Mechanical Engineering, PhD
Advance the field of mechanical engineering through original research that expands fundamental knowledge and drives innovation in energy systems, robotics, materials and manufacturing. Prepare to move from applying engineering principles to creating them, positioning yourself for leadership in academia, industry and research.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Doctor of Philosophy program in mechanical engineering provides you with original research and a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication and professionalism. To this end, you have access to a broad-based curriculum 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.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
84 credit hours 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)
qualifying exams
written and oral comprehensive exams
prospectus
dissertation
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)
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants must 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: Additional Application Information 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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in engineering and science coursework in a bachelor's or master's degree program. 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.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates of the PhD program have 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 the field of mechanical engineering are also valued for other nonengineering positions.
Career examples include:
- engineer
- engineering manager or director
- engineering professor
- research engineer
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
