phd courses for mechanical engineering

• Menu  Close 
• Search 

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
• Graduate Advising
• Information Session
• Course Schedules

Departments

• Applied Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Center for Urban Science and Progress
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
• Civil and Urban Engineering
• Computer Science and Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Finance and Risk Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Technology, Culture and Society
• Technology Management and Innovation

Degrees & Programs

• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy
• Digital Learning
• Certificate Programs
• NYU Tandon Bridge
• Undergraduate
• Records & Registration
• Digital Learning Services
• Teaching Innovation
• Explore NYU Tandon
• Year in Review
• Strategic Plan
• Diversity & Inclusion

News & Events

• Social Media

Looking for News or Events ?

Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.

• Request Information

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 .

Abu Dhabi Global Fellow Program

Urban Science Doctoral Track

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.

Quick Links

• Graduate Admissions
• Robotics at NYU Tandon

Program Director

Iskender Sahin

Matthieu Nadini

Best Mechanical Engineering Programs

Ranked in 2023, part of Best Engineering Schools

Mechanical engineers work with machines and engines,

Mechanical engineers work with machines and engines, from elevator technology to robotics. Students can focus on areas such as heat transfer and fracture mechanics. These are the top graduate schools for mechanical engineering. Each school's score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding), based on a survey of academics at peer institutions. Read the methodology »

For full rankings, GRE scores and student debt data, sign up for the U.S. News Engineering School Compass .

Here are the Best Mechanical Engineering Programs

Massachusetts institute of technology, stanford university, california institute of technology, university of california, berkeley, georgia institute of technology, university of illinois urbana-champaign (grainger), university of michigan--ann arbor, purdue university--main campus, cornell university.

SEE THE FULL RANKINGS

• Clear Filters

Cambridge , MA

• # 1 in Mechanical Engineering
• # 1 in Best Engineering Schools

$57,590 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

3,222 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $75 for U.S. residents and $75 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $57,590 per... Read More »

Engineering school

Tuition and fees (master's).

$57,590 per year (full-time)

ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

Average quantitative gre.

Stanford , CA

• # 2 in Mechanical Engineering
• # 2 in Best Engineering Schools

$66,297 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

3,469 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $125 for U.S. residents and $125 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $66,29... Read More »

$66,297 per year (full-time)

Pasadena , CA

• # 3 in Mechanical Engineering  (tie)
• # 7 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

N/A TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

548 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $75 for U.S. residents and $100 for international students. The 2022 Ph.D. student-faculty ratio... Read More »

Berkeley , CA

• # 3 in Best Engineering Schools

$11,700 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$26,802 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

2,673 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $135 for U.S. residents and $155 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $11,700... Read More »

$11,700 per year (in-state, full-time)

$26,802 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Atlanta , GA

• # 5 in Mechanical Engineering  (tie)
• # 5 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$14,064 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$29,140 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

4,784 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $75 for U.S. residents and $85 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $14,064 per... Read More »

$14,064 per year (in-state, full-time)

$29,140 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Urbana , IL

• # 11 in Best Engineering Schools

$19,320 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$36,798 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

3,812 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $70 for U.S. residents and $90 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $19,320 per... Read More »

$19,320 per year (in-state, full-time)

$36,798 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Ann Arbor , MI

$29,466 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$55,276 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

3,800 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The College of Engineering at University of Michigan--Ann Arbor has a rolling application deadline. The application fee... Read More »

$29,466 per year (in-state, full-time)

$55,276 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

West Lafayette , IN

• # 8 in Mechanical Engineering
• # 4 in Best Engineering Schools

$10,842 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$29,644 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

3,495 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The College of Engineering at Purdue University--Main Campus has a rolling application deadline. The application fee is... Read More »

$10,842 per year (in-state, full-time)

$29,644 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Ithaca , NY

• # 9 in Mechanical Engineering  (tie)
• # 13 in Best Engineering Schools

$29,500 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$2,602 per credit (part-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

2,617 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The College of Engineering at Cornell University has a rolling application deadline. The application fee is $105 for... Read More »

$29,500 per year (full-time)

$2,602 per credit (part-time)

Princeton University

Princeton , NJ

• # 23 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

850 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $75 for U.S. residents and $75 for international students. The 2022 Ph.D. student-faculty ratio... Read More »

Carnegie Mellon University (Carnegie)

Pittsburgh , PA

• # 11 in Mechanical Engineering  (tie)

$52,100 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$2,172 per credit (part-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

4,843 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Carnegie Institute of Technology at Carnegie Mellon University (Carnegie) has a rolling application deadline. The... Read More »

$52,100 per year (full-time)

$2,172 per credit (part-time)

University of Texas--Austin (Cockrell)

Austin , TX

$10,554 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$19,320 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

2,395 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Cockrell School of Engineering at University of Texas--Austin (Cockrell) has a rolling application deadline. The... Read More »

$10,554 per year (in-state, full-time)

$19,320 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

See all 195 Ranked Schools

Get the U.S. News Grad Schools School Compass and start finding the grad schools school that's right for you. You'll have access to expanded data including GMAT scores, financial aid information, graduate salary and employment statistics and more!

