Mississippi State University is renowned as a world-class research institution and is ranked among the U.S.’s top public universities. Its Bagley College of Engineering ranks 51st among U.S. engineering colleges for research and development expenditures (National Science Foundation) and is consistently listed among the top 100 by U.S. News and World Report. The college’s partnership with the Université Internationale de Rabat (UIR) allows Moroccan students the opportunity to participate in its exceptional education and research collaboration programme.
MSU launched its partnership programme with UIR in 2015. The collaboration makes MSU’s cross-disciplinary research centres, working groups, laboratories and world-leading faculty even more accessible to international students. International students are drawn to MSU’s academic and research opportunities but stay for the supportive faculty, hands-on learning and strong career preparation.
“Mississippi State University is an R1 university with cutting-edge research facilities,” says UIR programme graduate and current MSU faculty member Omar Es-Sahli. “These resources, coupled with access to exceptional faculty and researchers, greatly influenced my decision to stay and continue contributing to research.”
After completing an aerospace engineering bachelor’s degree at the International University of Rabat, Es-Sahli made his way to the US.
Through the partnership, Es-Sahli enrolled in MSU’s dual Master of Science and doctoral programme, diving headfirst into a rigorous research environment. MSU recognised his potential, offering him a full-time instructor role at the Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering. After Es-Sahli completed his doctorate in aerospace engineering, he advanced to an assistant teaching professor position.
Fatima Hilali reflected on her time during the program and the impact conducting research made on her future career.
“Conducting research at MSU has provided me access to cutting-edge facilities, advanced resources, and guidance from distinguished faculty members,” she said. “This experience has greatly expanded my professional network and enhanced my research capabilities, allowing me to collaborate closely with industry leaders and esteemed colleagues.”
Programme participants and sisters Randa Bassou and Rania Bassou are also making significant contributions in their respective fields. Randa, who works in the aerospace industry working on X-plane programme development at Aurora Flight Science, explained the experience at MSU gave her the tools, confidence and research mindset needed to thrive in such an innovative environment.
“Conducting research at MSU has had a profound impact on my career path and has allowed me to apply complex theoretical concepts to real aerospace challenges, and that experience has shaped how I approach engineering problems in my current role,” she said. “I get to contribute to the future of flight—something I’ve dreamed about since I was young.”
Rania echoed her sister’s sentiments, saying that the dual degree program allowed her to build a strong foundation in aerospace engineering and develop skills that would help her succeed on real-world projects.
“While in the program, I participated in funded research, worked on cutting-edge flight tests, and learned how to apply classroom theories to engineering problems,” Rania said. “Overall, the programme and curriculum gave me the confidence to lead complex tasks and collaborate effectively with others.”
The dual degree programme earned MSU and UIR the Institute of International Education’s Andrew Heiskell Award for International Partnerships in 2017. This opportunity sees students completing nine semesters at UIR, followed by a minimum of one year at MSU, and earning both a UIR diploma and an MSU Master of Science degree. Currently, three pathways unlock the best of both worlds.
Research projects here present students with invaluable opportunities not found at most engineering schools around the country. Source: photo by Beth Wynn / © Mississippi State University
M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
If you dream of designing, testing and analysing aircraft and spacecraft, look no further than the Department of Aerospace Engineering. Here, you’ll find the Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering, Es-Sahli’s launchpad to success. This programme equips you with a strong foundation in mathematics and physical and engineering sciences, preparing you to enter the workplace ready to make an impact.
The programme is one of the U.S.’s most established. Fresh out of your bachelor’s degree, you’ll have the chance to explore faculty research projects and other invaluable opportunities not commonly found at other engineering schools. In your senior year, you’ll take on a capstone design project alongside your peers, learning to work in a team and in an environment that emulates the industry. This hand-on approach is key to your success as an aerospace engineer.
“This programme opens up significant opportunities for students to secure positions at top-notch industries and academic institutions, allowing them to contribute to research and technology,” says Es-Sahli. “It has been a transformative milestone that has fostered my personal and professional growth.”
MSU’s 23,150 students come from every state in the US and 85 countries worldwide. Source: photo by Megan Bean / © Mississippi State University
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
The Michael W. Hall School of Mechanical Engineering is Bagley College’s largest academic department. Here, you’ll find the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, which is tailored to provide the technical expertise essential for mastering today’s advanced technologies.
On this route, you’ll explore all major aspects of mechanical engineering. Main areas of study include fluid and solid mechanics, energy systems, thermal sciences, materials, manufacturing, design, and system dynamics. Of course, it also unlocks research opportunities that will thoroughly prepare you to thrive in high-level industries like energy sustainability, national security, health and environmental protection applications.
Department of Computer Science and Engineering faculty members are progressive. Their research projects are known for “pushing the envelope” and are often described as “cutting edge”. Source: photo by Grace Cockrell / © Mississippi State University
M.S. in Computer Science
MSU’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering offers comprehensive programmes that aim to shape the future, like the Master of Science in Computer Science, which is informed by its research-intensive surroundings. The department’s core research areas include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, high-performance computing, software engineering and visualisation. Take on this M.S. degree’s research concentration for deeper participation in making cutting-edge discoveries. If a more multidisciplinary curriculum is what you’re after, pursue the general concentration.
You’ll be in good hands, as the department is home to an expert faculty — all leaders in their fields. They consistently secure research grants from organisations such as the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, Department of Energy and the Army. As a student, you’ll work alongside these organisations and industry leaders, who double as educators at UIR’s School of Computer Science and Digital Engineering.
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