phd in mechanical engineering how many years

Doctoral Program

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The Ph.D. degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development, or teaching; for this type of work, a broad background in mathematics and the engineering sciences, together with intensive study and research experience in a specialized area, are the necessary requisites.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is conferred on candidates who have demonstrated to the satisfaction of their department or school

• substantial scholarship
• high attainment in a particular field of knowledge
• and the ability to do independent investigation and present the results of such research.

They must satisfy the general requirements for advanced degrees, the program requirements specified by their departments, and the doctoral requirements for candidacy, as outlined in the Stanford Bulletin.

PhD Admissions information

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The ME Student Intranet has detailed information about processes and requirements for the ME PhD .

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PhD in Mechanical Engineering

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Mechanical Engineering PhD candidates are leaders in research and education in academia and industry—they carry with them a strong network of peers built during their graduate studies. Students can enter the program directly after completing a bachelors degree, and earn a masters degree along the way or enter after completing a masters degree.

Degree Type

At Boston University, our Mechanical Engineering PhD candidates have the opportunity to study and research in a broad range of areas within the exciting field of mechanical engineering. We challenge our students to reach their potential as they create new knowledge and innovative solutions to pressing societal problems of today (and tomorrow). Our PhD students work closely with our faculty at the forefront of theoretical, computational, or experimental research in Robotics, Mechanics of Bio/Soft Materials, Sustainable Energies, and Space Technologies, among other inspiring areas of research.

EXPLORE OUR MECHANICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH AREAS

We believe in the importance of strong community and create abundant opportunities for our students to collaborate and socialize with each other beyond the traditional boundaries of research areas and lab groups. Graduate socials, both formal and informal, a college-wide Student Association of Graduate Engineers, and an overarching culture of interdisciplinary research enrich the professional and extracurricular pursuits of our students. Beyond the BU campus, Boston provides a high-tech research community where external collaborations with industry, government and other universities are common. Moreover, the PhD experience also includes opportunities to present your work at conferences around the world, providing opportunities to network with peers around the globe.

VIEW OUR CALENDAR OF UPCOMING MECHANICAL ENGINEERING EVENTS

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

• All PhD students take a course covering basic teaching methods and philosophies and are required to satisfy a teaching practicum for a minimum of two semesters.
• Our post-master’s PhD candidates have no structured course requirements but they are required to complete 32 credits applicable to the degree at a 500 level or higher.
• Post-bachelor’s doctoral students are awarded MS degrees upon completion of the 32 credit hours of structured coursework and the PhD Prospectus Exam.
• PhD students must satisfy a residency requirement of at least two consecutive academic-year semesters of full-time graduate study at Boston University.
• Doctoral students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.00 to remain in good academic standing and to graduate. All graduate courses are counted in the GPA. Only grades of “B-” or better fulfill PhD curricular requirements.

EXTERNAL FELLOWSHIPS

The College of Engineering (ENG) is committed to five full years of financial support for graduate students in the ENG PhD program who maintain satisfactory academic progress. Entering PhD students are fully funded in their first year. During the first year, incoming PhD students must pursue research and funding discussions with the research faculty. At the end of the first academic year, PhD students must move to RA funding, while others continue on their external fellowship if applicable.

The Mechanical Engineering faculty are willing to work with students to develop the necessary research statements for these types of fellowships. Many of these are due in December or January. Thus they are more feasible for students who are already studying in our program.

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Mechanical engineers create the physical systems and devices that define modern society — everything from automobiles to air conditioning, robotic parts to power plants, people movers to artificial limbs, and rocket engines to satellites. At the School of Engineering, we groom our students to become the inventors and innovators of tomorrow. Our PhD in Mechanical Engineering program offers a balanced curriculum that emphasizes the principles behind these designs and approaches. To apply these principles in the field, we make computational and research experience an integral component of your studies.

We also offer you the freedom to choose from 5 distinct areas of specialization:

• aerospace engineering
• controls and dynamic systems
• fluid dynamics and thermal systems
• materials engineering
• mechanics and structural systems

The high faculty-to-student ratio of our program ensures you develop close ties to your instructors and fellow students. This fosters lifelong relationships and a rigorous intellectual community of scholars.

Many of our graduates enter such fields as computer engineering, nanotechnology, software development, and financial engineering. They also occupy positions in bioengineering, manufacturing, astronautics, systems engineering, and corporate management and law.

Admission Requirements

Admission to this program requires an MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or other closely related engineering field or applied sciences. Generally, you must also be able to present a GPA of 3.5 or better in your MS work. In cases where it is unclear that the required MS specialization has been satisfied, the degree requirements for the Mechanical Engineering, MS at the School of Engineering will define the necessary reparation. This same criterion applies for degrees received in other engineering disciplines.

Those with a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and a GPA of 3.5 or better may apply directly to the program.

Find out more about  admission requirements .

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The general credit requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering degree at the School of Engineering are:

• Transfer from MS degree (30 credits)
• Approved coursework beyond the MS degree (18 credits minimum)
• Ph.D. dissertation (18 credits minimum)
• Approved electives (up to 6 credits)
• Minimum Total Required: 75 Credits

The credits above include MS degree credits but go beyond those for the BS degree.

Your studies must also be completed 5 years after the MS degree or the date of admission, whichever is later, unless a formal leave of absence is approved before the period for which the studies are interrupted.

In addition, you must take a written and oral departmental qualifying examination within the first 2 times it is offered after the date you join the doctoral program. Upon passing, you must then form a Ph.D. Guidance Committee and begin your dissertation. To do so, you will need to register for at least 3 credits of ME 9999 each fall and spring semester. Actual registration should reflect the pace of the work and your activity.

An exception to the minimum registration requirement may be made in the last semester of registration if that semester is devoted primarily to complete the work and dissertation. A dissertation grade of U for 2 consecutive terms affects whether or not you will be allowed to continue doctoral work. You must present progress on your dissertation to your guidance committee at least once a year. You can find additional details on degree requirements in the departmental pamphlet available at the department's main office.

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Program Director

Iskender Sahin

Matthieu Nadini

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

Whiting school of engineering, the ph.d. program.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) normally requires four to five years of full-time study beyond the baccalaureate degree. There is no formal course requirement for a doctoral degree.  The student develops a technical program involving both research and course work with the help of their faculty advisor.

PhD candidates must pass the Departmental Qualifying Exam (usually taken at the end of the second semester of graduate study), successfully submit a doctoral dissertation proposal (usually during the third-year of full-time study), complete a doctoral dissertation, and pass the final Graduate Board Oral exam and the dissertation defense.

Admissions 

To be admitted to graduate study in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, applicants must submit credentials sufficient to convince the faculty that they will thrive in a program of advanced course work and research. Graduate Record Examination scores must be submitted.

Each graduate student is assigned to a faculty advisor to map a program for the first year and enter the intellectual life of the department. The student will remain in regular communication with the advisor. The advisor may use a variety of methods to assess the student’s progress. It is not necessary that a student have the same advisor in successive years. After serious research for a dissertation has begun, the research supervisor will automatically function as advisor.

All Ph.D. students are required in their first three years, and master’s students are encouraged during their time here, to register for EN.530.803 Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar and attend its weekly Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminars.

Where Do our PhD Graduates Go?  Visit  our PhD Alumni page  to see where our PhD graduates have made their mark around the world. You, too, can join this elite group with an admission to our PhD program!

Program Requirements

Although there are no formal course requirements, students are presumed to be prepared by studies equal to six 600-level courses in their field of specialization and six courses in related fields. All candidates for the doctorate must complete two semesters as a teaching assistant as part of their training. All students are required to follow a course of study approved by their individual advisor.

 In addition to general university requirements, the student must complete the following requirements:

• Achieve an unconditional pass in the oral Departmental Qualifying Exam based on core courses. This exam is usually taken after the second semester.
• Submit a Doctoral Dissertation Proposal that will serve as a base for research and dissertation by the end of the third year.
• Complete research and write the Doctoral Dissertation.
• Achieve an unconditional pass in the Graduate Board Oral examination satisfying the Graduate Board requirements. This is a comprehensive examination in which students must demonstrate proficiency at the graduate level in their field of specialization.
• The final and principal requirement for the doctorate is to successfully defend the Doctoral Dissertation in a final oral presentation and examination, also known as the "dissertation defense."

Additional details on Ph.D. requirements and departmental academic policy for the Ph.D. degree can be found on the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Advising page .

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering boasts a world-class program leading to the PhD in Mechanical Engineering, offering tremendous flexibility in course selection.

Students may choose whether or not to earn the MS on the way to earning the PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Most students joining the department enter the PhD program in Stage 1, during which students complete their MS degree in Mechanical Engineering or Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. An outline of the steps toward completion of the Mechanical Engineering PhD is presented below.

Stage 1: MS or its Equivalent

Please select a link for information on getting your MS degree in  ME  & or  TAM .*

Students entering directly after earning the BS are considered Stage 1 PhD students until the prerequisite for the qualifying exam has been completed. 

Stage 2: Qualifying Examination, PhD Coursework, Preliminary Examination

The Department requires graduate students to successfully complete a qualifying examination to formally enter the PhD program.

ME PhD Qualifying Examination

The objective of the qualifying exam is to evaluate student’s sufficient depth and breadth of understanding in the area of research. Towards this goal, a committee of two faculty members appointed by the Associate Head for Graduate Programs for each examinee will administer an hour-long oral exam on a peer-reviewed, archival journal article related to student’s area of research. The committee will be asked to select an important paper in the student’s research field, consistent with the fact that the student has a two-week preparation period.  The paper is chosen by the committee in consultation with the student’s advisor, and is provided to the student two weeks ahead of the exam. The article may not be one authored/co-authored by the student or by any faculty in the department.  The exam result is presented as pass, conditional pass or fail, and should be submitted via email to the Graduate Programs Coordinator.  The Assistant Director of Graduate Programs will relay the result to the student’s advisor.

A minimum of B+ grade in each of four independent courses from any one or a combination of any two areas chosen from an approved list (see below) is a prerequisite for taking the qualifying exam.

A student may attempt the examination twice.

Details of the Exam

Prerequisites:   A B+ grade or higher in each of the four independent courses chosen from an approved list (see below) is a prerequisite for appearing in the qualifying exam. These four courses can be chosen from a single area or a combination of any two areas. In addition, the student is required to take the qualifying exam within two years after a master’s degree or within three years of a bachelor’s degree. The advisor must approve the choice of courses. Students would be encouraged to retake a class to improve their grade sufficiently to meet the requirements. Transferred coursework cannot be used to fulfill the prerequisites of the qualifying exam.

Administration of the Qual Exam :  Students who have satisfied the prerequisites for the exam and wish to register should submit the  ME PhD Qualifying Exam Form to the Graduate Programs Office. Exam schedules will be set based on committee availability and must not be earlier than 3 weeks from the time of the request approval.

Advisors will email the names of three suggested committee members and three suggested articles to the Graduate Programs Office.

The Associate Head for Graduate Programs will review the request and select the two members for the evaluation committee.

A notice will be sent from the Graduate Programs Office to the committee, informing them that they have been appointed to administer the examination and who has been named Committee Chair. The notice will also include the suggested articles from the advisor and the timeline in which the exam needs to be scheduled.

Students are responsible for picking a date and time that works for all committee members. Once a date and time are confirmed by all committee members, students must email [email protected]  the date and time of their exam, with each member of the committee carbon-copied (CCed) on the email. 

Oral Examination Committee:   A committee of two faculty members from MechSE appointed by the Associate Head for Graduate Programs for each examinee will administer an hour-long oral exam on a peer-reviewed, archival journal article related to student’s area of research.

Journal article:  The student will be examined on a published, peer-reviewed archival journal article related to student’s research. The student’s adviser will provide a suggested list of papers to the Graduate Programs Office with a rationale for the choice of the articles, to be shared with the examining committee.  The committee may choose a paper from the list, or it can choose a paper outside of the advisor’s suggested list, but from within the general research area of the student.  The selected paper must be an important paper in the student’s research field, consistent with the fact that the student has a two-week preparation period. If the article selected is outside the list, the committee needs to provide a rationale for the choice of the article, and a statement describing the reason as to why an article was  not  chosen from the advisor’s suggested list. The committee’s statement will be provided to the Associate Head (AH) for Grad Programs, and  not  to the student’s advisor. AH may communicate the statement to the advisor at his/her own discretion.  The article may not be one authored/co-authored by the student or by any faculty in the department.  In addition to reading the article, the student is expected to review the related literature.  The article will be provided to the student two weeks ahead of the exam, so please contact the Graduate Programs Office with the article selection as quickly as possible. Once the paper is selected, the student will be notified to contact the committee to schedule the examination.

Grading:  The student must present the material from the article in 30 minutes, and answer committee’s questions in the remaining 30 minutes. The exam will be graded on the following points:

• overall significance of the article
• influence of the work on the development of the field
• possible future research directions in the area of the article
• the key findings of the work
• connection to student’s research

Outcome of the exam:  the result can be (a) an unconditional pass, (b) a conditional pass pending taking a specific course or courses with a defined minimum grade, and (c) a fail. On failing, a student may repeat the oral exam once.

Approved List of Areas and Courses

Combustion: ME 403, 501, 503; CHBE 551/CHEM 582; CHEM 522;

Computational Mechanics: ME 412, 447, 471, 570; TAM 470, 570, 574; CEE 576; CS 446, 450; MSE 485

Controls: ME 446, 460, 461, 541, 561, 562; AE 403, 454, 504, 555, 556; ECE 486, 515 (same as ME 540), 517, 534, 553, 555, 568, 573; Math 518, 519, 540, 541, 550, 551

Dynamics: ME 440, 546 (same as ECE 528); TAM 412, 416, 514, 518; TAM 515 / AE 554

Fluid Mechanics: ME 410, 411(same as AE 412), 412, 504, 510; TAM 435, 531, 532, 534, 536, 537, 538, 570; AE 511, 514, 515

Heat Transfer: ME 401, 411 (same as AE 412), 412, 420, 502, 504, 520, 521, 522, 523

Manufacturing: ME 450, 451, 452, 453 455, 458, 541, 550, 554; AE 526

Materials: CHEM 524; ME 430, 431, 530, 531, 532, 533; MSE 455, 460, 480, 488; PHYS 460; TAM 424, 427, 428, 524, 534, 559; AE 525, 526

MEMS/NEMS: ME 485, 487, 523, 586

Solid Mechanics: ME 430, 472; TAM 445, 451, 456, 529, 545, 551, 552, 554, 555, 557, 559; AE 522, 523, 528, 529, 550, 559

Biomechanics: ME 481, 482, 483; TAM 461

Thermodynamics & Energy Conversion: ME 400 (this course will be counted for the Qualifying Examination for those who have taken the course during Spring 2017 or earlier), ME 401, ME 402, ME 404, ME 502, ME 512; CHEM 442, CHEM 524, CHEM 544; PHYS 427/MSE 500 (one or the other--students may not take both), PHYS 486, PHYS 487, PHYS 504

Coursework***

If a student is entering with a completed MS degree or plans to earn the MS on the way to the PhD, the coursework requirements are 20 hours of graduate-level coursework beyond the MS, to include: at least 8 hours of 500-level courses, an advanced 500-level math course taught at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus (which can be counted as  part of the required 8 hours of 500-level coursework).  The advanced math requirements may be satisfied by TAM 541, TAM 542, TAM 549, ECE 534, or any 500-level course offered by the Mathematics Department except for the following: MATH 596, MATH 597, MATH 598, and MATH 599.  At least 8 hours of “Enrichment” coursework (graduate level courses that do not strongly overlap with the student’s main research topic) to be chosen in consultation with the advisor, and at least 44 hours of dissertation credit (599) beyond the MS.  Additional courses beyond the 8 hours of 500-level courses may be ME or TAM graduate-level courses (400-500 level), or other engineering graduate-level technical courses chosen in consultation with advisor.  No more than 4 of the 20 hours may be ME or TAM 597, Independent Study.