More Schools in this List (Alphabetical)

Arizona State University (Fulton)

• in Mechanical Engineering
• # 41 in Best Engineering Schools

$12,014 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$32,656 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

4,464 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $70 for U.S. residents and $115 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $12,01... Read More »

$12,014 per year (in-state, full-time)

$32,656 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Auburn University (Ginn)

Auburn , AL

• # 55 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$10,386 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$31,158 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

636 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University (Ginn) has a rolling application deadline. The application... Read More »

$10,386 per year (in-state, full-time)

$31,158 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Baylor University

• # 161 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$47,588 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

132 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The School of Engineering & Computer Science at Baylor University has a rolling application deadline. The application... Read More »

$47,588 per year (full-time)

Binghamton University--SUNY (Watson)

Binghamton , NY

• # 112 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$11,310 per year (in-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$23,100 per year (out-of-state, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

1,095 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University--SUNY (Watson) has a rolling... Read More »

$11,310 per year (in-state, full-time)

$23,100 per year (out-of-state, full-time)

Boston University

Boston , MA

• # 34 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$61,050 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$1,908 per credit (part-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

1,230 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $95 for U.S. residents and $95 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $61,050 per... Read More »

$61,050 per year (full-time)

$1,908 per credit (part-time)

Brigham Young University (Fulton)

• # 127 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$7,932 per year (LDS member, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$15,864 per year (Non-LDS member, full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

424 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The application fee is $50 for U.S. residents and $50 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $7,932 per... Read More »

$7,932 per year (LDS member, full-time)

$15,864 per year (Non-LDS member, full-time)

Brown University

Providence , RI

• # 63 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$9,132 per credit (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$9,132 per credit (part-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

The School of Engineering at Brown University has a rolling application deadline. The application fee is $75 for U.S... Read More »

$9,132 per credit (full-time)

$9,132 per credit (part-time)

Case Western Reserve University (Case)

Cleveland , OH

• # 53 in Best Engineering Schools  (tie)

$50,838 per year (full-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

$2,119 per credit (part-time) TUITION AND FEES (MASTER'S)

659 ENROLLMENT (FULL-TIME)

The Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University (Case) has a rolling application deadline. The... Read More »

$50,838 per year (full-time)

$2,119 per credit (part-time)

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Program sites.

• Mechanical Engineering

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.

Specific information for international students

Financing your Education

View the PhD profile here

Please contact us if you have further questions. We would love to hear from you!

Graduate Programs

Main navigation.

At the graduate level, the Mechanical Engineering program aligns academic course work with research to prepare scholars in specialized areas within the field.

Areas of specialization range from automatic controls, energy systems, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and solid mechanics to biomechanical engineering, MEMS and design. Through course work and guided research, the program prepares students to make original contributions in Mechanical Engineering and related fields.

Stanford is consistently ranked among the world’s top institutions for post-graduate Mechanical Engineering studies. The National Research Council’s last study of American doctoral programs ranked Stanford No. 1 in Mechanical Engineering, while US News and World Report’s graduate school rankings have named Stanford’s ME program at No. 2. Incoming graduate students work one-on-one with faculty who are at the forefront of technological innovation.

A master’s degree program leading to the MS is offered in Mechanical Engineering, and a master’s degree program leading to the MS is offered in Engineering with a sub-field of study in Biomechanical Engineering and an individually designed major. The department also offers two post-master's degrees: Engineer and Doctor of Philosophy.

We invite excellent students from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in engineering, to consider Stanford University for their graduate studies. In making admissions decisions, the Mechanical Engineering Department will comply with the requirements of the law as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, evaluating each applicant based on their "experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” We continue to value a diverse student body that benefits the educational experience of our students and our mission of generating knowledge at Stanford University.  

Note:  The Stanford community can find the ME Graduate Handbook on the ME Student Intranet - Graduate Student Forms and Resources (login with active stanford.edu email address is required).

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: Submitting Preliminary and Final Exam Requests.

Preliminary Exam Time Limits are set by the Graduate College. 

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/TAM 500 is required until the semester after the 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.

PhD students must continuously enroll  in ME 590 or TAM 500 each semester until after the term after they have successfully passed their preliminary exam. Seminar credit cannot be counted toward coursework requirements. Students are required to attend a minimum of FOUR seminars each semester, three of which should be departmental. 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 with prior approval from the GPO.

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.
• You must contact the GPO at the beginning of the term regarding any conflicts.

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. A maximum of one alternate seminar can be counted towards the course requirement per semester.

For complete information on the Seminar Requirement, please visit the Seminar Requirement Page.

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

Skip to Content

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 75 Fall 2025 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 5030: 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.

• Academic Advising & Administration

• PhD Focus Areas

• Elective Courses

• Forms and Handbooks

• Funding and Fellowships
• Share via Facebook
• Share via Twitter
• Share via LinkedIn
• Undergraduate Program
• MS Programs
• Preliminary Exams
• Comprehensive Exam
• Design Center Colorado
• Professional Development
• Educational Facilities
• Partnership Programs
• Graduation Information

Graduate Program Mission

We establish an environment of respect and inclusive excellence where high-quality instruction, project-based learning and cutting-edge research are leveraged to educate and nurture the next generation of socially conscious, deeply knowledgeable engineers, scientists and problem-solvers. 

