-material printing, in-situ embedding) and the impact of process parameters on part design and manufacturability.

  • Ted Reutzel

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Penn State

    Dr. Ted Reutzel has been involved in arc- and laser-based metal processing since 1993, with emphasis on welding and cladding, and more recently with emphasis on metal-based additive manufacturing. He has managed numerous programs to investigate and implement laser material processing across a wide range of applications. He has also authored and co-authored book chapters and provided invited articles and invited talks internationally.

  • Timothy Simpson

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
    • Degree
      B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Cornell University

    Dr. Timothy Simpson is a professor in the mechanical and nuclear engineering and industrial and manufacturing engineering departments. He is a faculty member of the EDOG Lab, and he leads the Center for Innovative Manufacturing Processing-3D, a world leader in the growing field of additive manufacturing. Dr. Simpson's research areas of interest include engineering design and design methodology, statistical approximations, and design of experiments, product family, and product platform design.

News


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by June 1 to start August 21. How to Apply