Curriculum for PhD Degree
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a research-based degree. Coursework is designed to provide the technical foundation needed to support each student’s dissertation research. Students develop a course plan in consultation with their research adviser and record the plan in the Graduate Planning and Audit System (GPAS).
The degree requires 36 graduate-level coursework credits and at least 24 doctoral thesis credits, including:
- Four core courses selected from the department’s foundational areas:
- Controls and system dynamics
- Design and manufacturing
- Fluid mechanics
- Reacting systems
- Thermodynamics and heat transfer
- At least 12 credits at the 8000 level within the College of Science and Engineering
- One mathematics course
- One research and professional ethics course
- Two or three graduate seminar credits
At least two of the four core courses must be selected from the same foundational area. Students may also apply up to 12 credits toward a designated minor, subject to university and program requirements.
In addition to completing coursework and dissertation research, PhD students must fulfill the department’s qualifying examination, preliminary examination, and final dissertation requirements.
For detailed requirements, consult the Graduate Handbook. For information about applying and funding opportunities, visit the PhD admissions and funding page.