Want to know more? Contact us.

Spring 2022 FAQs

Graduate Program Handbook

PhD Program Admissions

Graduates Apply Now

Apply   Visit   Give

Departments

• Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences
• Chemical & Biological Engineering
• Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering
• Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Creative Technology & Design
• Engineering Education
• Engineering Management
• Engineering Physics
• Integrated Design Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Science & Engineering

Affiliates & Partners

• ATLAS Institute
• BOLD Center
• Colorado Mesa University
• Colorado Space Grant Consortium
• Discovery Learning
• Engineering Honors
• Engineering Leadership
• Entrepreneurship
• Herbst Program for Engineering, Ethics & Society
• Integrated Teaching and Learning
• Global Engineering
• National Center for Women & Information Technology
• Mortenson Center for Global Engineering
• Western Colorado University

• Undergraduate Programs
• Master of Engineering Programs
• Distance Learning - Master of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering
• Distance Learning - Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
• Graduate Programs
• Academic Leadership
• Staff Directory
• Advisory Council
• MAE Inclusivity Statement
• Collaborative Facilities Across Campus
• Reuleaux Collection
• Sibley School Labs
• Sibley 150 - Celebrating 150 Years of Mechanical Engineering at Cornell
• MAE Newsletter
• Giving Opportunities
• Recruit Students
• Academic Support
• Experience and Employment for Students
• Graduate Services and Activities
• Jobs at MAE
• Mental Health Resources
• Undergraduate Services and Activities

Ph.D. Degree

Why the sibley school of mechanical and aerospace engineering, flexibility.

Graduate fields cross traditional college and department boundaries and afford a graduate student maximum flexibility in designing a program represented by faculty from virtually any discipline on campus.

One of the Top 10 Mechanical Engineering Departments 

The Sibley School is consistently ranked one of the top ten best graduate mechanical engineering programs. Our exceptional faculty are leaders in their field and have a diverse range of research interests .

1st Semester Fellowship

Students do not choose a Ph.D. advisor before applying. Matriculated students are afforded the opportunity to interact with a number of faculty in seeking a good student-advisor match within the first semester. 

Grad Student Community

Prospective graduate students are drawn to the Sibley School by the close community of multi-cultural and diverse graduate students. Students feel as though they are part of an inclusive community that supports one another throughout the Ph.D. process. 

5 Years of Funding

We offer five years of funding to all admitted Ph.D. students (contingent upon maintaining good academic standing).

Cornell is located in the beautiful New York Finger Lakes region. Ithaca has been rated one of the top 25 best small cities in America due to the abundance of outdoor activities, natural beauty and thriving restaurant and brewery scene. Ithaca is also within 6 hours of New York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC.

Contact Information

Assistant Director for Graduate Affairs Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 343 Upson Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 (607) 255-5250

Testimonial by

I really like the culture and atmosphere in MAE. People help and support each other here. For me, MAE is more like a family that welcomes everyone from all over the world.

Cornell MAE has state-of-the-art research facilities, especially in robotics, and a multicultural and international group of students and researchers. The graduate students support each other very well. The faculty members are leaders in their respective fields and have multidisciplinary collaborations. I am glad that I chose Cornell MAE for pursuing my graduate studies.

Mechanical Engineering

Search form.

• Welcome from the Chair
• Strategic Plan
• Degree Programs
• Accreditation
• Senior Design
• Jobs and Finances
• Marketable Skills
• Research at ME
• Laboratories
• ZØE Laboratory
• Engineering Manufacturing Facility
• Faculty / Staff
• Ph.D. Students
• Alumni Network
• Industry Collaboration
• External Advisory Board
• Senior Design Sponsorship
• K-12 Outreach

Mechanical and Energy Engineering, PhD

The doctoral Mechanical and Energy Engineering program at the University of North Texas offers you a groundbreaking opportunity to learn fundamental and applied knowledge compatible with mechanical engineering, renewable energy, energy modeling, manufacturing and fossil fuels.

Our Doctor of Philosophy degree is the first of its kind in Texas. The innovative curriculum allows you to study and conduct research with world-class faculty members. This collaboration can lead to being published in professional journals, a validation of your hard work and strong research.

In addition, you’ll work with faculty members to develop both a broad and in-depth knowledge for solving energy problems. You’ll explore topics such as:

• Fundamentals of energy
• Thermal energy and fluids
• Solid mechanics and controls
• Renewable and alternative clean energy
• Energy efficient products and structures
• Bio-based green and sustainable products
• Energy efficient intelligent vehicles

Our faculty members have been honored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, among others. Their research areas include environmental sustainability, materials and manufacturing, and oil and gas.

The University provides several services exclusively to graduate students. The Graduate Student Writing Support office can help you with writing, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research offers assistance with statistical research.

A Dissertation Boot Camp and other specialized workshops are available through the Toulouse Graduate School ® . Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Degree requirements

You’ll plan your degree program with assistance from your major professor and advisory committee. The degree requires 72 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree or 42 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. You’ll need to maintain at least a B average in all courses.