If the PhD is pursued directly after the bachelor's degree, the coursework requirements are 44 hours of formal graded coursework to include 16 hours at the 500 level, 4 of which may be ME 597 Independent Study and may include the required 3-4 hours of 500-level math.  The math requirement may be satisfied by TAM 541, TAM 542, TAM 549, ECE 534, or any 500-level course offered by the Mathematics Department except for the following: MATH 596, MATH 597, MATH 598, and MATH 599. At least 8 hours of “Enrichment” coursework (graduate level courses that do not strongly overlap with the student’s main research topic) to be chosen in consultation with the advisor, and at least 52 hours of dissertation credit (599) beyond the MS.  Additional courses beyond the 16 hours of 500-level courses may be ME or TAM graduate-level courses (400-500 level), or other engineering graduate-level technical courses chosen in consultation with advisor.  

Preliminary and Final Examinations

Scheduled upon completion of coursework requirement or in the semester in which the final coursework is taken. To schedule your exam, please see this page on the Graduate College website: grad.illinois.edu/thesis/submitting-doctoral-committee-requests  

You should submit your exam request to the Graduate College at least 3 weeks prior to the approximate exam date. Once you have submitted your Graduate College exam request, a notice is sent to the MechSE Graduate Programs  Office to approve the request. Once the request is approved by the MechSE Graduate Programs Office, the Graduate College will send the student and the MechSE Graduate Programs Office notice that the exam has been approved. 

After the Graduate College has approved your exam and you have been notified of the approval via email, the MechSE Graduate Programs Office will direct you to complete the Departmental Preliminary Exam Request Form or Departmental Final Exam Request Form . These forms should be submitted online to the MechSE Graduate Programs Office at least one week prior to the exam. 

Preliminary Examination proposals should be 20 pages in length including introductory pages, figures, etc. It should include statement of proposed research, its objectives and significance; a brief review of previous work on related research; and a short discussion of tentative methods of analysis and/or experimentation. There are no specific format requirements for the proposal. 

Final Examination abstracts should be submitted as a double-spaced Microsoft Word document in Times New Roman, size 12 font. The research summary should be one paragraph long, submitted as a Microsoft word document in size 11, Calibri font.

PROCESS FOR REPORTING EXAM RESULTS

The process for reporting Prelim and Final exam results is as follows:

The Committee Chair should email  [email protected] , cc’d to the committee members.  The email must include the following information:

• For Preliminary Exams : 1) Date of the exam, 2) Result of the exam, 3) Names of committee members
• For Final Exams : 1) Date of the exam, 2) Result of the exam, 3) Names of committee members, 4) How each committee member voted
• For Thesis/Dissertation Approval Forms : 1) Approval of the document, 2) Names of committee members

The Graduate Programs Office will attach the result confirmation email to the PER/FER form, which should include the signature of the EO or DGS at the bottom. This departmental signature confirms the accuracy of the result, which aligns with our standard practice.

DOCTORAL EXAMINATION COMMITTEE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate College policy requires this committee shall have a minimum of 4 voting members, 3 of whom must be University of Illinois Graduate Faculty (i.e. they have an appointment with the Graduate College as teaching faculty who instruct a graduate course or courses.   MechSE policy states at least 1 of the 4 voting members must not be from the department of the candidate.  Committee members from outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign are welcome but would serve in addition to the 3 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign committee members.  If a member of the committee is non-UIUC faculty and will participate as a non-voting member, nothing additional is required.  If you desire a non-UIUC faculty member to serve as a voting committee member, a letter/email of justification from the advisor, stating what qualifies the person to be a voting member on the committee along with the person’s CV, must be attached to the exam request at the time of submission.
• Three of the committee members must be listed as Graduate Faculty members and two must be tenured (Associate Professor or Professor).  The committee should include faculty members from more than one area of specialization.
• The “Chair” must be a member of the Graduate Faculty from the candidate’s department and may also be the Director of Dissertation Research.  The chair is responsible for convening the committee, conducting the examination, and submitting the Certificate of Result to the department in which the student is enrolled.
• A “Contingent Chair,” if designated, must be a member of the Graduate Faculty.  The Contingent Chair serves if the original chair is unable to serve for any reason.
•  The Director of Dissertation Research is responsible for guiding/advising the student in their thesis research as part of an ongoing research project.  He/she may also discuss a tentative course of study or recommend a sequence of courses the student can take reflecting the interest of the student.
• A Department Affiliate cannot serve as a “Chair” or a “Contingent Chair” of a Preliminary Examination or Final Examination Committee.  Only faculty members of the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering may serve in that capacity.

SEMINAR REQUIREMENT

Continuous registration in ME 590 is required until completion of the preliminary exam unless the student will not attend the full semester the preliminary exam is administered. In this case, the student does not need to register in their final semester. Seminar credit cannot be counted toward coursework requirements.

Stage 3: Thesis and Final Examination

THESIS FOCUS

Thesis and Final Examination

DOCTORAL DISSERTATION DEFENSE

May be taken no sooner than six months after the preliminary examination.

FINAL EXAMINATION

Residency requirement: The University of Illinois requires that 64 hours must be from courses meeting on the Urbana-Champaign campus or at other locations approved by the Graduate College for resident credit. *A student entering with a MS degree is credited with 32 hours of coursework, leaving 64 hours to be completed at Illinois. **A maximum of 4 hours of ME 597 Independent study may be applied toward the 500-level coursework requirement. ***Coursework applied toward the degree must be approved by the Associate Head for Graduate Programs.

Continuous registration in ME 590 is required until completion of the preliminary exam. Seminar credit cannot be counted toward coursework requirements. Students are required to attend a minimum of 4 seminars in the semester. The seminar schedule is e-mailed to students at the beginning of each semester.

Students enrolled in a course that conflicts with ME 590 or TAM 500 still need to register for ME 590/TAM 500 and are required to attend alternate seminars.

To complete seminar registration with a conflict:

• Request a registration override by contacting the Undergraduate Programs Office at  [email protected] . Include your name, UIN, and the course you are enrolled in that is in conflict with the seminar. Also, list the seminar course you will register for (ME 590 or TAM 500).
• You will receive an email when the override is entered.
• You must register for ME 590 after the override is entered.

To receive credit for alternate seminars:

Alternate seminars include TAM 539 Fluids Seminar Series (for students who are registered in TAM 539), any other MechSE seminars not listed as part of the MechSE Seminar Series, and other seminars in Engineering, Math, or Physics.

Questions? MS/PhD: [email protected] M.Eng.ME: [email protected]

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PhD Program

Our PhD Program offers students opportunities to work in labs specializing in a broad range of mechanical engineering research.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research and academia. Our faculty are investigating a diverse range of research areas like fluid mechanics, renewable energy technologies, materials processing and manufacturing, prosthetics, diagnostic tools, nanotechnology, and much more. As a PhD candidate, you will share in the excitement of discovery as you collaborate with our faculty on cutting edge research. You will also acquire strong, independent research skills and begin to develop your own skills and reputation as a member of the research community.

Because the advisor/graduate relationship is the cornerstone of a successful PhD experience, all new PhD candidates are carefully matched with faculty advisors, based on mutual research interests.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) normally requires four to five years of full-time study beyond the baccalaureate degree. There is no formal course requirement for a doctoral degree. The student develops a technical program involving both research and coursework with the help of his or her faculty advisor.

PhD candidates must pass the departmental exam, the Graduate Board Oral exam, submit a doctoral dissertation, and pass a final dissertation defense.

Where Do Our PhD Graduates Go?

Visit our PhD Alumni page to see where our PhD graduates have made their mark around the world. You, too, can join this elite group with an admission to our highly-ranked PhD program.

Learn More About the PhD Program

• Graduate Program Flyer
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The PhD in Mechanical Engineering is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and research competence in the fields of mechanical engineering. To earn a PhD, a student must complete an approved, rigorous program of advanced coursework and submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research.

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The PhD is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and research competence in the fields of mechanical or industrial engineering. To earn a PhD, a student must complete an approved, rigorous program of advanced coursework and submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research. The mechanical and industrial engineering (MIE) department expects all successful doctoral candidates to show depth of knowledge and research innovation in their chosen field of specialization.

The MIE department admits applicants to the PhD program either directly after earning a suitable bachelor’s degree or after earning a master’s degree. Upon acceptance into the program, an applicant is designated as a doctoral student. This designation is changed to doctoral candidate upon successful completion of the doctoral qualifying examinations (both written and oral area exams) as well as all the required course work.

• The PhD in Mechanical Engineering can be combined with a  Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate
• Both Bachelors and Advanced Degree entry are available
• Students submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research
• The ability to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts
• Ability to formulate a research plan
• Ability to communicate orally a research plan
• Ability to conduct independent research

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Seattle’s Children’s Hospital
• Sonos, Inc.
• Massachusetts institute of Technology
• Citicorp Credit Services
• Norfolk Southern
• King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
• Johns Hopkins University
• California State University, Long Beach

Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• $100 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Application

PhD Priority: December 15

International outside US: June 1

International inside US: July 1

Domestic: August 1

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Mechanical Engineering

• Graduate study in Mechanical Engineering
• Ph.D. programs

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research and academia. Our collaborative faculty are investigating a diverse range of research areas like additive manufacturing, air quality, cellular biomechanics, computational design, DNA origami, energy conversion and storage, nanoscale manufacturing, soft robotics, transdermal drug delivery, transport phenomena, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Interested? Visit our research pages for more information, including faculty areas of expertise and research videos.

• Other Ph.D. programs

I’d like more information.

View the  degree requirements  in the handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Students typically complete the Ph.D. degree requirements in three to five years. Early in the program, students focus on course-work that enhances their knowledge as they prepare to conduct research.

Within one year, students must pass the departmental qualifying exam, an oral exam that tests research skills and knowledge of a core mechanical engineering subject area.

Student research forms the core of the Ph.D. program. Research involves active student-directed inquiry into an engineering problem, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense.

Ph.D. Financial Support

The majority of full-time Ph.D. students accepted through the standard application process receive fellowships that cover full tuition, the technology fee, and a stipend for living expenses for up to five years, as long as sufficient progress is made toward degree completion. These awards are sufficient to cover all expenses for the year (including summers). Students are required to pay for health insurance, the transportation fee, the activity fee, books, and course supplies. Off-campus housing is available within walking distance of campus. At least one year of residency is required for the Ph.D. We offer two ways to enter the Ph.D. program.

Advanced entry Ph.D.

The advanced entry Ph.D. is for students with an M.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

Direct Ph.D.

The direct Ph.D. is for students entering the program with a B.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

For a comprehensive overview of the programs, including degree requirements, please consult the most recent handbook

Ph.D. candidate Remesh Shrestha, co-advised by Professors Sheng Shen and Maarten de Boer, explains his research to create polymer nanowires that have high thermal conductivity:

Other Ph.D. programs and partnerships

Apply here (by these deadlines).

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For fall 2022

The application for fall entry opens in October.

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Ph.D. employment stats

Ph.D. enrollment and completion stats [pdf]

• Doing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

What does a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Involve?

As a Mechanical Engineering PhD student you’re likely to be performing a wide range of activities, be it lab research in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics, collaboration with academic staff and graduate students at another university or learning new techniques at conferences .

How long does it take to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

As a full-time doctoral student in the UK, it should take you 3 years to earn a PhD Mechanical Engineering. If you’re studying for a part-time PhD, expect to need about 6 years to complete your research thesis. As is the norm in postgraduate research, you’re likely to register first as an MPhil student, with an upgrade viva at the half-way point leading you to fully enrolling as a PhD student.

A PhD programme is designed on the basis of independent learning and development. As a doctoral student, it’s ultimately your responsibility to maintain a focus on time management (with the support of your university supervisor) to ensure that you complete your postgraduate research in good time.

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Demobeccs: the potential and demonstration feasibility of beccs, from text to tech: shaping the future of physics-based simulations with ai-driven generative models, study of the human-vehicle interactions by a high-end dynamic driving simulator, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, machine learning for autonomous robot exploration, what are the typical entry requirements for a phd in mechanical engineering.

In the UK, you should expect most universities to ask for a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree or the equivalent grade from an institution outside of the UK. The degree will need to have been in a field that’s relevant to Mechanical Engineering. You may still be eligible to apply if you have a grade lower than a 2:1, if you also hold a Master’s degree.

If English is not your first language, then the University will ask for evidence of your English language proficiency. Usually, this is a minimum IELTS test score of 6.5 for research programmes however this may be higher from one university to another.

How much does a Mechanical Engineering PhD cost?

In a UK university, UK based postgraduate research students should expect to incur annual tuition fees in the region of £4,500/year. With a full-time PhD lasting 3 years, this equates to £13,500 in fees. This is on the basis that you’re studying full time; part-time students should expect to pay lower fees, with some variability between institutions about how this is calculated.

For international students (including now EU students), the annual tuition fee costs around £23,500/year, equating to £70,500 over the span of 3 years.

As with all PhDs, potential students will need to consider living costs and any bench fees that may be expected by their particular project or graduate school.

What can you do with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

Having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering can give you many opportunities for career development both within academia and in private companies. Many Mechanical Engineering PhDs choose to stay within the university setting, pursuing postgraduate research that builds on the work of their thesis. The decision as to whether or not to stay within the same school of engineering or to focus their work at another university often is made on the basis of the availability of funding opportunities , facilities and resources.

A PhD programme is designed to develop many transferable skills within a doctoral student which are very attractive to industrial companies and other sectors such as finance and banking. The financial sector has traditionally placed a high value on academics with analysis backgrounds; a Mechanical Engineering PhD thesis provides a good deal of evidence of candidates with a clear understanding of how to develop solutions and findings to complex analytical problems.

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If you are struggling in one of your classes and are looking for help, please reach out to the ME ASO staff! We can work with you to discuss options for support, including identifying potential peer tutors who have previously completed the class you are in. 

The goal of the PhD program is to create a culture of scholarship and high impact research that produces articulate researchers who are called upon first to hold leadership positions in society and academia.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree is the highest degree awarded by the Mechanical Engineering Department and is recommended for students who are interested in leadership careers in academia (e.g. as a faculty member of a university), industry, or government.

Sections of this Page:

Milestones to the Ph.D.

Research and coursework, qualifying examinations.

Dissertation Proposal Exam

Dissertation

Ph.d. research at the university of michigan.

Research involves active, student-directed inquiry into an engineering topic. A student’s research experience forms the core of the PhD program. There are two goals for conducting research: 1) to learn the general skills to conduct independent research and 2) to develop new knowledge in mechanical engineering.

