Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D.
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree
Overview
The mechanical and industrial engineering doctoral program produces graduates with a depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering while allowing students to engage in cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research. The flexible mechanical and industrial engineering curriculum encourages students to gain domain-specific knowledge from courses offered throughout the college’s portfolio of engineering programs. The curriculum, coupled with the depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering disciplines, creates graduates who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing societal and industrial challenges.
Why Pursue a Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Ph.D. at RIT?
- STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.
- AWARE-AI Research Opportunity: Provides hands-on experience in responsible AI research, guided by expert faculty, and enhanced by career-focused mentorship and development opportunities.
- Future-Focused Curriculum: Provides a dynamic program designed by academic and industry leaders to integrate formal education with state-of-the-art research and best practices from industry.
- Top-Notch Faculty: Work side-by-side with experienced faculty conducting research on contemporary problems.
Research
- AWARE-AI NSF Research Traineeship Program: The AWARE-AI National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program provides a unique opportunity to RIT's graduate students, who are poised to become future research leaders in developing responsible, human-aware AI technologies.
- Research Assistantships: Research assistantships are available to doctoral students.
Faculty
- Dan Phillips: Associate Professor
- Rob Stevens: Associate Professor
- Denis Cormier: Professor
Featured Work and Profiles
- Engineering Self-Healing into 3D Printing to Enhance Sustainability
- Visual and Tactile Perception in Inspection of Machined Surfaces
- Fabricating carbon nanotube arrays for more accessible cancer treatments
- Unlocking the Future of Compressor Maintenance with Condition Monitoring
- Paving the Way for Sustainable Lubrication Solutions in Industry
- Revolutionizing Heat Dissipation for Data Centers
Facilities
- Knorr-Bremse Mechatronics Laboratory
- Machine Shop
- Computational Design, Interfacing, Manufacturing and Education Lab
Curriculum
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence
- First Year:
- ENGR-701: Inter-disciplinary Research Methods
- ENGR-702: Translating Discovery into Practice
- MIEP-795: Doctoral Seminar
- MIEP-892: Graduate Research
- Engineering Foundation Electives
- Discipline Concentration
- Second Year:
- MIEP-795: Doctoral Seminar
- MIEP-892: Graduate Research
- Discipline Concentration
- Focus Area Electives
- Third Year:
- MIEP-890: Dissertation and Research
Electives
- Engineering Foundation Electives:
- MECE-707/ENGR-707: Engineering Analysis
- MECE-709/ENGR-709: Advanced Engineering Mathematics
- ISEE-601: Systems Modeling and Optimization
- ISEE-760: Design of Experiments
- ISEE-771: Engineering of Systems I
Admissions and Financial Aid
- Admit Term(s): Fall
- Application Deadline: December 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter
- STEM Designated: Yes
Application Details
- Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose for research
- Two letters of recommendation
- GRE required (no minimum requirement)
- English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic) if required
Cost and Financial Aid
- Tuition: Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).
Resources
- MIE-PHD Student Manual
- MIE-PHD Request for Qualifying Exam
- MIE-PHD Advisory Committee Request Form
- MIE-PhD Request for Candidacy Exam
- MIE-PHD Request for Research Review Meeting Form
- MIE-PHD Request for Dissertation Defense
- MIE-PHD Independent Study Proposal
- Kate Gleason College of Engineering Graduate Student Handbook
Program Outline
The mechanical and industrial engineering doctorate program produces graduates with a depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering while allowing students to engage in cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research. The flexible curriculum encourages students to gain domain-specific knowledge from courses offered throughout the college’s portfolio of engineering programs. The curriculum, coupled with the depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering disciplines, creates graduates who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing societal and industrial challenges. The program develops world-class researchers who can capitalize on the most promising discoveries and innovations to develop interdisciplinary solutions for real-world challenges.