Students entering with a master’s degree

• 12 credit hours of core courses
• 12 credit hours of electives
• 6 credit hours of research
• 3 credit hours of a seminar course
• 9 credit hours of dissertation

Students entering with a bachelor’s degree

• 24 credit hours of electives
• 21 credit hours of research
• 12 credit hours of dissertation
• Mechanical & Energy Engineering PhD Degree Plan

To find out more about the Ph.D. Program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, contact our Graduate Academic Specialist at 1+ (940) 369-8482 and [email protected] or Dr. Hamid Sadat, ME Doctoral Program Coordinator, at 1+ (940) 565-2078 or [email protected]

Still have questions?

Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1+ (888) UNT-GRAD , 1+ (940) 565-2636

[email protected]

Things to Note:

• The application to the Toulouse Graduate School does not come instantly to the department once completed. There is a process the Graduate School takes before they mail the application to the department physically. Please allow up to, possibly, two weeks for it to get to the department. Please contact the Toulouse Graduate School in regards to a timeline and their official deadlines.
• International Students: Please have the application completed four months in advanced before the desired semester starts. Ensure you are also in contact with the International School and the department about the required documents necessary for enrollment.
• Once the application is completed the committee will meet and respond with a decision as soon as possible after funding is considered. Expediting is not guaranteed, but will be considered under request and provided reason (outside of late application) with funding decisions considered following soon after. Holidays and weather may affect response.
• Staff and faculty cannot provide detailed updates in regards to the application process but please feel free to reach out with inquiries or concerns to either Dr. Tae-Youl Choi, the faculty member you are interested in researching with.
• The department no longer takes email submissions for documents.

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Manufacturing, approved for STEM-OPT extension, design, engineeringgrad, systems, thermal

This PhD program in mechanical engineering emphasizes original research and stresses a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. To this end, a broad-based curriculum is offered in design, system dynamics and control; fluid mechanics and aerodynamics; mechanics and dynamics of solids and structures; transport phenomena; thermodynamics; and energy. Modern computational and laboratory facilities are available to support timely research investigations.

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

84 credit hours qualifying exams written and oral comprehensive exams prospectus dissertation

All students pursuing the doctorate are required to pass both a qualifying and a comprehensive examination administered by the program committee.

credit hours of coursework directly related to the research area (18) credit hours of mathematics (9) credit hours of graduate elective courses outside the major research area (9) MAE 792 Research MAE 799 Dissertation credit hours (12)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited U.S. or international institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency and is required to achieve a minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL.

ASU does not accept the GRE® General Test at home edition.

Admission to the mechanical engineering doctoral program is highly competitive, and preferred applicants have an undergraduate or Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering or mechanical engineering. The admission process considers all aspects of the student's application, and admission is not guaranteed. The typical successful applicant has at least a cumulative GPA score of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in engineering and science coursework in a bachelor's or master's degree program, and a high GRE score; a successful applicant whose native language is not English typically also has a high TOEFL score.

Applicants should see the program website for application deadlines.

The doctorate program provides students with a strong background for employment in academic institutions, government laboratories and industrial research laboratories with a focus on mechanical engineering.

Professionals with a mechanical engineering doctoral degree have strong opportunities at all levels in mechanical engineering in research, design, and manufacturing at companies of all sizes as well as national laboratories (Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA). Analytical skills learned in mechanical engineering are also valued for other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

• engineering manager or director
• engineering professor
• research engineer

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program | ECG 202 [email protected] 480-965-2335

Mechanical Engineering MS/PhD

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers three graduate degree programs: the Master of Engineering (M.Eng), the Master of Science (M.S.), and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Master of Engineering (M.Eng)

This accelerated Masters of Engineering Program has been designed in collaboration with several other departments in the College of Engineering for the purpose of developing professional leaders who understand the technical, environmental, economic, and social issues involved in Mechanical Engineering. It is supported by the College of Engineering's Coleman Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership. For more information about this interdisciplinary program, please see the Fung Institute Website .

There are full-time and part-time options for pursuing this program.

Master of Science (M.S.)

The MS degree can be earned only in conjunction with a Ph.D. (for the MS/PhD option) as application for the terminal M.S. is currently paused. Degrees are granted after completion of a program of study that emphasizes the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in engineering, math, and the sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for the analysis of problems.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

This degree can be completed in conjunction with a master of science degree or alone. Degrees are granted after completion of programs of study that emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for the analysis of problems.

Contact Info

[email protected]

6189 Etcheverry Hall

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Mechanical Engineering

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Masters / Professional

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

• Recommendations
• Notifications
• My Favorites

Favorites, recommendations, and notifications are only available for UCLA Graduate Students at this time.

Access features exclusively for UCLA students and staff.

As a student, you can:

• Add funding awards to your favorites list
• Get notified of upcoming deadlines and events
• Receive personalized recommendations for funding awards

 We're Sorry

You've signed in with a UCLA undergraduate student account.

UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Mechanical Engineering

UCLA's Graduate Program in Mechanical Engineering offers the following degree(s):

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program at UCLA 48-121 Engineering IV Box 951597 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1597

Visit the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 825-7793

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

University of Rochester

Search Rochester.edu

Popular Searches

Resources for

• Prospective students
• Current students
• Faculty and staff

Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Department of Mechanical Engineering

• Graduate Program

PhD Program

The PhD in mechanical engineering requires 90 hours of graduate credit. Students holding a master of science degree receive 30 credit hours toward the 90 required hours.

Students are required to take at least 32 hours of coursework at the 400 level or higher, of which at least 24 credit hours should be mechanical engineering courses. The dissertation is typically about 30 of the total of 90 credit hours. No more than 10 of these may be transferred from non-matriculated work at Rochester.

There are three examinations during the PhD program the:

• Preliminary examination - at the end of the first full academic year of study
• Qualifying examination - typically taken at the end of the second year or during the third year
• Final oral examination

The PhD Program of Study Form should be completed and approved within four semesters of matriculation. Students should talk with their advisor and review the Graduate Handbook for more information.

For information about finding an advisor, PhD examinations and PhD dissertation see the Graduate Handbook .

Stipend/Funding for PhD Students

Our full-time PhD students receive competitive graduate fellowships or research assistantships comprising an annual stipend, medical benefits, and full coverage of graduate tuition.

The details of a particular student's financial offer can vary depending upon specific circumstances and will be specified in a letter sent to each student at the time that an admission offer is made.

Part-Time Study

Part time study is defined as registration for fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. Part time students must satisfy the same requirements as full time students, as well as a residency requirement.

Residency is defined as registration for at least 12 credit hours in each of two consecutive semesters. i.e.: fall – spring, or spring – fall.

• Facts and Figures
• Accreditation
• Maps and Directions

• Degree Programs
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Senior Capstone Design
• Curriculum Details
• Global Programs
• Student Organizations
• Engineering Honors
• Fast-Track Programs
• Admissions and Aid
• Admission Guidelines
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Graduate Admissions
• Entry to a Major Process
• Centers and Laboratories
• Rapid Prototyping Studio
• Hazardous Chemical Waste Disposal
• Shared Services Facilities
• Instrumentation
• Department Leadership Team

Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering opens the door to a wide range of career paths, including industry R&D, government research laboratories, consulting, entrepreneurship, and academia.

Our Ph.D. program equips students with the expertise and problem-solving skills necessary for career success. The curriculum provides a grounding in mechanical engineering fundamentals and opportunities for broader exploration in topics ranging from entrepreneurship to machine learning.

Incoming Ph.D. students will identify a dissertation advisor from among our world-renowned faculty.

All students in our Ph.D. program receive financial support. Many enter with their own funding via external fellowships (from NSF, DOE, etc.) or other sources. All others receive funding in the form of a graduate assistantship, which includes a monthly stipend, remission of tuition and fees, and employee health insurance. Students entering with a Bachelor degree are guaranteed an assistantship for at least five years; those entering with a Master degree are guaranteed at least four years. Funding is contingent on maintaining academic good standing.

For questions about our Ph.D. program, please email us at   [email protected] .

Application Process

Applicants to our Ph.D. program receive a fee waiver that reduces application cost to $25. Please follow the link below and complete the application. The fee will be reduced to $25 at checkout.

Apply at EngineeringCAS

View Current Program Requirements

96 Hour Ph.D.

96 Credit Hour Requirements (Direct Ph.D. program)

64 Hour Ph.D.

64 Hour Ph.D. (For those already having a Master's degree)

Ph.D. Program Requirements

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 96 semester credit hours beyond a baccalaureate degree, and a minimum of 64 semester credit hours for a student who has completed a master’s degree. A student in this program must pass the Qualifying Exam according to the current departmental guidelines for the exam.

Committee Requirements:

• Minimum of four (4) faculty on the committee, including the committee chair and co-chair, if  applicable.
• All committee members must be on Graduate Committee Faculty through Graduate and Professional School. A list is  available at https://gradcom.tamu.edu/faculty .
• At least one member must be from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
• Joint/Courtesy Appointment Chairs are required to fund student through GAR or a GAT position in the faculty member’s home department.
• Committee Co-chair: optional; student may choose to have a co-chair on their committee. This person can be from in or out of MEEN.
• If your chair is a MEEN faculty member, you must have at least one (1) committee memberfrom MEEN. At least one (1) committee member must be from outside of MEEN. The remainingone (1) committee member may be from in or out of MEEN.
• If your chair is a joint/courtesy appointment, you must have at least two (2) committeemembers from MEEN. The remaining one (1) committee member must be from outside of MEEN.

Curricular Options:

Mathematics courses:.

• MEEN 602: Modeling & Analysis of Mechanical Systems (preferred).
• Any graduate level MATH or STAT course.