Conducting research requires combining knowledge gained in the classroom with the ability to read the scientific literature, identify critical knowledge gaps, structure complex problems, formulate and test hypotheses, analyze and interpret data, and present and discuss technical results. Engineering research also requires significant experimental, computational, and analytical skills. A student learns these core skills as she pursues her research topic.

Many of these skills cannot be learned in the classroom setting, but instead must be developed in the laboratory, library, and conference room as the student actively interacts with faulty, other students, and researchers around the world. Independent, non-classroom based learning and problem solving is a core aspect of the PhD degree. Upon completion of his dissertation the student should be an international expert in a technical area. Dissemination of new knowledge at technical conferences and in peer-reviewed archival publications is an important part of research.

There are three student profiles in the ME PhD program: (1) Direct PhD students that are admitted without a relevant Master’s degree, (2) students who enter the PhD program with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field, and (3) students who enter the PhD program with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a relevant field from the University of Michigan. The differences in the three tracks toward the PhD vary at the coursework level. Please be mindful of the requirements listed below. A student should always discuss academic plans with his research advisor.

The major ME program milestones all PhD students complete:

• Qualifying Examination (RCC & RFE)
• Advancement to Candidacy
• Dissertation Proposal Examination
• Thesis Dissertation (written) and Defense (oral)

In addition to the academic component of the PhD, students are encouraged to participate in professional development. The Rackham Graduate School has partnered with divisions around campus to develop a central location to promote workshops, training sessions, forums, and talks relevant to graduate students. It is recommended that students visit the Professional and Academic Development  website on a regular basis to stay informed about the activities on campus.

Timeline & Satisfactory Progress

The ME department will adhere to all Rackham policies regarding academic progress, probation, dismissal and appeals as outlined here in the Rackham Academic Policies (Section 3.5).

The timeline for completing these milestones and other program requirements and expectations.

To continue in the Ph.D. Program and remain fully funded, you must maintain satisfactory progress in the following ways:

• Maintain Cum. GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Engage in research with faculty by the end of 1st semester.
• Solidify faculty advisor by the end of 1st semester.
• Identify thesis topic by the end of 2nd semester.
• International students must take and pass the GSI OET by the end of the 3rd semester.
• Pass the RCC by the end of 2nd semester (an extra semester may be granted via petition if necessary, but no more).
• Complete ME 500: Professional Skills for Graduate Student Success prior to advancement to candidacy (Fall 2021 and later cohorts).
• Demonstrate preliminary results in research by the end of the summer term after the first year (in preparation for the RFE). If you have concerns about your progress, email the Grad Coordinator to schedule a meeting with Grad Chair.
• Pass the RFE by the end of 4th semester. Change-of-Program students pass the RFE within two semesters of beginning the Ph.D. Program. An extra semester may be granted in either case via petition if necessary, but no more.
• Complete Dissertation Proposal Exam (DPE) and form dissertation committee within one year of passing the RFE. (For students who take the RFE in their 3rd semester, it is desirable to complete the DPE by the end of the 2nd year in the PhD program.)
• Maintain progress toward publications and dissertation completion with the guidance of advisors. If you have concerns about your progress, email the Grad Coordinator to schedule a meeting with Grad Chair.

You are welcome and encouraged to speak to the Graduate Coordinator and Chair at anytime.  You and your advisor both have opportunities to confirm progress or express concerns regarding your progress via the Annual Progress Update.

Probation : If a student is not making satisfactory progress in one or more of the areas outlined above, the student will be put on probation.  The terms of probation will be individually designed based on the student’s situation and as agreed upon by the Graduate Chair, the faculty advisor, and the student. The ME Graduate Program Committee will also review and approve all probation agreements.  When a the terms of probation are agreed upon, a probation agreement will be completed and enforced by the Graduate Chair.

Length of the Probationary Period : The probationary period will be no shorter than two months and, unless otherwise stated, conclude at the end of that term. If a student is placed on probation within two months of the end of the term, the probationary period will extend into the following term for at least two months.

Funding During the Probationary Period : Doctoral students will continue to receive funding during the probationary period.

End of the Probationary Period : At the end of the probationary period the student will either be returned to good academic standing or dismissed from the program.

Appeals Process for Probation and Dismissal : Students may appeal academic probation or dismissal decisions. Appeals pertaining to a students’ academic performance or progress in the program will be overseen by the Graduate Program Committee. The Rackham Graduate School will handle appeals relating to procedural issues of fair and equal treatment by the program.

Finding a Research Advisor:

To select a research advisor, the student should talk to faculty members in potential areas of research interest. If the research topic is of an interdisciplinary nature, the student can choose to have two research advisors as long as at least one advisor is from Mechanical Engineering. 

It is expected that the faculty advisor will have research support or other available funding in order to finance tuition, stipend and benefits costs of the degree.

Recommendations and tips for finding a research advisor:

• Talk to senior graduate students about their advisors. Share your interests and ask them for suggestions about whom you should meet.
• Familiarize yourself with various research groups.
• Make a list of faculty to contact who are involved in research areas that interest you. A list of faculty by research areas can be found here .
• Read about faculty research in journals, conference proceedings, or on their website.
• Visit their labs. A list of labs can be found here .
• Schedule meetings with faculty members. Typically this is done via email which includes an introduction and requests time to meet with them. Be knowledgeable about their work in order to have an active discussion about their previous and ongoing research.
• Sometimes working in their lab for academic reasons only (not as a Graduate Student Research Assistant (GSRA) ) will provide you with the opportunity to prove your researching capabilities and may lead to a GSRA with that faculty.
• If possible, enroll in classes being taught by faculty whose work interests you.
• Do well in classes relevant to your research interest and get to know the faculty.
• Consider doing a small project supported intellectually by a faculty member. ME 590 research credits are taken.
• If you are unsuccessful with securing a research advisor, it is recommended that you meet with the Graduate Program Chair immediately to discuss the situation.

Research Requirements

Regardless of whether or not the Ph.D. student has a Master’s prior to attending U-M or not, all students should take at least 6 credits of research ( ME 590 ) in the first two-three terms of the PhD program.  This will help ensure that the student meets Rackham’s requirements to candidacy upon successfully passing of the qualifying exams.  Change of Program students are not required to enroll in addition ME 590 credits after matriculating to Ph.D. as they have already completing the credit requirement for advancing to candidacy.

Students should complete 8 hours of  responsible conduct of research and scholarship  (RCRS) training by the end of their 3rd term of enrollment. 

Once a student has completed 6 credits of ME 590, they should take 8 credits of ME 990 per term.

Once a student reaches Candidacy, 8 credits of ME 995 research credits are taken every term until the student defends their dissertation.

Coursework Requirements

For Direct PhD students (i.e. students admitted without a relevant Master’s degree):

• It is necessary to complete all of the academic requirements for the Master’s degree which includes 30 credits . Please visit the Master’s Degree page for specific degree requirements. This type of Master’s degree is referred to as an “embedded” master’s, a master’s degree awarded “on-the-way” to the PhD. In addition to their MSE degree, direct PhD students must complete:
• At least 6 credits of letter-graded (including the grade S – Satisfactory) graduate coursework registered as a Rackham student while in residence on the Ann Arbor campus. Courses elected as visit (audit) do not meet this requirement, nor do ME590, ME695, ME990 and ME995.
• (Fall 2021 cohort and later) ME 500: Professional Skills for Graduate Student Success. This class should ideally be taken in the first year but may also be taken in the second year if needed. This 1 credit course may be counted towards the additional 6 credits of letter graded coursework.

For PhD students entering with a relevant Master’s Degree :

• At least 18 credits of letter-graded (including the grade S – Satisfactory) graduate coursework registered as a Rackham student while in residence on the Ann Arbor campus. Courses elected as visit (audit) do not meet this requirement, nor do ME590, ME695, ME990, and ME995.
• Of the 18 letter-graded credits, 3  credits must be cognates . The cognate requirement may be satisfied by having completed a UM Master’s degree which included a cognate component.
• (Fall 2021 cohort and later) ME 500: Professional Skills for Graduate Student Success. This class should ideally be taken in the first year but may also be taken in the second year if needed. This 1 credit course may be counted towards the 18 credits of letter graded coursework.
• A PhD student entering with a relevant Master’s degree that decides to pursue an additional master’s degree at the University of Michigan may apply the 18 credits required for the PhD to the master’s degree in another department. The student’s advisor should approve of the second degree.

For PhD students entering with a Master’s Degree from the UM ME Department (i.e. change of program students) :

• At least 6 credits of letter-graded (including the grade S- Satisfactory) graduate coursework registered as a Rackham student while in residence on the Ann Arbor campus. Courses elected as visit (audit) do not meet this requirement, nor do ME590, ME695, ME990, and ME995.

For students who completed the SUGS program :

• Additional credits of letter-graded graduate coursework equal to or greater than the number of credits double counted in the SUGS program.

The PhD Qualifying Examination (QE) consists of two components: the Research Core Curriculum (RCC) (formerly GCC) and the Research Fundamentals Exam (RFE).

Research Core Curriculum (RCC) Exam

The goal of the RCC is to ensure proficiency in technical topics both within and outside of the student’s primary research area.

Students can submit their RCC plan here.

All PhD students must take four Research Core Curriculum (RCC) courses in the first two semesters. Typically students will enroll in two Research Core Curriculum courses in the first term, however some exceptions exist where students will only enroll in one or will opt to take three. During the second term of study, the remaining Research Core Curriculum courses are taken. Change-of-program students should refer below.

The RCC consists of four 500+ level graduate courses that satisfy the following course distribution requirements:

• At most, three may be in the student’s research area
• At least one must be outside of the student’s research area
• At most, one may be from a department other than Mechanical Engineering. Note: Multiple cross-listed courses in the RCC plan will prompt additional consideration by the Graduate Program Committee (GPC)

In consultation with their research advisor a student should develop and submit a RCC plan . If a student does not have a research advisor, the student should submit a preliminary RCC plan by the Friday before the first day of classes. The ME Graduate Chair will then work with the student (if necessary) to arrive at a satisfactory plan. An RCC Plan is comprised of the following components:

• A list of the four courses on which the RCC will be based (a list of all ME graduate-level courses scheduled for the Fall and Winter terms is located here ).
• A short (3-4) sentence statement that specifies how the courses fit into the student’s current or intended research plan (this can be general if the student does not yet have a research advisor).
• The approval of the student’s research advisor and/or the ME Graduate Chair.

The GPC will review and (if appropriate) approve RCC course plans based on their accordance with the course distribution requirements specified above and their academic rigor. The GPC will monitor the historical record of GPAs for courses selected on the RCC, and may ask a student to revise the student’s RCC plan if the plan is judged to be insufficiently rigorous.

RCC plans may need to change after the start of the semester or between the first and second semester of the RCC. Typical circumstances that may necessitate a revision include course cancellations and a change in the student’s research area and/or research advisor. Revised RCC plans require GPC approval. Requests for modifications to RCC plans should be submitted via the RCC form prior to the add/drop deadline for the term..

GPC approval is required for dropping a course after the above dates and will only be given in rare circumstances. Changes in research area and/or research advisor are not sufficient reasons for dropping an RCC course.

Evaluation of the RCC (for those who entered the PhD program after Winter 2014):  The grades students receive in RCC courses will be averaged to determine an RCC GPA. The GPA is based on Rackham’s new 4.0 scale where A+ = 4.3 , A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, and B+ = 3.3. The RCC GPA will be used to determine the outcome of the RCC and will follow these guidelines:

*Note: A student must demonstrate proficiency by performing very well on the RFE (as judged by the RFE examiners) to pass the PhD qualifying examination. The student has two tries on the RFE to perform very well.

**Note: The student may petition the GPC to take an additional course in the third semester if that course grade could increase the overall GPA (of all five courses) to at least a 3.5 (or a 6.5 via the old Rackham 9.0 scale).

Petitions for a deviation from the above guidelines due to rare and extenuating circumstances can be made to the GPC. There are no course retakes in the RCC.

Change-of-Program Students. The GPC will evaluate the prior courses taken by a change-of-program (i.e. MSE to PhD) student to determine which (if any) courses may be eligible to include in an RCC plan, thus reducing the total number of RCC courses required to be taken after the student enters the PhD program. In some cases, a student’s previously completed coursework may satisfy the RCC entirely; thus, the student would not be required to take any additional coursework.

Research Fundamentals Exam (RFE)

The RFE is an oral examination to test the student’s potential to conduct independent research at the PhD level along with her written and oral communication skills. There are four primary objectives:

• Assess the depth of knowledge in the area of research specialization and the ability to relate this to research, 
• Assess the ability of the student to propose an interesting and relevant problem for PhD research
• Test ingenuity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and 
• Assess written and oral communication skills and the ability to respond to questions.

Students who have a research advisor and have successfully completed the RCC coursework or who have successfully petitioned are eligible to apply for the RFE. Students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher to take the RFE. If a student does not have this GPA, they are required to submit a petition  form to the graduate chair for consideration to take the RFE.

PhD students who successfully complete the RCC coursework must take the RFE the following semester. Change of Program students must take the RFE within one year. It is not mandatory for Change of Program students to take the RFE in their first semester as a PhD student.

Exams are held in the last two weeks of October and last two weeks of March (winter).   The RFE is an oral exam lasting for 45 minutes which is structured with a 15 minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of question and answer with two faculty members.

Sample RFE Presentation

The RFE is organized by research subject areas as listed below:

Registration. Eligible students must register their intent to take the RFE to the Academic Services Office. The online registration form is announced to students via email in the first two weeks of each Fall and Winter semester. In addition, students are responsible for submitting an electronic document with the following elements:

• Bio-sketch using NSF fellowship application format , 
• Research abstract describing research: the purpose of the research being examined, key related research, research hypotheses, research methodology, and results to date. The abstract should be formatted with 11 point font, single spacing, one-inch margins, and be a maximum of 2 pages. These two pages include title, citations, and bibliography.
• A list of RCC courses with discussion of how the RCC courses match the RFE topic and future research plans (less than 200 words).

If you have an approved testing accommodation or SSD-VISA and would like to have similar accommodations for the RFE, please let us know below. We will work with you and SSD to make sure that appropriate accommodations are made for your RFE.

Examiners. Two faculty are selected by the Graduate Program Committee to act as examiners for each RFE thematic area. A student’s research advisor cannot be an examiner. The research advisor is not allowed to be present during the RFE.

Grading.  Students are evaluated on a scale ranging from excellent to poor in each of the following areas:

• Synthesis of course material in research problem context.
• Input to research project.
• Research conduct and methodology.
• Research outcomes.
• Communication.

A sample grade sheet with more information about grading criteria can be found here .

All areas are considered when determining the student’s examination outcome (pass/fail). The two examiners will produce a written report to the Academic Services Office indicating if the student has passed or failed the RFE with specific reasons for their decision.

Communication of Results. The result of the RFE is communicated by the Academic Services Office to the student by way of individual email. Successfully completing the RFE does not mean a student passes the RCC.

Retaking the RFE. Only one repeat is permitted and must be taken no later than the next offering of the RFE after the original RFE. Students will automatically be sent a registration email for the next available RFE session.

Advancing to Candidacy is a prestigious milestone on the way to the PhD. Rackham stipulates that from the time of initial enrollment, Candidacy should be achieved within 3 years. There is reduced tuition associated with candidacy as well as registration constraints. 