The mechanical and industrial Ph.D. requires students to address fundamental technical problems of national and global importance for the 21st century. The program finds its roots in tackling global problems in energy, transportation, health care, communications, and manufacturing. The mechanical and industrial engineering departments offer a broad range of technological research strengths including additive and advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, robotics and mechatronics, heat transfer and thermo-fluids, simulation, modeling and optimization, ergonomics, biomimetic systems, wearable sensors, health care data analytics, prognostics and fault detection, and energy systems. Students collaborate with faculty advisors to build on these technological strengths to solve problems of global significance in order to prepare them, and for careers in both industry and academia.
Students are also interested in: Mechanical Engineering MS, Industrial and Systems Engineering MS, Sustainable Engineering MS
Research
Visit the research profiles on the industrial and systems engineering department and mechanical engineering department websites for an overview of research opportunities and to learn about our faculty members as well as research advisors in the program. For assistance in identifying faculty working in your intended area of research, please contact the program director.
AWARE-AI NSF Research Traineeship Program
The AWARE-AI National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program provides a unique opportunity to RIT's graduate students, who are poised to become future research leaders in developing responsible, human-aware AI technologies.
Students in the mechanical and industrial engineering doctorate program are eligible to apply for traineeships in the AWARE-AI NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) Program. Trainees experience convergent AI research guided by accomplished RIT faculty who work in cross-disciplinary research tracks. In addition to high-touch mentoring, students also engage in curated, career-advancement activities. Learn more about the benefits of the trainee program, including training opportunities, application requirements, and deadlines.
Research Assistantships
Research assistantships are available to doctoral students. Learn more about the college's research assistantship opportunities and how you can apply.
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai)
Overview:
Rochester Institute of Technology (Dubai) is a branch campus of the renowned Rochester Institute of Technology in the United States. Located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, a special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, RIT Dubai offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including engineering, business, computing, and design. The institution is committed to providing students with a high-quality American education in a dynamic and international setting.
Services Offered:
RIT Dubai provides a wide array of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support Center:
- Offers tutoring, study skills workshops, and other resources to enhance academic performance.
Advising Resources:
- Provides guidance on academic planning, career exploration, and personal development.
Health and Wellness:
- Offers access to healthcare services, counseling, and wellness programs.
Athletics and Recreation:
- Provides opportunities for students to participate in sports, fitness activities, and recreational programs.
Student Leadership:
- Encourages student involvement in clubs, organizations, and leadership initiatives.
Student Accommodation:
- Offers on-campus housing options for students.
Parking and Transportation:
- Provides parking facilities and transportation services for students.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
RIT Dubai fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus community where students can engage in a variety of activities and experiences, including:
Student Life at RIT Dubai:
- Offers opportunities for students to connect with peers, participate in social events, and explore cultural activities.
New Student Orientation:
- Provides a welcoming introduction to campus life and resources.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Offers students practical work experience through co-op and internship opportunities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
American Degree:
- RIT Dubai offers a true American degree, recognized globally for its quality and rigor.
State-of-the-Art Campus:
- The campus features modern facilities and technology to support learning and research.
Co-op and Internship Program:
- Provides students with valuable work experience and career development opportunities.
Study Abroad Options:
- Offers students the chance to study at other RIT campuses or partner institutions around the world.
Global Connectivity:
- RIT Dubai is located in a dynamic and international hub, providing students with diverse perspectives and networking opportunities.
Academic Programs:
RIT Dubai offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media Design
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science in Computing and Information Technologies
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership and Innovation
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Future Foresight and Planning
- Masters of Science in Engineering Management
- Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Data Analytics
- Masters of Science in Professional Studies: Smart Cities
- Masters of Science in Cybersecurity
- Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
Other:
- RIT Dubai has a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, with dedicated labs and centers supporting student projects and research.
- The institution boasts a diverse student body representing over 75 nationalities, creating a rich and multicultural learning environment.
- RIT Dubai has a high employability rate, with over 80% of graduates securing employment within six months of graduation.
- The institution has a strong network of alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career support.
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Additive Manufacturing and Multifunctional Printing (AMPrint) Center
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Interdisciplinary Manufacturing Engineering and Design Lab
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Knorr-Bremse Mechatronics Laboratory