Core Courses:

• MEEN 601: Advanced Product Design
• MEEN 603: Theory of Elasticity
• MEEN 608: Continuum Mechanics
• MEEN 612: Mechanics of Robot Manipulators
• MEEN 613: Engineering Dynamics
• MEEN 615: Advanced Engineering Thermo Dynamics
• MEEN 617: Mechanical Vibrations
• MEEN 621: Fluid Mechanics
• MEEN 630: Intermediate Heat Transfer
• MEEN 651: Control System Design
• MEEN 672: Introduction to Finite Element Method
• MEEN 683: Multidisciplinary System Analysis & Design Optimization
• MEEN 688: Advanced Solid Mechanics

Technical Elective Courses:

• Any graduate level MEEN course. It may include courses from the core course listing and a maximum of 4 hours of MEEN 684 and 685 combined. A minimum of two graduate technical electives, excluding MEEN 684, must be in MEEN.
• Any graduate level course in the College of Engineering or College of Science, with research advisor approval. Courses with the ENGR prefix or from outside the Colleges of Engineering or Science will require prior approval from the MEEN Graduate Program Director.
• May include up to one undergraduate courses at the 400 level. 

96 Credit Hour Ph.D. Program Requirements 

Curricular requirements.

• Required graduate level mathematics credit: Two courses — total of six credit hours.
• Core courses: Three courses — total of nine credit hours.
• Technical elective courses: Six to nine courses — total of 18-27 credit hours. 
• Seminar: Three semesters of MEEN 681 — total of three credit hours. Seminar courses from other departments will not be accepted.
• Research: 51-60 credit hours of MEEN 691. The number of research credits will depend on how many credit hours of technical electives the student chooses to take.

64 Credit Hour Ph.D. Program Requirements 

• Required graduate level mathematics credit: One courses — total of three credit hours.
• Core courses: One courses — total of three credit hours.
• Technical elective courses: Four courses — total of 12 credit hours. 
• Seminar: Two semesters of MEEN 681 — total of two credit hours. Seminar courses from other departments will not be accepted.
• Research: 44 credit hours of MEEN 691.

Jump to navigation

• Undergraduate Admissions
• Transfer Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Honors and Scholars Admissions
• International Admissions
• Law Admissions
• Office of Financial Aid
• Orientation
• Pre-College Programs
• Scholarships
• Tuition & Fees
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Colleges
• Degree Programs
• Online Learning
• Class Schedule
• Workforce Development
• Sponsored Programs and Research Services
• Technology Transfer
• Faculty Expertise Database
• Research Centers
• College of Graduate Studies
• Institutional Research and Analysis
• At a Glance
• Concerned Vikes
• Free Speech on Campus
• Policies and Procedures
• Messages & Updates
• Social Media
• In the News
• Board of Trustees
• Senior Leadership Team
• Services Near CSU

Cleveland State University

Engaged learning.

Search this site

Ph.d. in mechanical engineering, program overview.

The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering degree is granted in recognition of high achievement in scholarship and an ability to apply engineering fundamentals to the solution of complex technical problems. The program of study is broad for a doctoral-level degree, requiring research and engineering analysis at a high level.  The program is administered by the college of engineering therefore, departmental boundaries are nonexistent and the student, with his/her adviser, is free to choose a program of study that pulls together the necessary interdisciplinary subjects to address the research topic as needed.

Basic Requirements

A short summary of requirements for the Ph.D.includes:

• 30 hours of coursework beyond the master's degree
• 30 hours of dissertation research
• Successful completion of the qualifying examination
• Successful completion of the candidacy examination
• Successful defense of the dissertation

More Information

• CSU Graduate Catalog - Ph.D.
• Washkewicz College of Engineering - Ph.D.
• Washkewicz CoE Ph.D. - Plan of Study Form   [Word] , [pdf]
• Washkewicz CoE Ph.D. - Dissertation Proposal Approval Form   [Word] , [pdf]

©2024 Cleveland State University | 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-2214 | (216) 687-2000. Cleveland State University is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Affirmative Action | Diversity | Employment  | Tobacco Free  | Non-Discrimination Statement  | Web Privacy Statement  | Accreditations

 Course Announcement Fall 2024: Fluid-Structure Interactions (ENME489U/ENME645)

• Post author By Segen Sara A. Habte
• Post date May 21, 2024

Bachelor's in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Why pursue a bachelor’s degree in materials science and mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering is critical to the success of many human enterprises. It plays a central role in the generation and distribution of energy, transportation, manufacturing, and infrastructure development. Nearly every product or service in modern life has been touched in some way by a mechanical engineer.

At Harvard College, students choose a "concentration," which is what we call a major. All prospective undergraduate students, including those intending to study engineering and applied sciences, apply directly to  Harvard College . During your sophomore spring you’ll declare a concentration, or field of study. You may choose from 50 concentrations and 49 secondary field (from  Harvard DSO website ).

Students can pursue a degree with an emphasis in mechanical engineering through the following concentrations:

• A.B. in Engineering Sciences - Mechanical and Materials Science and Engineering Track
• S.B. in Mechanical Engineering

Learn about some of our Mechanical Engineering Concentrators  >

Apply to Harvard College  >

Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)

Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that uses the principles of physics and materials science for the analysis and design of mechanical and thermal systems. The objectives of the Mechanical and Materials Science and Engineering Track of the Engineering Sciences A.B. program are to provide students a solid foundation in mechanical engineering study within the setting of a liberal arts college for preparation for a diverse range of careers in industry and government or for advanced work in engineering, business, law, or medicine.

Bachelor of Science (S.B.)