Semester deadlines for completing the requirements to advance to candidacy are found  here .

Requirements to advance to candidacy:

• Pass the Qualifying Examination (RCC and RFE)
• Complete ME 500: Professional Skills for Graduate Student Success
• Completed at least 18 credits of letter-graded (including the grade S – Satisfactory) graduate coursework registered as a Rackham student while in residence on the Ann Arbor campus. Credits elected as visit (audit) do not meet this requirement, nor do any ME990 or ME995 credits.
• Of the 18 credits, 3 must be cognates .
• Completed RCRS training requirement.  Workshop Schedule can be found here .

Upon successful completion of the RFE, students will automatically be advanced to candidacy if they have met all of the requirements listed above.  If a student does not wish to advance to candidacy, they should note that on the RFE registration form or notify the Graduate Coordinator in advance ([email protected]). 

Rackham’s Free Course Policy:

“Ph.D. candidates register in the fall and winter terms for 995, “Dissertation/candidate,” which consists of 8 credit hours for a full term or 4 credit hours for a half term. No part-time enrollment is possible. A student who defends in the spring/summer term must register for 8 credit hours of 995 for the spring/summer full term.

Candidates who register for a course should seek prior approval from their faculty advisors. Candidates may elect either one course per term or more than one course for a total of no more than four credits without paying additional tuition beyond candidacy tuition. Courses may be taken for credit or as a visit (audit).

A candidate who does not elect a course during a term of 995 enrollment may, in the next term, either register for courses for no more than 8 credits or register for no more than two courses that total more than 8 credits. An additional course may not be taken in anticipation of taking none in a future term of 995 enrollment.

Candidates who choose to take more courses than those for which they are eligible will be assessed additional tuition per credit hour. ” The additional tuition will be charged to the student’s funding source for that term. Students are not to cover any additional tuition charges.  Original Source .

GSI Oral English Test (OET) Requirements for International PhD Students

GSI Oral English Test (OET) is used to review the English proficiency of international students.  Passing the exam is a requirement for international PhD students and is necessary to ensure satisfactory progress while simultaneously confirming the ability of that student to be an effective GSI. All international students must pass the OET by the end of their 3rd academic term after admission (e.g., by the end of F12 for students who entered in F11) in order to be considered making satisfactory progress toward their degree. International students whose undergraduate education was taught exclusively in English may be exempt from the OET. Additional exemption criteria can be found  here .

• Upon successful completion of this requirement, the student will then be eligible to hold a  GSI position  (see the  English Language Proficiency Requirements  section).
• If the student does not hold a GSI position within the next 18 months after passing the exam, the student must check in with the  English Language Institute (ELI)  to extend or renew their exam results. In order to continue making satisfactory progress, a PhD student must maintain valid exam results throughout their academic tenure. Please  contact  the English Language Institute to schedule a renewal interview.
• The ELI will evaluate the student’s English skills and determine if the student is qualified to extend the exam results or is required to retake the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the ELI to maintain valid exam results.

Dissertation Proposal Exam (DPE)

The DPE is an oral exam that provides an early assessment of the feasibility of a student’s proposed research topic for his/her dissertation. In particular, the exam is intended to assess the suitability of the topic and the student’s academic background for carrying out the proposed research. The exam is administered by a student’s Dissertation Committee. The DPE should be completed within one year of passing the RFE.

The Dissertation Committee

Students will assemble their dissertation committee prior to taking the DPE. The Dissertation Committee oversees the student’s research outcomes. Through the dissertation proposal exam, committee meetings, and the thesis defense, the committee tracks the student’s progress and provides feedback and guidance. At each of these meetings, the student presents his research and responds to the committee members’ questions. The purpose of the committee is to provide an outside perspective on the student’s research, helping the student to structure his/her work and identify opportunities. The committee is responsible for approving the student’s research plan via the DPE and signing off on the final dissertation and defense.

Dissertation Committee Requirements: 

A committee must have a minimum of 4 members:

• The chair or one of the co-chairs should be a member of the faculty in the Mechanical Engineering department.
• Three members must be from a Rackham Doctoral Program and be considered a member of “ The Graduate Faculty “, this generally means a Professor at the University of Michigan.
• Two members must be from the Mechanical Engineering department.
• One member must have a 50% appointment in a Rackham doctoral program, other than the Mechanical Engineering department (except Interdisciplinary programs) – otherwise known as your cognate member.

The committee may include a University faculty member who is not a member of “The Graduate Faculty”, a University staff member, or a qualified individual outside the University who to provide expertise in the candidate’s discipline. Any non-faculty member must be approved by the Graduate Program.  These special members require additional documentation to be submitted, ideally prior to the DPE.

The Rackham Graduate School has also developed a Quick Reference Chart for Eligibility to Serve on Dissertation Committees .

Once the committee is formed, the DPE is scheduled as the first meeting of this committee. The student will prepare a written thesis proposal for the committee to review and give an oral presentation to the committee. The format of the written thesis proposal as well as the timing of the exam is at the discretion of the committee chair.

Upon completion of the DPE, the committee chair prepares a memorandum addressed to the ME Graduate Program Chair. The memo should state the outcome of the DPE and list the dissertation committee members. ( Example memo here ) The signed memo is submitted to the Graduate Coordinator ([email protected]). This information will be used to formally process the student’s dissertation committee with the Rackham Graduate School.

After the Graduate Coordinator has submitted the dissertation committee to Rackham Graduate School:

• The student and committee chair will receive automatically generated emails to approve of the committee submission.  
• Rackham will then approve of the dissertation committee ensuring that all requirements are met.
• Once approved by Rackham, the student and the Graduate Coordinator will receive confirmation that it has been approved.  At this time the committee information will be visible in the student’s record in Wolverine Access.

The official guidelines for the dissertation and defense are established by the Rackham Graduate School. In addition, the Rackham Graduate School publishes annual deadlines by which a candidate must defend a dissertation and complete all degree requirements as set forth by Rackham. Doctoral students are expected to complete the degree within 5 years of achieving candidacy, but no more than 7 years from first enrollment.

Dissertation (Written). The dissertation is the most important aspect of the students PhD program experience, since it documents the original contributions made by the candidate as a result of independent research. In advance of graduation, the dissertation must be approved by all the members of the student’s dissertation committee. The student will prepare a rough draft of the dissertation and provide it for all the committee members for their comments before preparing the final draft. Students must provide the rough draft to the committee at least 10 days before the Defense.

Defense (Oral). The defense examination will be given after the thesis has been formally completed. This examination will be a defense of the doctoral thesis and a test of the candidate’s knowledge in the specialized field of research. The format of the examination will be a public seminar presented by the candidate, with an open question period, followed by a private examination by the Dissertation Committee.

Thesis Dissertation and Defense Timeline:

After the dissertation committee gives preliminary approval to the final draft of the dissertation, it must be formatted to meet the standards of Rackham Academic Records and Dissertations (OARD) found here . Support for thesis formatting is available from the Knowledge Navigation Center in the Graduate Library, which offers tutorials, template assistance, guides, and resources for dissertation preparation.

Before the oral defense, students are required to set up a pre-defense meeting with the Rackham Graduate School. In this meeting, students will be instructed on the process and be given Dissertation Evaluation Forms. When the final draft is distributed to the committee members together with Dissertation Evaluation Forms, a defense (oral) is scheduled for a date approximately two weeks later. Dissertation Evaluation Forms must be completed by all Dissertation Committee members at least three working days prior to the oral defense. The defense is public, and a notice is posted on the Rackham Graduate School website, and the Academic Services Office will send an email announcement to the ME students and faculty. After the oral defense, the student or committee chair should submit the Final Oral Examination Report within 48 hours of the defense. The student should then attend the post-defense meeting with the Rackham Graduate School. 

Helpful links related to the dissertation process:

• Rackham Dissertation Handbook – A thorough explanation of the dissertation procedure.
• Dissertation Timeline – Step-by-step timeline of the dissertation and defense.
• Completing the Doctoral Degree Requirements – Important information for before and after the oral defense.
• Doctoral Degree Deadlines – List of deadlines for final term of enrollment, including grace period deadlines.
• Submitting the Dissertation – How to electronically submit your dissertation.

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PhD in Mechanical Engineering

The primary objective of the PhD degree program is to educate students to the highest levels of their chosen field to enable them to make lasting impacts to fundamental knowledge, technology, and society through research. PhD students are expected to become domain experts and complete research that can withstand the rigorous test of external peer review.

We offer funding to all PhD applicants whom we admit. Our department anticipates extending full funding to about 70 Fall 2024 PhD applicants. Funding includes:

• a graduate student salary,
• tuition remission,
• mandatory student fees, and
• 91% health insurance coverage.

In your first year, you will be funded by the department as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for one semester and as a Research Assistant (RA) for the other semester, which enables you to find a research lab and to practice working in a classroom setting. Faculty with alternate sources of funding may petition the department to waive the TA requirement for first year students in their lab. In your second year and beyond, you will be funded by a research advisor as an RA or through other fellowships, pending reasonable research progress and academic performance. If your research advisor has a funding gap, they can apply to the department for gap funding. This way, students have a safety net so that they can continue to be funded throughout their PhD program.

For information about applying to the PhD program, please visit  PhD Admission  or email [email protected] .

PhD Degree Overview

• Research Focus Areas
• PhD Curriculum
• Application Deadlines

At the time of application, PhD students choose from  seven focus areas  to guide their selection of courses and research. Within each area, PhD students have access to top experts in their field and conduct research that has direct impact on human health and safety, the environment, and technology development. They work alongside and learn directly from faculty members doing both fundamental and applied research that harnesses state-of-the-art experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to expand the frontiers of technology in the following areas:

• Air Quality
• Mechanics of Materials
• Micro/Nanoscale
• Robotics and Systems Design
• Thermo Fluid Sciences

Please review our  Research Overview Slides  for a quick look at faculty members and their unique capabilities and areas of expertise. 

Research Overview Slides

PhD Courses Requirement

PhD students must complete a minimum of 30 graduate-level credits at the 5000 level or higher. Of these 30 credits, at least nine must be mechanical engineering department courses. All PhD students are required to take the following courses:

• MCEN 5020: Methods of Engineering Analysis (3 credits)
• MCEN 5028: Introduction to Research (3 credits)

Note: Some faculty research advisors will require that their students complete more than 30 course credits. The department recommends that students consult with both their graduate program advisor and faculty research advisor for guidance on coursework recommendations or requirements.

Mathematical Proficiency Requirement

All PhD students are required to take MCEN 5020 Methods of Engineering Analysis and to pass with a grade of B- or higher. Students receiving a grade below B- in MCEN 5020 must retake the course. PhD students will not be able to advance to post-prelim status until the mathematical proficiency requirement has been completed. Failure to complete this requirement by the end of the second year of the PhD may result in removal from the PhD program.

Dissertation Hour Requirement

​In addition to coursework, you are required to complete 30 dissertation hours. Students are not able to register for thesis credits on their own and should schedule an appointment with their graduate advisor to be registered. Students must continuously enroll in five dissertation credits in the semesters following passing the comprehensive exam.

Fundamental Topics Preliminary Exam

All PhD students must successfully pass the fundamental topics preliminary exam , which is intended to assess the potential to successfully complete a PhD in mechanical engineering. It is designed to evaluate analytical skills, appraise knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals, and to gauge potential for creative independent research. The exam requires students to consolidate their grasp of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and to demonstrate an aptitude for communicating knowledge during an oral presentation. The content of the examination reflects consensus across the department faculty. The examination is administered by the Graduate Committee, acting on behalf of the entire faculty.

Research Preliminary Exam

The research preliminary exam is an oral presentation of research to a committee of three that must include a PhD student’s research advisor and at least one other faculty member from mechanical engineering. Students should view this as an early thesis proposal. At least one week prior to the exam, students must send a 250-word presentation abstract, including title and any relevant references, to all committee members. 

Comprehensive Examination

Students must complete a comprehensive exam between 6 and 12 months prior to defending their PhD dissertations. At the time of the comprehensive exam, the dissertation committee will be formed and given preliminary approval by the Department and Graduate School. A mechanical engineering PhD degree requires depth of knowledge in the dissertation/research area, as well as breadth of knowledge across the mechanical engineering curriculum. Consequently, the comprehensive exam is designed to test student knowledge of their proposed research area, and any general knowledge in the field. It is also intended to evaluate whether a student’s proposed research project is original and creative work, whether it will make a significant impact in the field, and whether it will qualify for publication in quality peer-reviewed journals. The exam is also an opportunity to demonstrate an ability to present scientific concepts orally. In short, the comprehensive exam serves as the gateway to the next phase of the doctoral program: completion of a dissertation.

Written Dissertation

The written dissertation must comply with Graduate School rules and procedures in terms of format and submission. The dissertation title appears on official university transcripts and must be submitted to the Graduate School in addition to the physical signature page from the dissertation. Students are also required to submit the full written dissertation electronically at the ProQuest website .

• Dissertation Defense

Before completion of the PhD degree, students must have their dissertation accepted for defense by the review committee. The dissertation defense may occur before or after the final electronic submission of the written dissertation to the Graduate School, but must take place prior to the end of the final semester of enrollment. Students must then pass a dissertation defense, which is a final examination on the dissertation and related topics. In the defense, students are expected to explain their research clearly and concisely, and to discuss how it relates to other research in the field. This is an opportunity for recognition of completed doctoral work. It is also an opportunity for discussion and formal evaluation of the dissertation.

We accept PhD applications from applicants not currently enrolled at CU Boulder for the  fall term only . To receive full consideration, please submit all application items by the following deadlines:

• International applicant deadline:  December 1  by 10:00 p.m. MST
• Domestic applicant deadline:  December 15  by 10:00 p.m. MST

In limited cases, external PhD applications may be accepted and reviewed for the spring semester. Typically, these applicants are transfer students who have already identified a CU PhD advisor. In such instances, the graduate advising team should be consulted at  [email protected]  prior to applying. Applicants in this scenario should plan to ensure the submission of all required application documents as soon as possible and no later than one month prior to the anticipated semester of beginning their studies at CU Boulder.

What should be in my application? | Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering | University of Colorado Boulder

Learn About our Faculty

• Traits Faculty Value in Prospective PhD Students
• Innovation, Industry, and Research Collaborations
• Learn More about Faculty Research

When surveyed, faculty shared that the following traits are valuable in prospective PhD students: 

• Interest in hands-on learning
• Enthusiasm and grit
• Research experience
• Creativity and independence
• Intellectual curiosity
• Dependability
• Willingness to try new things
• Work experience is a plus
• Publications are a bonus
• Dedication to lab goals
• Ability to connect past knowledge with new areas of inquiry
• Understanding how the science we generate in our research is relevant for policy and how it readily impacts local communities

Venture Partners at CU Boulder  notes that the University of Colorado has ranked fifth for startup creation , according to the latest report by the Association of University Technology Manager (AUTM).

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI)  has ranked  the CU system 14th among the “Top 100” institutions nationwide for recent patent activity. 

