Graduate Certificate in Applied Heat Transfer
Purdue University’s online Graduate Certificate in Applied Heat Transfer (AHT) provides specialized knowledge and practical skills in thermal systems and heat transfer mechanisms, preparing individuals for elevated roles that require this expertise.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Overview
Advance your engineering career
The 100% online Graduate Certificate in Applied Heat Transfer is designed to meet the needs of engineering professionals and managers seeking to increase their knowledge of AHT and its implementation in emerging technologies in less time than a traditional master’s degree. This flexible program allows students to balance their education with professional and personal commitments while gaining industry-relevant expertise.
Students will learn from the world-renowned faculty of Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering which is the home of the #1 ranked online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). Build foundational skills by selecting from a variety of courses in gas dynamics, mechanical vibrations, computational fluid dynamics, and advanced mathematics.
With a focus on real-world applications, this certificate provides stackable skills that can be utilized immediately in the workplace or applied toward Purdue’s online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, helping you to stay competitive in an evolving industry.
The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
Program Specifics
Criteria for Admissions
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area (Engineering, Science, Mathematics, or Technology) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or equivalent (A=4.0).
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Curriculum Required Courses – 6 credits
- +ME 50500: Intermediate Heat Transfer (3 credits)
Choose one of the following:
- ME 59700/51100: Heat Transfer in Electronic Systems (3 credits)
- ME 60800: Numerical Methods in Heat and Mass Transfer (3 credits)
Electives – 6 credits
- MA 52700: Advanced Mathematics for Engineers & Physicists I*
- MA 52800: Advanced Mathematics for Engineers & Physicists II*
- ME 51000: Gas Dynamics
- ME 56300: Mechanical Vibrations
- ME 58100: Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering
- ME 61400: Computational Fluid Dynamics**
*Only one Math (MA) course may be selected
**This course cannot be utilized if ME 60800 is taken More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
A graduate certificate is a specialized credential that provides advanced knowledge in a specific field. Available to those with a bachelor’s degree, Purdue’s 100% online graduate certificates take less time than a full master’s degree program. They are valuable for individuals looking to quickly advance their careers or pivot to a new industry. Graduate certificates also can serve as a stepping stone toward a master’s degree since they allow students to earn academic credits that may apply to a future graduate program. Ask your enrollment counselor for details or learn more about graduate certificates here.
Career Outcomes
Top Job Titles
- Mechanical Engineer
- Thermal Engineer
- Mechanical Design Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Thermal Mechanical Engineer
Top Industries
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing
- Engineering Services
- Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- Automobile and Light Duty Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
Source: LightcastTM (2023). Unique job postings for July 2022-2023. Projected growth for years 2023-2033.
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