Mechanical Engineering concentrators receive a foundational education in a discipline central to challenges in energy, transportation, manufacturing, robotics, and the development of public infrastructure. Mechanical Engineering deals with the study and application of mechanical and thermal systems and covers a range of subtopics including mechatronics and robotics, structural analysis, thermodynamics and engineering design including the analysis of mechanical systems using finite element methods, the science of new materials, and devices for micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) and biological and nanotechnology applications.

AB/SM Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Degree Program

Our AB/SM degree program  is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.

Prerequisites

Learn about the prerequisites for the concentration and the differences between the S.B. and A.B. tracks on on our  First-Year Exploration page . Students interested in concentrating in Mechanical Engineering can be matched with a Peer Concentration Advisor. PCAs serve as peer advisors for pre-concentrators (and current concentrators), providing a valuable perspective and helping students to discover additional resources and opportunities.  Learn more about the Peer Concentration Advisor program .

AB/SM Program

Our  AB/SM degree program  is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.

Requirements

Learn more about the  Mechanical Engineering requirements .

Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering Degree Courses

View current  Mechanical Engineering courses . 

Research Opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

As part of your Mechanical Engineering coursework, or perhaps as part of individual research opportunities working with professors, you will have the chance to take part in or participate in some extraordinary projects. Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEAS .

Learn about the research interests of our Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering faculty .

Mechanical Engineering Career Paths

Read about some of our Mechanical Engineering Alumni . 

Clubs and Organizations

SEAS-affiliated student organizations are critical to the overall growth of our concentrators as engineering and applied science professionals. These organizations enable our students to pursue passion projects and events in areas of interest that are complementary to the current formal academic curriculum.  Learn more about SEAS-affiliated student clubs and organizations .

In Materials Science & Mechanical Engineering

• Undergraduate Engineering at Harvard
• Concentration Requirements
• How to Declare
• Who are my Advisors?
• Sophomore Forum
• ABET Information
• Senior Thesis
• Research for Course Credit (ES 91R)
• AB/SM Information
• Peer Concentration Advisors (PCA) Program
• Student Organizations
• How to Apply
• PhD Timeline
• PhD Model Program (Course Guidelines)
• Qualifying Exam
• Committee Meetings
• Committee on Higher Degrees
• Research Interest Comparison
• Collaborations
• Cross-Harvard Engagement
• Clubs & Organizations
• Centers & Initiatives
• Alumni Stories
• History of Engineering Mechanics

• Future Student
• Admitted Student
• Parents and Families
• Industry Leader
• Current Student
• Faculty and Staff

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

About Mechanical Engineering

The B.S. in Mechanical Engineering combines quantitative, design and technical knowledge with hands-on skill in preparation for one of the world’s most versatile and in-demand professions. From nano-scaled innovations in medicine to the future of space flight, mechanical engineers design the future.

Careers in Mechanical Engineering

About 19,200 openings for mechanical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Salary Ranges

The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $99,510 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $64,560, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $157,470.

Curriculum 

The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree program is designed to provide a synergetic foundation in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering through broad educational experience. The program offers concentrations in Aerospace, Energy, Materials and Advanced Manufacturing,  Robotics, Automotive, Operations Research, Simulations, and Advanced Topics. The program seeks to inoculate an understanding of the fundamental principles of science and engineering by providing students with experiences in our hallmark design sequence with project-based learning activities and applied research opportunities.

Curriculum  

Concentrations in Mechanical Engineering

Students can design their own four-course concentration within the major based on their personal academic and professional pursuits. This unique combination of courses works in concert with other co- and extra-curricular activities, including research experiences, internships, and a wide variety of opportunities in our student organizations. Advanced Topics offers the student the flexibility in curriculum choices to grow with their changing interests as they look forward to graduation, graduate school, and their professional endeavors.

Aerospace focuses on industries in which engineers design or build aircraft, missiles, and systems for national defense, or spacecraft. Complementing your general mechanical engineering principles, you study subjects such as propulsion, stability and control, structures, mechanics, and aerodynamics, which is the study of how air interacts with moving objects. As you look forward, this provides you with additional courses to pursue career options at aerospace companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, Draken, etc., and may spark an interest in undergraduate research and advanced study in graduate school

Students engage in in-depth study of automotive engineering principles, focusing on vehicle design, propulsion systems, and advanced technologies. They gain hands-on experience through projects, learning to optimize vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency.

Energy in engineering is the study and application of thermal, electrical, and kinetic energy in the design and operation of mechanical systems. Energy-related projects undertaken by engineering students include the design of energy-efficient structures, the development of renewable energy systems such as wind and solar power, and the improvement of the energy efficiency of industrial equipment and machinery.

The field of materials and advanced manufacturing focuses on engineering composite materials with unique capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and versatility. The design of new smart materials and systems has major implications for the defense, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor industries. This concentration will give you a strong foundation in the fabrication, characterization, modeling, and prototyping of such materials.

Operations research focuses on modeling and solving operation efficiency challenges, and predicting and demonstrating value-added gains like cost savings. Professionals with expertise in this field are often found in environments with complex operations like ports and shipyards, where they are responsible for managing and improving traffic flow. If you like solving workflow problems and designing efficient systems, then this is the concentration for you.