Boulder is also home to a variety of well-known companies and labs doing research and development. Our faculty researchers and their research groups regularly collaborate with scientists at federal research labs that are located in the Boulder/Denver area, including the following:

• National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
• National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

When surveyed, mechanical engineering research faculty indicated the following level of industry involvement throughout their academic careers:

You can also watch a comprehensive overview of the research happening in our department, presented by our faculty:

• Research in Air Quality and Thermofluids
• Research in Biomedical, Robotics, and Design
• Research in Materials, Mechanics, and MicroNano

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is a PhD in mechanical engineering worth it?
• What can I do with a PhD in mechanical engineering?
• Why pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering versus a specific engineering program?
• What differentiates CU Boulder's mechanical engineering program from others?
• How long will it take to get my degree?
• What are current students saying about the program?
• What are alumni saying about the program?

Yes! Graduates conduct impactful research with a direct influence on human health, safety, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement. The program prioritizes cutting-edge tier-one research, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. CU Boulder's top-ranked mechanical engineering programs provide guidance through research and teaching assistantships, fostering a collaborative environment. The diverse research focus areas and the opportunity to engage with field experts make pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering at CU Boulder rewarding and impactful.

Mechanical engineers holding a PhD enjoy a spectrum of possibilities. They can pioneer startups derived from their research, secure patents for groundbreaking technologies, conduct research in national labs and diverse industries, engage in teaching roles, or work globally in prestigious research institutes.

We surveyed faculty members to gain insights into the diverse career trajectories of mechanical engineering PhD graduates. The resulting data presents an approximate distribution of pursuits among our PhD graduates:

Academia: 28.9% Industry R&D: 38.5% Consulting: 6.7% Nonprofits: 5.7% National Labs: 15.8% Their own start-ups: 4.0% Other: 0.6%

Prospective students are encouraged to connect with faculty for in-depth insights and explore unique program opportunities.

A PhD in mechanical engineering offers versatility in the job market, enabling professionals to work in renewable energy, biomechanics, air quality, robotics, project management, construction, and more. Choosing mechanical engineering allows exploration across multiple areas of interest, facilitating interdisciplinary research and collaboration. It can be a practical choice for individuals transitioning from related backgrounds, providing flexibility in research focus and professional outcomes.

Our program fosters adaptability, empowering students for various career paths—academia, industry research, consulting, nonprofits, national laboratories, startups, and more. CU Boulder's Mechanical Engineering provides a strong foundation for diverse and fulfilling career journeys.

Additionally, our program stands out for its diverse class offerings that align with individual interests and goals. The program emphasizes collaboration, offering numerous avenues for students to work with different lab groups, industries, and national labs. This collaborative environment enhances research opportunities and post-graduation prospects. 

We also cultivate a strong sense of community among our graduate students. PhD students gather on a regular basis for community events such as the fall picnic, heritage feast, spring picnic, a summer Pride event, and coffee hours. Our students have advocated for emergency funds for students and have also launched an active K-12 outreach program. Additionally, PhD students have impacted graduate program decision-making and policies by having representation and a voice on the graduate committee.

A PhD student entering without prior graduate coursework will typically take five years to complete the PhD degree. However, it is not uncommon for students to finish both earlier and later than this five-year average. A student entering the PhD program with prior graduate coursework from another university may be eligible to transfer up to 21 credit hours to CU and may be finish in about four years. Regardless of the time taken to complete the PhD, the primary emphasis is on remaining at CU Boulder long enough to complete high-quality research that satisfies the requirements of the PhD dissertation and defense. 

What do mechanical engineers with a PhD do?

• One of the coolest things about getting a PhD in mechanical engineering is that you can choose to go into almost any field! Some PhD students will spin a startup company off their research ideas; some will patent new technologies, and some will teach in lecture halls with over 300 students. There is no limit to the opportunities available to you with a PhD in mechanical engineering. - Liv F.
• Mechanical engineers can do all sorts of different things. I have PhD friends who are working on diagnostic blood testing, others studying human motion and prosthetics, and others studying atmospheric science and laser systems. I work at the confluence of robotics, AI, and neuroscience. - Gene R.

​Why mechanical engineering versus a specific program?

 Mechanical engineering is a great degree because you can use it to work in many different fields. Whether you are interested in renewable energy, biomechanics, air quality, robotics, project management, construction, or a number of other things, you’ll be able to pursue a career in those fields using your knowledge and background in mechanical engineering. - Liv F.

I chose mechanical engineering because it was easier for me to continue that course (my BS and MS were in ME) and get accepted into an ME program than CS, for example. -Gene R.

What differentiates CU Boulder’s mechanical engineering program from others?

• I think one of the great things about the CU mechanical engineering program is the variety of classes that are offered; you can almost always find a class that aligns well with your interests and goals. -Liv F.
• We have a lot of collaboration within the department, and across departments, relative to other schools. - Gene R.
• I am using my degree as an excuse to move to a different country and work at a massive research institute called Max Planck! The world seems one degree smaller within the research realm and it makes it so much easier to make connections around the world/ work with a variety of different people. - Vani S.
• There are several options for PhDs. Common paths are to pursue a career in academia, secure a role in industry or government lab, or create a startup to commercialize your research. I chose to pursue the 3rd option and co-founded a company with several other people from our lab. It’s been a great experience and opportunity. Like a PhD, this path is full of new challenges and opportunities to grow. - Eric A.

ME is perfect for the individual who likes to dip into multiple different areas of interest. I gravitated toward the ME program because I had a biomechanics background, but I wanted to become more knowledgeable in robotics. By not doing a specific program, I was able to explore both fields through my research and work with people who specialized in both robotics and biomechanics. - Vani S. 

Mechanical engineering is interesting because it’s so broad and deals with many different topics. There are always new things to learn and opportunities to synthesize knowledge from different disciplines. I really enjoy the physical and tangible aspects of mechanical engineering, which is why I studied soft robotics and actuators. - Eric A.

• There are many different avenues for collaboration when completing a PhD at CU Boulder. I worked with five different lab groups during my graduate career, and I was able to complete a 7-month internship with Meta one year prior to my defense. Several students in my year were able to work with other industries and national labs to complete their research, many of whom hired the students post-graduation. Vani S.
• Generally, location and opportunities for outdoor recreation are a big differentiator for CU Boulder. Academically, the mechanical engineering program offers unique opportunities. Robotics and soft materials are rapidly growing disciplines. The department has recruited key faculty in this area, and there are opportunities to collaborate with other departments, such as computer science, electrical engineering, and aerospace. You also have access to several resources that will help you commercialize your research if you’re interested in starting a business. CU Boulder actually has one of the highest rates for startup creation in the nation. There are many resources through the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Leeds School of Business, and Venture Partners to help you pursue that path. - Eric Ac.

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Best Doctorates in Mechanical Engineering: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

Are you interested in becoming an expert in mechanical engineering? Use our comprehensive guide to the best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering to find the right school and program for you. In addition to all the essential details of each PhD in Mechanical Engineering program, we will also give you tips for getting accepted into your chosen program and how to pay for it.

In addition, you can explore your career options with our comprehensive career outlook for mechanical engineering PhD holders. We’ve included the best mechanical engineering jobs for experts in the field and the average PhD in Mechanical Engineering salary you can expect to make in each of these positions.

Find your bootcamp match

What is a phd in mechanical engineering.

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a terminal degree in the field of mechanical engineering, which is the study of the theory and practice of how machines work. With this degree, mechanical engineers acquire expert-level knowledge and skills to design, develop, and build mechanical and thermal systems.

The mechanical engineering profession also requires testing these systems to make sure they function optimally. Mechanical engineers apply the science of matter, energy, motion, and change to machines that improve our lives.

How to Get Into a Mechanical Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The requirements to get into a mechanical engineering PhD program vary. Some of the typical requirements for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering program include an online application and paying an application fee. Most likely you will also need to have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering as a minimum education requirement. 

Most programs require that you submit a personal statement, an updated resume, and letters of recommendation. International students usually have to complete a TOEFL, an IELTS, or an equivalent English proficiency exam and earn a minimum score. Some schools have a residency requirement that may need to be considered when planning for your PhD program.

In addition, most schools have qualifying exams that you must pass, as well, and you must provide transcripts from previous education. Further, some programs require you to complete specific coursework before beginning your PhD program.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements

• Online application
• Application fee
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• Personal statement, updated resume, letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent with minimum score requirements (international students)

Mechanical Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering?

It is fairly hard to get into a PhD program in mechanical engineering. Some schools are very strict when it comes to whom they will accept into their program. Entrance into mechanical engineering PhD programs requires a specific level of knowledge and skills, so there is a qualifying exam in most cases.

The good news is that if you have advanced knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, and you strategically plan your application, you will have a much easier time getting accepted into engineering school .

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering: In Brief

Best universities for mechanical engineering phds: where to get a phd in mechanical engineering.

The best universities for mechanical engineering PhDs are reputable for preparing graduates to become experts in their field. Doctoral degree holders in mechanical engineering develop machines that have a positive impact on transportation, medicine, robotics, and climate change, among other fields critical to human health and happiness.  

If you’ve begun looking into where to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering to acquire advanced engineering skills and knowledge, look no further. Here are 10 of the best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering and more details about the schools that offer them.

Arizona State University (ASU) was founded in 1886 and today provides over 450 graduate programs in higher education. The school offers 20 PhD degrees in engineering and among them is the mechanical engineering PhD. ASU reports that 91 percent of its graduates are employed 90 days after graduation. 

Since 2003, research at ASU has led to over 4,100 invention disclosures and more than 980 US patents. In addition, startups based on ASU intellectual property have resulted in more than $833 million in investment capital.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

This is an 84-credit mechanical engineering program with qualifying exams and a comprehensive written exam, oral exam, prospectus, and dissertation in engineering fundamentals. This PhD in Mechanical Engineering can help you unlock career opportunities to become an engineer, engineering manager or director, engineering professor, or research engineer.

PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview

• Program Length: Approximately 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $858/credit (in state); $1,361/credit (out of state); $1,470/credit (international)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships and awards, financial loans, teaching and research assistantships
• Graduate admissions application and application fee
• Bachelor's or master's degree
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in master’s degree or last 60 hours of bachelor’s degree
• GRE or GMAT scores, personal statement, resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and educational transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (international students)

Auburn University opened its doors in 1859, and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering was established in 1908. Auburn provides many PhD degree programs, 10 of which are in engineering fields. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering currently has 623 students enrolled in PhD programs.

This mechanical engineering doctorate requires course work of at least 60 credit hours over and above a bachelor’s degree, including a dissertation, with a minimum of 21 credit hours in course work at the 7000 to 8000 level. A minor of nine credits in an approved field is also required. You must submit a study plan, pass the written and oral qualifying exams, and submit a written dissertation and defend it successfully. 

• Program Length: Approximately 4-6 years
• Tuition and Fees: $949/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, financial loans, graduate teaching, research assistantships
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree
• GPA of 3.0 and minimum GRE score
• Three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose
• Previous education transcripts

Established in 1946, Binghamton University offers 111 graduate programs of study. The school has 29 PhD programs available in a variety of subjects. The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science provides a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Binghamton University has over 700 research opportunities and 23 organized research centers. 

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering provided by the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science requires 24 credits. Graduate students must choose an area of focus, such as design and manufacturing, solid mechanics, or dynamic systems. Students must develop a learning contract with an advisor and satisfy the qualifying exam requirement. 

Students must submit a prospectus and presentation of their proposed research and have it accepted by the guidance committee. There is also an oral presentation and defense of dissertation. In addition, the dissertation must be approved by the student's research committee. 

• Program Length: Approximately 3 years
• Tuition and Fees: $471/credit (in state); $963/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial loans, assistantships, fellowships and scholarships, opportunities for employment including federal graduate work study, opportunities for underrepresented students, research and travel funding, installment options
• Submit an online application and pay the $75 application fee (or seek a waiver)
• Send bachelor’s or master’s degree transcripts (minimum GPA of 3.0)
• Submit a personal statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores (strongly recommended, or required for students pursuing a graduate assistantship)
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores (international students)

Boston University has 17 schools and colleges offering over 300 academic programs of study. It’s ranked number 13 for graduate employability in the US by Times Higher Education, and the school provides six different PhDs in Engineering. Boston University is a major private research university that has had breakthroughs in everything from African studies to zebrafish genetics. 

In order to graduate with this PhD in Mechanical Engineering, you must fulfill the teaching requirement. Students must also pass the qualifying examination, prepare and carry out independent and original research projects, and pass the final oral examination. 

This PhD in Mechanical Engineering provides research opportunities in various areas such as acoustics and vibrations, biomechanics, computational science and engineering, and dynamics, robotics, systems, and controls. 

• Program Length: 5 years (maximum)
• Acceptance Rate: 21-22%
• Tuition and Fees: $1,908/credit (part time); $61,050/year (full time)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Dean’s fellowship, doctoral research assistantship, doctoral teaching fellowship, scholarships, institutional fellowships, external fellowships 
• Bachelor’s degree 
• Official or unofficial transcripts
• Online application and $95 application fee
• Statement of purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation
• English proficiency test scores (international students)

California Institute of Technology , or Caltech, was started in 1891 and today offers various graduate programs in 31 science and engineering degree options. Additionally, Caltech has 45 alumni and faculty who have won a total of 46 Nobel Prizes.

This doctorate program requires 54 core credits, 36 of which must be taken in a single track to meet the depth requirement. In addition, you must pass these with a minimum of a C grade. 

The remaining 18 core credits can be from any track. The remaining required credits are made up of electives or minor courses, advanced or applied mathematics courses, a graduate engineering seminar, and research.

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• Tuition and Fees: $56,364/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, external fellowships, grants
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Transcripts from each college or academic institution attended
• Three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a statement of purpose

Clarkson University was founded in 1896, and today is a private research university educating graduate students in the US. The school provides more than 95 programs of study in engineering, business, education, science, liberal arts, and health professions, including PhD degrees. Clarkson University says that 97 percent of its graduates have secured employment in their chosen field.

This program of study requires a 90-credit-hour minimum beyond the bachelor’s degree. This includes a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework, six credit hours of seminar, and 60 credits earned in residence at Clarkson.

Coursework includes 15 credit hours in the major field, nine credit hours in the minor, and six credit hours from a department different from the one the student is housed in. Doctoral students also need at least two years of full‑time study at Clarkson and no more than 30 credit hours of graduate transfer (B grade or better). You must also pass the qualifying examination and research proposal defense examination, and a dissertation must be submitted and defended orally.

• Program Length: Approximately 3 to 5 years (with a 7-year maximum)
• Tuition and Fees: $ 1,533/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Clarkson University's Payment Plan, federal student loans, alternative student loans, Income Share Agreement with Vemo Education, graduate assistantships, outside scholarships 
• Online application 
• Statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts of previous education
• International applicants must meet a minimum English proficiency score: TOEFL 80 points, IELTS 6.5 points, PTE 56 points, and Duolingo English Test 115 points

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university that opened in 1876 and established its school of engineering in 1912. The school provides PhD programs in many different areas, including anthropology, chemistry, and English. Johns Hopkins University awarded its first doctoral degree in 1878.

Students develop a technical program including coursework and research with the help of a faculty advisor. Graduate students must pass the Departmental Qualifying Exam, pass the Graduate Board Oral exam, submit a doctoral dissertation, and pass the final dissertation defense. 

