Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy

The PhD is a terminal degree beyond the MS and focuses on engineering research. Students are expected to advance the state of the art in their specialty by original and creative work. A MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or other closely related engineering or applied sciences fields is required for admission to the PhD degree program. A 3.5 GPA or better in the MS work is generally required for admission. In cases where it is unclear that the required MS specialization has been satisfied, the MS degree requirements of the preceding section will define the necessary reparation. The same criterion is used when the MS degree is in other engineering disciplines. Students with a BS degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and a GPA of 3.5 or better may apply directly for admission to the PhD program. Students have to take a written and oral departmental qualifying examination within the first two offerings of the exam after the date they join the doctoral program.

The general credit requirements for the PhD degree (beyond the BS degree and including MS degree credits) are:

Studies for the PhD degree must be completed in five 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.

Once the dissertation is begun (after the student passes the PhD Qualifying Exam and forms a PhD Guidance Committee), the student must register for at least 3 credits of ME 999X PhD Dissertation in Mechanical Engineering  each fall and spring semester. Actual registration should reflect the pace of the work and the activity of the student. 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 two consecutive terms affects whether a student will be permitted to continue doctoral work. Students are required to present the progress in their dissertation work to their guidance committees at least once a year.

Details on the PhD degree requirements and additional requirements can be found in the departmental pamphlet on the topic.