Through focused coursework, students delve into robotics principles, learning about sensors, actuators, control systems, and artificial intelligence. They gain hands-on experience by designing and programming robotic prototypes, honing their skills in solving real-world challenges. The curriculum covers areas like robot kinematics, computer vision, and human-robot interaction.

Simulation in mechanical engineering is the modeling and analysis of the behavior of mechanical systems using computer software. Students of mechanical engineering focus on simulation-related challenges by studying simulation concepts and using software to develop and analyze models of mechanical systems.

Why Florida Poly?

The Internship Experience

Capstone Design

Alumni Making an Impact

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates are expected to be prepared with a solid academic foundation and professional skills that are essential in today’s workforce with the diversity and ever-evolving role of mechanical engineers.  Graduates are expected to attain the following within a few years of graduation.  

• Apply the fundamentals concepts of mathematics, science, technology, and mechanical engineering to solve real life problems of societal, global, environmental, and economic consequence.
• Achieve professional success cultivating collaboration with multidisciplinary team and constituencies through their technical knowledge, communication abilities and leaderships skills.
• Demonstrate on-going career development as adaptive and independent professionals pursuing opportunities in continuing professional education ranging from industry-related training to advanced degrees, with entrepreneurial spirit and, and an ethical responsibility to self and society.

Student Outcomes

Upon completion of the mechanical engineering degree program, students will attain the following outcomes to be ready to enter professional practice of engineering.

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that met specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
• An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informal judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
• An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
• An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.  

Meet the Faculty

Mary Vollaro

Gerardo Carbajal

Elisabeth Kames

Chris Kelley

Alexander Murphy

Musa Norouzian Reykandeh

Younggil Park

Edwar Romero-Ramirez

Sanna Siddiqui

Seyed Soltani

Daren Watson

Navindra Wijeyeratne

Samuel de Oliveira

Get involved outside the classroom.

Events & Activities

Dive into the thrilling campus life at Florida Poly. From Florida PolyCon (a comic-con like event), Purple Fire Week, poolside grill-outs and movie nights, to an annual 5K Pie Run, an epic Humans vs. Zombies Nerf gun war, and so much more. At Florida Poly, there is something for everyone and the small campus vibe makes it easy to get involved.  

University Teams

Student Clubs & Organizations

Campus Recreation

Mechanical engineering in the news.

Alum engineers multistate success with Whiting-Turner

Florida Poly professor receives NSF CAREER award to study revolutionary low-cost metal 3D printing process

Phoenix's aerospace career off to a flying start

Want to be a Phoenix? Get in touch with Admissions.

• Request Info
• Schedule a Visit

• Sakshi Post

SVVU Tirupati PhD Admission Notification 2024

Eligibility: Master of Science or an equivalent examination in Veterinary Science from SVVU/ ANGRAU or from an institution accredited by ICAR in the concerned field of specialization with at least 70% marks in the aggregate under traditional system of examination or an OGPA of 2.7 or above in 4.00 point scale or OGPA of 6.50 or above in 10.00 point scale in grade point system. In the case of SC, ST and PH candidates, 60% marks in the aggregate under traditional system in Master of Veterinary Science under traditional system or OGPA of 2.5 out of 4.00 or 6.00 out of 10.00 under Grade Point system.  The Basic Degree i.e. B.V.Sc & A.H. is essential. The candidates awaiting final thesis viva voce result may apply. But they have to produce provisional certificate on or before the date of counseling failing which they shall not be allowed for counseling / interview.

Age Limit: 50 years

Registration Fee: Rs.1400/-, (Rs.750/- in case of SC/ ST/ PH candidates).

How to Apply?

The completed application form along with all necessary documents should be forwarded to "The Registrar, SVVU, Administrative Office, Dr. Y.S.R. Bhavan, Tirupati – 517502"

Important Dates:

SVVU PhD Admission Notification 2024 PDF

• SVVU Tirupati Admission 2024
• SVVU Tirupati PhD Admission 2024
• PhD Admission 2024
• Latest Admission 2024
• Admission 2024

Photo Stories

Top 10 Mechanical Engineering Colleg..

Top 10 Computer Science Engineering ..

Top 10 Tricks for students to improv..

Top 9 Bad habits that ruin a student..

More articles.

SVVU Tirupati M.V.Sc Admission Notification 2024

PVNRTVU Hyderabad PhD Admission Notification 2024

PVNRTVU Hyderabad MVSc Admission Notification 2024

MANUU Hyderabad Diploma Admission Notification 2024

MANUU Hyderabad Certificate Programs 2024

MANUU Hyderabad UG Admission Notification 2024

Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) Balvatika Admission 2024-25

MJP AP BC RJC CET 2024: Notification for Intermediate Admission

TS PGECET 2024 Notification out: Apply Now!

ICMR NIN M.Sc Admission 2024 Notification: Check Impartment Dates

Class 5 Admission in AP BC Welfare Schools

TSWR- Fine Arts School Common Entrance Test (CET) 2024

KVS Admission 2024-25: Key Dates, Age Limits, and Selection Lists