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: N/A 
• Tuition and Fees: $58,720/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Loans, assistantships, Dean’s Master’s Fellowships, internal fellowships, external fellowships
• Application and $25 application fee
• A statement of purpose
• Transcripts from previous educational institutions
• Three letters of recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP (non-native English speakers)

Texas Tech University was established in 1923 and today has over 5,500 students enrolled in its Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. Texas Tech University provides mechanical engineering degrees and degrees in other major engineering fields such as electrical, computer science, industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering. 

To receive this Texas Tech University PhD, students must complete 12 graduate lecture courses totaling 36 credits. Within the first two semesters of enrollment, two math and two concentration-area courses must be completed.

Additionally, six mechanical engineering courses must be completed, including the concentration area but excluding the required math courses. Students must complete one credit hour of graduate seminar (ME 5120). Leveling courses may apply if you have a bachelor’s in another field as the minimum education requirement.

You must submit a Degree Plan developed in collaboration with the PhD advisor by the end of the second semester of your doctoral studies. In addition, students must submit a qualified dissertation. 

• Acceptance Rate: Not available
• Tuition and Fees: $2,150/year (with teaching, research, or graduate part-time instructor assistantship) 
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate, research, and teaching assistantships; graduate part-time instructor; scholarships; financial aid loans and grants

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• TOEFL scores (international students)

University of Colorado Boulder started in 1877 and today offers over 4,300 academic courses across 150 fields of study. The University of Colorado Boulder conducts research in aerospace and space science, bio-health sciences, and climate, energy, and sustainability. 

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering conducts research that has made an impact on the advancement of several fields such as materials science, thermo fluid, and biomedical sciences.

This mechanical engineering PhD from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credits at the 5000 level or higher. A minimum of nine courses must be mechanical engineering department courses.

It also includes two courses that all PhD students must complete: the Methods of Engineering Analysis I, worth three credits, and the Introduction to Research, worth three credits. Choose from seven focus areas that will guide your selection of courses and research.

Students must earn at least a B grade for courses to count toward their PhD and should earn at least a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for graduation; however, the GPA requirement for teaching or research assistantships is 3.25. 

Students must pass the oral preliminary exam and a preliminary research oral exam. Students must complete the comprehensive exam between six and 12 months before defending their PhD dissertation, consisting of 30 dissertation hours. They also need to pass the dissertation defense successfully to qualify for the PhD degree. 

• Program Length: Approximately 4 years (with a 6-year maximum)
• Tuition and Fees: $2,715/credit (in state); $3,414/credit or $5,688/credit (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, fellowships, scholarships
• Complete the application online via the graduate school admissions website page and pay the application fee.
• Submit your curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
• Provide transcripts for all previous post-secondary education.
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for all international applications.

University of Michigan was started in 1817 and today provides 19 schools and colleges, with hundreds of majors and over 1000 student organizations for doctoral students to take advantage of. They offer doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and construction engineering and management, among other engineering fields.

This PhD degree is the highest qualification issued by the Mechanical Engineering Department and includes both research and coursework. Additionally, you must pass the qualifying examinations, advancement to candidacy, the dissertation proposal examination, and the written thesis dissertation and oral defense.

• Program Length: Approximately 4-5 years (with a 7- year maximum) 
• Acceptance Rate: N/A     
• Tuition and Fees: $14,558/term (full-time in state); $27,023/term (full-time out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Internal and external fellowships, assistantships, instructorships, graduate student staff assistant (GSSA) positions
• Bachelor’s degree
• Statement of purpose, personal statement, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all previous educational institutions

Can You Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering online, but few programs are available. You may need to look outside mechanical engineering to find a PhD in engineering program online. Make sure that you adequately research the online PhD requirements. Depending on the school, there may be a need for you to go to campus for things like orientation, clinicals, internships, or practicum requirements.

Mechanical engineering graduate students’ online programs have various research opportunities. Thankfully, online degrees are also respected in the job market . Career opportunities with top companies become available once graduates have earned their PhD in Mechanical Engineering either online or on campus.

Best Online PhD Programs in Mechanical Engineering

How long does it take to get a phd in mechanical engineering.

It takes three to 10 years to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The National Science Foundation states that most US students take around 7.2 years to graduate with a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering.

Most people complete the coursework in two to three years. However, the dissertation may take up to seven years to complete depending on how much time you dedicate to finishing it.

Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering is hard, even if you are good at and enjoy mathematics and science. A PhD is the highest level of education in the field so it requires a significant amount of research, time, and dedication. In addition, the field of mechanical engineering includes scientific and mathematical concepts that PhD mechanical engineering students will need to master to acquire their PhD degree.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

It costs about $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This data further illustrates that the average cost of graduate degree programs in mechanical engineering at a private institute can reach as much as $25,929 and public institutions cost around $12,171 per year.

Costs to acquire a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will vary from school to school. There are also different costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Make sure to check out the costs associated with your PhD degree properly so that you can adequately plan or budget for your investment.

How to Pay for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: PhD Funding Options

The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering include tuition waivers, teaching assistantships, research fellowships, scholarships, financial aid loans, and grants. In some cases these can completely pay for your PhD, making it essentially free. Many of these funding options are available for online learning too.

Some schools also offer income share agreements as an option. However, this option should be carefully considered as total payments may amount to more than the actual cost of your PhD degree.

Note that there are various options available that will vary by school. There are also multiple options of funding for students available depending on your circumstances, for example, low-income families and international students.

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What Is the Difference Between a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between a mechanical engineering master’s degree and a PhD is that a PhD, or doctoral degree, can be attained after acquiring your master’s degree. A master’s degree is more career-oriented, and a PhD is more research-oriented. As a result, a master’s may mean that you have more job opportunities. However, a PhD means that you are an expert in your field.

A master’s is quicker to acquire than a PhD, but obtaining a PhD also means being bestowed the title of doctor. A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering will most likely cost less than a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. However, PhD in Mechanical Engineering is more desirable than a master’s degree in professions such as teaching at higher education institutions, for research, and in clinical settings.

Master’s vs PhD in Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook

A job outlook of 7 percent growth is projected for jobs such as mechanical engineers with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also reports that a career such as a post-secondary teacher, which typically requires a PhD, has a job outlook of 12 percent . As such, having a mechanical engineering PhD will offer you more career opportunities than just a master’s degree will.

Difference in Salary for Mechanical Engineering Master’s vs PhD

A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, according to PayScale, comes with an average salary of $89,000 . Entry-level jobs may start with salaries of about $62,000. Wiith experience and a proven track record, you may reach a high-paying wage of about $98,509 per year.

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering degree holder has an average salary of $110,000 . This means that a PhD represents earning an average of about $20,000 more per year than a master’s degree. Entry-level positions may start at around $52,000, but with experience and a proven track record, you could earn as much as $130,000.

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

You should get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering because there areexcellent benefits that come with this degree. Benefits, aside from being bestowed the designation of doctor and being an expert in your field, include high-paying salaries and research opportunities. Let’s have a closer look below.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

• Higher-paying salaries and possible tenure. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, graduates can acquire higher-paying salaries that may come with academic tenure or research tenure. This means you can get above-average wages and, with tenure, a certain amount of job security provided that you comply with the defined terms and conditions.
• Expert-level knowledge and skills. A PhD or doctoral degree is the highest qualification you can acquire in any field. As a result, you accumulate in-depth knowledge and skills that few others possess unless they too have obtained a PhD degree.
• Increased job opportunities. Having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will increase job opportunities because it is the highest qualification you can acquire. As a result, there will be few jobs in your industry that you won’t qualify for. You will be a prime candidate with an edge over other applicants for a wide range of positions.
• Opportunities to make an impact in your industry. Having experience in research, and continuing with research after acquiring your PhD degree, will afford you the benefit of valuable contribution to cutting-edge research areas in your chosen industry. Being a part of these research opportunities means making valuable, or even revolutionary, discoveries and conclusions that may affect valuable change in your field.

Getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineering PhD Coursework

The coursework options for getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering cover a widely varied scope of topics, and knowing what to look for may seem overwhelming for some. However, as this is a technical field of study, prospective students can be sure that there are specific coursework requirements across all programs. Below is a list of topics typically included in mechanical engineering PhD coursework.

Mechanical Design

Mechanical design coursework introduces concepts like computational approaches that automatically generate mechanical designs via predefined parameters. Additionally, you will learn about multi-material mechanical design, relating to topics in the design process, and computational analysis tools based on mechanical simulation, among others.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics coursework introduces basic laws of thermodynamics. Students will develop a body of knowledge about entropy, thermodynamic properties of substances and mixtures, phase equilibrium, and transformations. Course content also includes the basic phase diagram and related physical and mechanical properties.

In this course you will learn about energy’s fundamental principles and experimental electrochemistry techniques as well as the fundamentals in iconic and electronic conduction of metal. It will help students understand different semiconductors, inorganics, and polymer materials and their applications pertaining to batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical capacitors and photonics, sensors, and semiconductor electrochemistry.

This kind of course covers everything about materials mechanics, including crystalline and non-crystalline materials, as well as basic solid mechanics concepts, stress concentration and materials failures, stress and strain sensing principles, and sensors.

Coursework may include learning about polymer chain formation, configuration, and basic structures; crystalline and amorphous states of polymers; and solution and phase behavior of polymers.

Fluid Dynamics

Learn about the physical properties of gasses and liquids and the kinematics of flow fields. Analyze viscous, heat-conducting Newtonian fluids, stress and surface-tension-driven flow and capillary effects. Among the other topics covered are vorticity and circulation, and ideal fluid flow theory in two and three dimensions.

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How to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements

Although there are some common steps and requirements for earning a mechanical engineering PhD degree, many doctoral program requirements will vary by school and PhD program. Check the specific graduation requirements of the school and the program before applying to learn how to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

This will help ensure that you are informed of and prepared to fulfill all of the criteria required for your career path in advanced mechanical engineering. That being said, below you can find typical doctoral requirements for engineering disciplines.

Every PhD degree in mechanical engineering has specific course and credit requirements. Each program allows a particular number of credits that can be transferred from previous degrees or courses completed. Additionally, most PhD programs have specific courses that must be included in the program you develop with your PhD academic advisor. 

Graduate students must also maintain a minimum GPA, and some programs have a certain number of seminars you must attend, which also varies by school and program. Some programs require a higher GPA for assistantships, so ensure you check what is required to qualify if you intend to apply for these as part of your plan to fund your PhD. 

Most PhD programs require a degree plan of study to be submitted within a specific timeframe of the program, and some programs state that you must finish the coursework within a certain amount of time.

The preliminary exams, in most cases, are to assess competency in both mechanical engineering and research processes and concepts. Some have to be done within a specific timeframe and may be conducted orally.

Some coursework has to be completed before you are permitted to take the exam, and most programs offer a limited number of attempts to pass the exam. Failing means being denied your PhD degree.

Some PhD in Mechanical Engineering programs require a teaching practicum. A teaching practicum requires graduate students to act as teaching assistants for several semesters. The graduate chair usually determines the requirements for these practicums.

The comprehensive exams may be oral or written and must be taken a certain number of weeks or months before a dissertation or thesis defense. Some schools demand that several research articles be submitted to academic journals as part of this requirement.

The exam, in most cases, is to assess the graduate student's knowledge and ascertain whether a student's research project is original, creative work and will make a noted impact in the field. This includes whether it will qualify for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. This phase of the program serves as a gateway to the last stage, including completing the dissertation and program.

The thesis or dissertation usually requires a certain number of credit hours. It should be original work based on an original and creative topic. Some schools have a certain number of dissertation hours that may be acquired in a semester, so planning is vital. Some dissertations require that the student is enrolled full time for a certain number of dissertation hours.

Most schools have a dissertation or graduate handbook that lays out specific requirements for how to write and present your dissertation. Once the dissertation has been completed, you need to notify the committee that you intend to defend your dissertation, and it may need to be approved before you can proceed.

Once approved, you are set to attend your dissertation defense. Once completed, you may be approved by the committee, meaning you have completed your PhD successfully and are now the official holder of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

Potential Careers With a Mechanical Engineering Degree

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PhD in Mechanical Engineering Salary and Job Outlook

A PhD in Mechanical Engineering salary ranges between $79,000 and $130,000. Job outlooks over the next five years or so range between 5 and 12 percent in growth, and the number of jobs ranges from 28,000 to 1,276,900. This means that securing employment in your chosen career in mechanical engineering is an achievable career goal.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, you can work in various industries, including aerospace engineering and mechanics, materials and metals, chemicals, and fast-moving consumer goods. Career choices include jobs like research scientist, senior software engineer, or training and development manager.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

• Petroleum engineers
• Training and development managers
• Senior mechanical engineers
• Research scientists
• Senior software engineers

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?

The average salary for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering degree holder is $110,000, according to PayScale. Based on this data, salaries may start at around $52,000 on the low end and reach as much as $300,000 in the most senior positions, like chief executive officer (CEO).

Highest-Paying Mechanical Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads

Best mechanical engineering jobs with a doctorate.

The best mechanical engineering jobs with a doctorate come with excellent salaries, and they represent varied specializations and industries. On top of that, the best states to work in represent various parts of our beautiful country. Let’s have a closer look at these career options.

Petroleum engineers design and develop ways to remove oil and gas from underground deposits. They manage the drilling operations. They monitor efficiencies in drilling systems and create new tools to enhance the extraction of these materials. A PhD in Mechanical Engineering will also allow you to consider careers within academia and research and development in the petroleum engineering field. 

• Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $130,850
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 28,500
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Alaska, California, Texas, Florida

Training and development managers create plans, coordinate, and develop skills through knowledge-enhancement programs for businesses and employees. They are required to manage budgets and collaborate with other departments to determine a company's learning and development needs. This may include managing research and development tasks to improve efficiencies and achievements within the business and its staff. 

• Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $120,130
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 42,100
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado, Massachusetts

Industrial production managers oversee the operations of manufacturing and related teams. They coordinate, plan, and manage these teams in producing goods like cosmetics, toys, and cars. They are responsible for managing and achieving the associated targets and budgets, making their job a crucial aspect of any profitable business in manufacturing products.

• Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $103,150
• Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 189,300
• Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire

Mechanical engineers use the knowledge and skills developed by gaining their PhD in Mechanical Engineering to research, design, develop, and build mechanical and thermal sensors. This includes designing, developing, and building devices, tools, engines, and machines. Testing and analyzing systems to optimize efficiency is another vital aspect of this profession.

• Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $95,300
• Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 299,200
• Highest-Paying States: New Mexico, Louisiana, District of Columbia, California, Alaska

Postsecondary teachers work at higher education institutes such as colleges and universities. Mechanical engineering doctoral degree holders educate students enrolled in mechanical engineering degree programs. Responsibilities include assessing and grading. In addition, teachers do research to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and related information to maintain industry-relevant materials and knowledge within the curriculum.

• Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New York, Utah, California, New Jersey

Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering is worth it. Although most jobs for mechanical engineers require at most a master’s degree, some do require a PhD, like becoming a university professor.

However, benefits of having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering include increased employability and avoiding unemployment, higher-paying salaries, expertise-level knowledge in your field, strong technical skills, and the distinguished title of doctor.

Additional Reading About Mechanical Engineering

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PhD in Mechanical Engineering FAQ

Yes, you can get a good job in mechanical engineering without a PhD degree. Most jobs in mechanical engineering require a master’s degree at most. However, having a PhD will increase your chances for advancement.

Yes, you can work remotely with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. In fact, there are numerous jobs available online for candidates with degrees at the doctoral level.

You can find PhD in Mechanical Engineering jobs on trusted job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can also network with your school’s program partners and other professionals in the industry. You can also look online for lists of the best companies hiring mechanical engineers to discover the top employers in the field.

Yes, a bootcamp technical certificate can help you get a mechanical engineering job at some of the world’s top global companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The Mechanical Engineering PhD program prepares students with an in-depth study and emphasis on research in Mechanical Systems or Thermofluids.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering is intended for students with a master's or a bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline. The doctoral program is intended to allow students to study in-depth, with an emphasis on research in Mechanical Systems or Thermofluids.

The Mechanical Engineering PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree. This program requires 15 dissertation credit hours minimum and may include up to a total of 12 credit hours combined of directed (XXX 6918) or doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or of independent study (6908) with an approved Program of Study. At least 39 hours of the program of study must consist of formal coursework, exclusive of directed research (XXX 6918), doctoral research (XXX 7919) and independent study (XXX 6908). The rest of the hours can be chosen by the student in consultation with the adviser and the dissertation committee and with the approval of the graduate program coordinator. Details about this program are located in the Mechanical Engineering PhD Handbook.

Total Credit Hours Required: 72 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree 42 Credit hours minimum beyond the master's degree.

This program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the licensure disclosure for the Mechanical Engineering PhD program.

Application Deadlines

• International

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Program Prerequisites

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Degree Requirements

• EML5090 - Mechanical and Aerospace Seminar (99)
• The MAE Graduate Seminar is a zero credit hour (S/U) course that is offered each fall and spring academic semesters. Prior to graduation, all MAE graduate students who are pursuing PhD dissertation required to register, participate, and receive a satisfactory (S) for four semesters of MAE Graduate seminar, with at least two of these taken prior to candidacy.

Elective Courses

• Earn at least 57 credits from the following types of courses: May include up to a total of 12 credit hours combined of Directed (XXX 6918) or Doctoral Research (XXX 7919) and/or of Independent Study (6908) At least 45 credit hours must be formal coursework, exclusive of independent study, doctoral research and/or directed research.

Dissertation

• Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: EML 7980 15 Credit Hours minimum

Examinations

• In addition to the Qualifying Examination discussed above, the student must pass a Candidacy Examination and a Dissertation Defense Examination. The Candidacy Examination is taken near the end of the course work and consists of a written and oral presentation of a research proposal. The MAE department requires that a PhD student submits his/her candidacy exam the academic semester immediately following his/her successfully passing the PhD Qualifying Exam. The Dissertation Defense Examination is an oral examination taken in defense of the written dissertation. The College of Engineering and Computer Science requires that all dissertation defense announcements are approved by the student's advisor and posted on the college's website and on the Events Calendar of the College of Graduate Studies website at least two weeks before the defense date. More information on these examinations and other requirements of the PhD program are contained in the Mechanical Engineering PhD Handbook.

Dissertation Committee

• The doctoral committee must consist of a minimum of four members: three must be graduate faculty members from within the MAE department, and one must be at large from outside the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. The committee Chair must be a member of the graduate faculty approved to direct dissertations. Joint faculty members serve as department-faculty committee members as well as chairs of dissertation committees. Adjunct faculty and off-campus experts, if approved graduate faculty scholars, may serve as the outside- the-college person in the committee. Program areas may further specify additional committee membership. The UCF College of Graduate Studies reserves the right to review appointments to advisory committees, place a representative on any advisory committee, or appoint a co-adviser. All members vote on acceptance or rejection of the dissertation proposal and the final dissertation. The dissertation proposal and final dissertation must be approved by a majority of the advisory committee.

Admission to Candidacy

• The following are required to be admitted to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours (enrollment in dissertation hours begins the semester following the completion of these requirements). Evidence of meeting these requirements must be received by the College of Graduate Studies by the day before the first day of classes for the semester in which a student wishes to enroll in dissertation hours. Completion of all course work, except for dissertation hours. Successful completion of the candidacy examination. Successful defense of the written dissertation proposal. The dissertation advisory committee is formed, consisting of approved Graduate Faculty and Graduate Faculty Scholars. Submission of an approved program of study.

Grand Total Credits: 72

Application requirements, financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Students entering the program with a master's degree are required to complete 42 credit hours minimum, of which 15 credit hours minimum must be formal coursework, exclusive of directed research (XXX 6918), doctoral research (XXX 7919), and independent study (XXX 6908), and 15 credit hours minimum of dissertation research (XXX 7980). No more than 12 credit hours combined of directed (XXX 6918) or doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or independent study (XXX 6908) may be taken toward fulfilling the degree program of study coursework requirements.

Students entering the program with a bachelor's degree are required to complete 72 credit hours minimum, of which 39 credit hours minimum must be formal course work, exclusive of directed research (XXX 6918), doctoral research (XXX 7919), and independent study (XXX 6908), and 15 credit hours minimum of dissertation research (XXX 7980). No more than 12 credit hours combined of directed (XXX 6918) or doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or independent study (XXX 6908) may be taken toward fulfilling the degree program of study coursework requirements.

The rest of the hours in the PhD program can be chosen by the student in consultation with the adviser and the dissertation committee and with the approval of the Graduate Program Director. These credit hours may include doctoral directed research hours or doctoral dissertation hours.

Unless a completed (signed) program of study itemizing the study plan is approved prior to the end of the first semester of studies, the Graduate Program Director of the MAE Department may choose not to accept any part of the coursework (including independent studies and/or directed research) taken by the student on a program of study subsequently submitted by the student.

Admission to doctoral status requires that the student (1) pass a PhD Qualifying Examination, (2) establish a Doctoral Advisory Committee and (3) submit a departmentally approved Program of Study. These steps are normally completed within the first year of study beyond the master's degree.

Students must register for the seminar course a minimum of four times during their graduate career in the doctoral program. Students must complete the EML 5936 seminar course twice prior to taking the candidacy exam and twice after completing the candidacy exam. The students must also complete the course with a satisfactory (S) grade in all attempts. If the student does not complete the course with a satisfactory grade, the student will be asked to repeat the course to meet program requirements.

Equipment Fee

Students in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $45 per semester.

The MAE Graduate seminar is a zero (0) credit hour (S/U) course that is offered each fall and spring academic semesters. Prior to graduation , all MAE graduate students who are pursuing a PhD dissertation are required to register, participate, and receive a satisfactory (S) for four (4) semesters of MAE Graduate seminar, with at least two of these taken prior to candidacy.

Independent Learning

The Independent Learning Requirement is met by successful completion of the student's candidacy and dissertation defense examinations.

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PhD in Mechanical Engineering

• Updated on  
• Dec 22, 2022

Mechanical Engineering plays a key role in manufacturing technology, from cars to aeroplanes to refrigerators. It enables you to easily perform many daily activities because it brings useful technology into our modern society. Between 2020 and 2030, the employment of Mechanical Engineers is expected to increase by 7%. A PhD Mechanical Engineering degree can open many doors for career opportunities and students! 

This Blog Includes:

You can become a teacher, you can publish research papers, you can earn more, top universities for phd mechanical engineering abroad, top colleges in india for phd mechanical engineering, entrance exams , education qualification , documents required, application process, phd mechanical engineering syllabus , phd mechanical engineering books, salary of mechanical engineer, salary of mechanical engineer by country, top companies for mechanical engineers, why phd in mechanical engineering is a great career option.

The engineering industry is extensive and sometimes, students face problems standing apart from the crowd. When you pursue PhD in mechanical engineering, you can expand your professional field. Here are the reasons why you need to choose PhD in mechanical engineering.

Do you know that a PhD is the highest degree you can earn in the field of mechanical engineering? The extensive study materials of this program are the best way to gain additional knowledge and experience that can be mastered throughout the entire course. If you look at the reputed universities, you will notice that most professors have a PhD degree in their respective fields. Therefore, if you have plans to create a career in the academic field, make sure you go for PhD in mechanical engineering.

One of the best things about a PhD program is that the course will be focused primarily on research and theoretical parts of mechanical engineering. During this doctoral program, you will spend most of your time researching, reading, and writing about the applied aspects of mechanical engineering. When you complete your PhD program, you can find jobs in the development and research area. Not to mention, you can also publish your own research paper which will help you get fame.

Mechanical engineers receive great salaries. A mechanical engineer earns more than 60,000 USD (INR 49 Lakhs) per year. Additionally, when you have a PhD degree, your salary structure will be increased by more than 40%. Unlike the other sectors of engineering where the pay scale is not that good, you will never have to worry about money when you complete your PhD in mechanical engineering.

PhD Mechanical Engineering offers the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team and lead academics abroad. Following are the top colleges/universities around the world offering PhD Mechanical Engineering courses: 

Below mentioned are some of the top colleges/universities offering PhD Mechanical Engineering courses. Consider the following table with the colleges, fees, and average salary it offers post PhD Mechanical Engineering to the candidates: 

Also Read: PhD in Engineering

There are several national and state-level entrance examinations to take in order to get admitted to the PhD Mechanical Engineering program. The following are some of the most common MTech Mechanical Engineering entrance exams:

• GATE : GATE is the national-level entrance exam for engineering students. This exam is for Mtech and PhD admission and is conducted every month of April. 
• UGC NET Exam : The UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) exam is a popular exam for PhD engineering candidates. 
• JNUEE : It is the entrance exam for the PhD Mechanical Engineering students of Jawaharlal Nehru University. It is conducted once every year in the month of June. 
• DTU PhD Entrance Exam 2023: DTU conducts an entrance test for the admission of PhD Mechanical Engineering students. This exam is conducted in the month of December and an interview may take place after the interview. 

Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

Following are the Tentative Dates of the entrance exams to be held in 2023 for PhD Mechanical Engineering: 

Eligibility 

• Bachelor’s degree students in Engineering/Technology can also apply for the course with 75% aggregate marks. 
• Post Graduation or Masters’s in Engineering/Technology with the required grades. 
• Clearing of the entrance-based test. 

International students who want to pursue PhD Mechanical Engineering must submit the required documents: 

• Visit the official website and submit the online application
• Statement of Purpose 
• Official IELTS / TOEFL scores, if applicable 
• Supplementary form of PhD 
• Transcripts and mark sheets from all colleges/universities attended for more than one year. 

Also Read: PhD in USA

Step 1: Find a suitable university

Select the PhD Mechanical Engineering program and pick up a suitable university that offers the same. Check placement records, tuition fee break up, course curriculum and work permit norms before applying. If you are facing issues in gathering this data, get in touch with Leverage Edu experts at 1800 57 2000 and get your doubts resolved. 

Step 2: Collect scores of proficiency exams

Exams like IELTS or TOEFL are mandatory to apply for a PhD Mechanical Engineering program. Register for Leverage Live and start your preparation today! Check that you meet the entry requirements.

Step 3: Gather other documents

LOR, SOP, essays, updated resumes and official transcripts of previous academic degrees are necessary documents required for a PhD. Go through these requirements and start working on them. 

Step 4: Submit your application 

Once you have gathered all the required documents and scores of proficiency exams, you are ready to fill out the application form. Make sure you enter all the personal and professional information correctly. Also, check the deadlines and plan your time to submit the application. 

Step 5: Wait for the offer letter 

Universities take a few weeks to evaluate the application. As soon as you get the offer letter, apply for Visa and start pacing for your study abroad journey!

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The syllabus for the PhD Mechanical Engineering for the first semester is the same for all PhD courses. The rest of the subjects are divided into two parts: 

Mechanical Engineering books can be used for both academic and competitive exams. We will take a look at the list of books you must consider while studying PhD Mechanical Engineering or while preparing for competitive exams:

Career Prospects

Let’s discuss the jobs and salaries that you can receive after completing your PhD in mechanical engineering.

There is a great demand for mechanical engineers with good professional backgrounds. Below mentioned are the job roles with the range of average annual salary for PhD Mechanical Engineering:

If you have plans to pursue your PhD in mechanical engineering from a foreign university, you need to know about the salary structure in different countries so that you can choose the perfect one. Make sure you follow the table below:

When you pursue PhD in mechanical engineering, you will be able to bag job offers from some of the most famous companies in the world such as:

• The Boeing Company
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• GE Aviation
• Ford Motor Company
• Walt Disney Company

Yes, a PhD Mechanical Engineering course is a lucrative career option and candidates get plenty of job opportunities. 

It takes around 5-8 years to complete the PhD Mechanical Engineering. 

Candidates can opt for an academic career and teach at colleges/universities. They can also look for jobs in the government and private sectors. 

Some colleges like the top IITs conduct an interview after the entrance test. Only the students who clear the interview can take admitted. 

Yes, they have changed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

If you are searching for a top university to pursue a program in PhD Mechanical Engineering, you can reach us at 1800 57 2000 and contact our Leverage Edu experts and we’ll guide you and help you get closer to your dream career university.

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Mechanical Engineering

Contains Stem Majors

In 2021, the locations with the highest concentration of Mechanical Engineering degree recipients are Los Angeles, CA , Atlanta, GA , and Boston, MA . In 2021, the locations with a relatively high number of Mechanical Engineering degree recipients are Needham, MA , Houghton, MI , and Golden, CO . The most common degree awarded to students studying Mechanical Engineering is a bachelors degree.

learning Institutions

Information about the types of higher education institutions that grant degrees in Mechanical Engineering and the types of students that study this field. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus awards the most degrees in Mechanical Engineering in the US, but Kettering University and Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (441982) have the highest percentage of degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering.

Tuition costs for Mechanical Engineering majors are, on average, $7,936 for in-state public colleges, and $41,664 for out of state private colleges.

The most common sector, by number of institutions, that offers Mechanical Engineering programs are Public, 4-year or above institutions (267 total). The most common sector, by number of degrees awarded, is Public, 4-year or above (35,632 completions).

Institutions

• Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
• The Pennsylvania State University
• University of Florida

The most common sector, by number of degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering, is Public, 4-year or above (35,632 completions in 2021).

The following chart shows the share of universities that offer Mechanical Engineering programs, by the total number of completions, colored and grouped by their sector.

Tuition Costs for Common Institutions

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus has the most Mechanical Engineering degree recipients, with 794 degrees awarded in 2021.

The following bar chart shows the state tuition for the top 5 institutions with the most degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering.

Specialized Colleges

• Kettering University 36.9%
• Franklin W Olin College of Engineering (441982) 27.6%
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 26.7%

Out of all institutions that offer Mechanical Engineering programs and have at least 5 graduates in those programs, Kettering University has the highest percentage of degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering, with 36.9%.

Degrees Awarded by County

• Los Angeles County, CA
• Fulton County, GA
• Suffolk County, MA

This map shows the counties in the United States colored by the highest number of degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering by year.

Growth in Awarded Degrees

• Weber County, UT
• Washington County, UT
• Benton County, AR

This map shows the counties in the United States colored by the highest growth in degrees awarded for Mechanical Engineering.

briefcase Employment

Information on the businesses and industries that employ Engineering graduates and on wages and locations for those in the field.

The average salary for Engineering majors is $121,976 and the most common occupations are Software developers , Miscellaneous engineers, including nuclear engineers , and Other managers .

The industry that employs the most Engineering majors is Architectural, engineering & related services , though the highest paying industry, by average wage, is Internet publishing, broadcasting & web search portals .

Yearly Income for Common Jobs

This chart shows the average annual salaries of the most common occupations for Engineering majors.

Highest Paying Locations

• Upper West Side & West Side PUMA, NY
• Menlo Park, East Palo Alto Cities & Atherton Town PUMA, CA
• Cupertino, Saratoga Cities & Los Gatos Town PUMA, CA

This map shows the public use micro areas (PUMAs) in the United States colored by the average salary of Engineering majors.

Note that the census collects information tied to where people live, not where they work. It is possible that Engineering majors live and work in the same place, but it is also possible that they live and work in two different places.

Most Common

The most common occupations Engineering majors, by number of employees, are Software developers , Miscellaneous engineers, including nuclear engineers , and Other managers .

Most Specialized

Compared to other majors, there are an unusually high number of Engineering majors working as Chemical engineers , Civil engineers , and Aerospace engineers .

Highest Paid

The highest paid occupations by median income for Engineering majors are Podiatrists , Surgeons , and Physicians .

Occupations by Share

The number of Engineering graduates in the workforce has been growing at a rate of 4.66%, from 4.44M in 2020 to 4.65M in 2021.

The largest single share of Engineering graduates go on to work as Software developers (8.41%). This chart shows the various jobs filled by those with a major in Engineering by share of the total number of graduates.

The most common industries that employ Engineering majors, by number of employees, are Architectural, engineering & related services , Computer Systems Design , and Construction .

The highest paying industries of Engineering majors, by average wage, are Internet publishing, broadcasting & web search portals , Offices of physicians , and Oil & gas extraction .

Industries by Share

The industry which employs the most Engineering graduates by share is Architectural, engineering & related services , followed by Computer Systems Design . This visualization shows the industries that hire those who major in Engineering .

Specialty Locations

• Carr 2-Carr 111 PUMA, PR
• Carr 2 (Noroeste) PUMA, PR
• Carr 2-Carr 100 PUMA, PR

This map shows the public use micro areas (PUMAs) in the United States where there are a relatively high population of Engineering majors.

geosearch Diversity

Demographic information for those who earn a degree in Engineering in the United States.

The average age of a person in the workforce with a degree in Engineering is 43.1.

The most common degree type these workers hold is a Bachelors Degree. Male employees are more likely to hold Engineering degrees, and White students are the most common race/ethnicty group awarded degrees in Engineering (25,347 students).

Workforce Age

This chart shows distribution of ages for employees with a degree in Engineering . The most common ages of employees with this major are 30 and 35 years old, which represent 2.81% and 2.71% of the population, respectively.

Degrees Awarded

The most common degree types awarded to students graduating in Mechanical Engineering are Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, and Research Doctorate.

Workforce Degrees

The most common degree types held by the working population in Engineering are Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree, and Doctorate degree.

Sex Imbalance for Common Institutions

This chart shows the granted degrees by sex at the 5 institutions that graduate the most students in Mechanical Engineering.

Race & Ethnicity by Degrees Awarded

• White 25,347 degrees awarded
• Non-resident Alien 7,030 degrees awarded
• Hispanic or Latino 5,542 degrees awarded

This chart shows the number of degrees awarded in Mechanical Engineering for each race & ethnicity. White students earned the largest share of the degrees with this major.

Race & Ethnicity by Sex

• White Male 18,462 degrees awarded
• Hispanic or Latino Male 4,017 degrees awarded
• White Female 3,411 degrees awarded

This chart illustrates the differences by sex for each race & ethnicity of Bachelors Degree recipients in Mechanical Engineering.

White Male students, who earn most of the degrees in this field, are the most common combination of race/ethnicity and sex.

Global Diversity

• India 476,620 degree recipients
• China 148,359 degree recipients
• Mexico 86,323 degree recipients
• India 4.27 times more than expected
• Libya 3.83 times more than expected
• Other Asia, not specified 3.36 times more than expected

There are a relatively high number of people that were born in India that hold Engineering degrees (4.27 times more than expected), and the most common country of origin by total numbers for non-US students earning a degree in this field is India (476,620 degree recipients).

predictive-analysis Skills

Data on the critical and distinctive skills necessary for those working in the Mechanical Engineering field from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mechanical Engineering majors need many skills, but most especially Reading Comprehension. The revealed comparative advantage (RCA) shows that Mechanical Engineering majors need more than the average amount of Management of Financial Resources, Management of Material Resources, Mathematics, Quality Control Analysis, Technology Design, Troubleshooting, Management of Personnel Resources, Negotiation, Coordination, Time Management, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Instructing, Persuasion, Programming, Monitoring, Active Learning, Operation Monitoring, Writing, Science, Systems Analysis, Reading Comprehension, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Critical Thinking, Learning Strategies, Speaking, Active Listening, Systems Evaluation, Operations Analysis, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Selection, Installation, and Repairing.

These two visualizations, one a radial chart and one a bar chart, show the same information, a rating of how necessary the following skills are for Mechanical Engineering majors. Toggle between "value" and "RCA" to see the absolute rating of that skill (value) and the revealed comparative advantage (RCA), or how much greater or lesser that skill's rating is than the average. The longer the bar or the closer the line comes to the circumference of the circle, the more important that skill is. The importance of Management of Financial Resources is very distinctive for majors, but the Reading Comprehension, Complex Problem Solving, Mathematics, Critical Thinking, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing, Active Listening, Speaking, Time Management, Coordination, Active Learning, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Management of Personnel Resources, Instructing, Negotiation, Persuasion, Systems Analysis, Service Orientation, Learning Strategies, Systems Evaluation, Quality Control Analysis, Management of Financial Resources, Management of Material Resources, Science, Operation Monitoring, Operations Analysis, Troubleshooting, Technology Design, Programming, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Equipment Selection, Installation, and Repairing are the three most important skills for people in the field.

Radar Distribution

Keep exploring.

College of Engineering

The Master of Science in Robotics program at Northeastern looks at this fundamentally interdisciplinary field from three connected angles: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make a transformative impact on society.

The Master of Science in Robotics program at Northeastern looks at this fundamentally interdisciplinary field from three connected angles: mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science. Students select a concentration and gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make a transformative impact on society. They can further specialize their degree with flexible electives in a variety of areas, such as mechatronic systems, robot mechanics, control systems, robotic manipulation, artificial intelligence, sensing and navigation, mobile and field robots, medical robotics, and machine learning.

Classes in this multidisciplinary program incorporate direct interaction with a variety of robotic systems supported by highly accomplished faculty, state-of-the art equipment, and advanced laboratories and research centers including the university-wide  Institute for Experiential Robotics  located in the new  EXP building . Research opportunities are available with a variety of robotic systems, including an autonomous Lincoln MKZ car, multiple deep-rated autonomous underwater vehicles, dozens of unmanned aerial and ground robotic systems, commercial and research manipulators, and biologically   inspired robots.

Students can pursue the MS thesis option or coursework only option. Upon graduating, students will be prepared for engineering jobs in the growing field of robotics, or will progress into a doctoral degree in robotics or related multidisciplinary areas across computer science, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Students with academic or career backgrounds in computer science or mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering are well suited for this program, and will take advanced core courses in all these areas.  

More Details

Unique features.

• Interdisciplinary program giving students a skill set that can evolve over time to suit changing research and career interests in this rapidly evolving industry
• Flexibility to further specialize with electives in areas such as mechatronic systems, robot mechanics, control systems, robotic manipulation, artificial intelligence, sensing and navigation, mobile and field robots, medical robotics, and machine learning
• Direct classroom interaction with quality robotics systems supported by state-of-the art equipment and advanced laboratories
• Comprehensive research with accomplished faculty, facilities, and multidisciplinary research centers, including the Institute for Experiential Robotics
• Top-ranked co-op program enabling students to gain up to eight months of professional experience as part of the academic curriculum
• Location is a robotics hub with Northeastern playing a large role educating tomorrow's leaders 
• Opportunity to pursue industry careers or progress into a doctoral degree program in robotics or related multidisciplinary areas
• Choose the MS thesis option or the coursework only option

Program Objectives

• Looking at this fundamentally interdisciplinary field from three connected angles—mechanical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and computer science—students gain a comprehensive understanding of the algorithms, sensors, control systems, and mechanisms used in robotics to help them stand out in the field and make a transformative impact on society. 
• Upon program completion, students will be equipped with an interdisciplinary skill set that can evolve over time to suit their changing research and career interests in this rapidly evolving industry.
• Students will be prepared for engineering jobs in the growing field of robotics, or will progress into a doctoral degree in robotics or related multidisciplinary areas across computer science or mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Career Outlook

• According to  Precedence Research , the global robotics technology market size was estimated at $72.17 billion in 2022 and is expected to surpass around $283.19 billion by 2032 with a registered compound annual growth rate of 14.7% during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.
• The job market for electrical and computer engineers, mechanical engineers, and computer scientists, which includes robotics, is forecasted to grow at 5%, 10%, and 23%, respectively, from 2022 to 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• The Boston area is a hub for robotics research and industry—including Amazon Robotics, Teradyne, and Bluefin Robotics—and Northeastern is proud to play a large role in educating tomorrow’s leaders in this emerging area.

Learning Outcomes

Mechanical Engineering Concentration

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering/scientific/quantitative problems.
• An ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives.
• An ability to produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
• An ability to recognize the tools and principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems by merging electrical and mechanical engineering and computer science.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Concentration

• An ability to recognize the tools and principles needed for understanding robotic and control systems with a multidisciplinary approach that combines electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
• An ability to understand system-level design of complex software and hardware that is used to build robotic systems that include a variety of asynchronous sensors and actuators.
• An ability to understand the theoretical principles underlying localization, mapping, and planning to build, design, and deploy a variety of robotic systems ranging from fully autonomous to remotely operated systems.

Testimonials

—james myers, ms, electrical and computer engineering, —hanumant singh, professor, electrical and computer engineering, —amanda zhu, ms, computer engineering, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Completed online application form
• Application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2021-2022, 2022-2023, or 2023-2024 academic years
• Statement of purpose
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Engineering admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain professional industry experience in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum while employed from four to eight months in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial start-ups.   In 2019, the Graduate School of Engineering placed nearly 1000 students in co-op positions. We have a team that prepares students for the cooperative education experience through resumé building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Rifat Sipahi

Lawson Wong

Hanumant Singh

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Engineering alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• GE Aviation
• Bose Corporation

What They Do

• Engineering
• Business Development
• Program and Project Management
• Entrepreneurship

What They're Skilled At

• Project Management
• Manufacturing

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Baltimore bridge collapse wasn't first major accident for giant container ship Dali

Propulsion failed on the cargo ship that struck the Francis Key Bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday as it was leaving port, causing it to collapse into the frigid Patapsco River. Its crew warned Maryland officials of a possible collision because they had lost control.

“The vessel notified MD Department of Transportation (MDOT) that they had lost control of the vessel” and a collision with the bridge “was possible,” according to an unclassified Department of Homeland Security report. “The vessel struck the bridge causing a complete collapse.”

An official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed to USA TODAY that the DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is working with federal, state, and local officials “to understand the potential impacts of this morning’s collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.”

Clay Diamond, executive director, American Pilots’ Association, told USA TODAY power issues are not unusual on cargo ships, which are so large they cannot easily course correct.

“It’s likely that virtually every pilot in the country has experienced a power loss of some kind (but) it generally is momentary,” Diamond said. “This was a complete blackout of all the power on the ship, so that’s unusual. Of course this happened at the worst possible location.” 

The ship in Tuesday's crash, Dali, was involved in at least one prior accident when it collided with a shipping pier in Belgium.

That 2016 incident occurred as the Dali was leaving port in Antwerp and struck a loading pier made of stone, causing damage to the ship’s stern, according to VesselFinder.com, a site that tracks ships across the world. An investigation determined a mistake made by the ship’s master and pilot was to blame.

No one was injured in that crash, although the ship required repair and a full inspection before being returned to service. The pier – or berth – was also seriously damaged and had to be closed.

VesselFinder reports that the Dali was chartered by Maersk, the same company chartering it during the Baltimore harbor incident.

The 9-year-old container ship had passed previous inspections during its time at sea, but during one such inspection in June at the Port of San Antonio in Chile, officials discovered a deficiency with its "propulsion and auxiliary machinery (gauges, thermometers, etc)," according to the Tokyo MOU, an intergovernmental maritime authority in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report provided no other information about the deficiency except to note that it was not serious enough to remove the ship from service.

Follow here for live updates: Baltimore's Key Bridge collapses after ship strike; construction crew missing: Live Updates

Why did Dali crash into the Baltimore bridge?

Officials said Tuesday they’re investigating the collision, including whether systems on board lost electricity early Tuesday morning, which could be related to mechanical failure, according to a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Accidents at sea, known as marine casualties, are not uncommon, the source told USA TODAY. However, “allisions,” in which a moving object strikes a stationary one with catastrophic results, are far less common. The investigation of the power loss aboard the Dali, a Singapore-flagged vessel, will be a high priority.

In a video posted to social media, lights on the Dali shut off, then turned back on, then shut off again before the ship struck a support pier on the bridge.

Numerous cargo and cruise ships have lost power over the years.

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requires all international vessels to have two independent sources of electricity, both of which should be able to maintain the ship's seaworthiness on their own, according to a safety study about power failures on ships , citing the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

The Dali's emergency generator was likely responsible for the lights coming back on after the initial blackout, Diamond said.

“There was still some steerage left when they initially lost power,” he said. “We’ve been told the ship never recovered propulsion. The emergency generator is a diesel itself – so if you light off the generator, that’s also going to put off a puff of exhaust.”

Under maritime law, all foreign flagged vessels must be piloted into state ports by a state licensed pilot so the Dali's pilot is licensed by Association of Maryland Pilots .

Diamond described the incident based on information from the Maryland agency that licensed the pilot aboard the ship. His organization represents that group and all other state piloting agencies in the US.

“The pilot was directing navigation of the ship as it happened,” he said. “He asked the captain to get the engines back online. They weren’t able to do that, so the pilot took all the action he could. He tried to steer, to keep the ship in the channel. He also dropped the ship’s anchor to slow the ship and guide the direction.

“Neither one was enough. The ship never did regain its engine power.”

How big is the Dali ship?

The Dali is a 984-foot container vessel built in 2015 by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea. With a cruising speed of about 22 knots – roughly 25 mph. It has traveled the world carrying goods from port to port.

The ship, constructed of high-strength steel, has one engine and one propeller, according to MarineTraffic.com.

The Dali arrived in Baltimore on Sunday from the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. Before that, it had been in New York and came through the Panama Canal.

It remains at the scene of the collapse as authorities investigate.

Who owns and operates the Dali?

It is owned by the Singapore-based Grace Ocean Pte Ltd but managed by Synergy Marine Group, also based in Singapore. It was carrying Maersk customers’ cargo, according to a statement from the shipping company.

“We are deeply concerned by this incident and are closely monitoring the situation,” Maersk said in the statement. 

Synergy, which describes itself as a leading ship manager with more than 600 vessels under its guidance, issued a statement on its website acknowledging the incident and reporting no injuries among its crew and no pollution in the water. There were two pilots on board and 22 crew members in all, according to Synergy, all of them from India.

USA TODAY reached out to Synergy on Tuesday, but the company did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Contributing: Josh Susong