Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.)

Program Overview

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The Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program at the University of New Hampshire offers six concentrations, providing students with a deep understanding of a core area and broader knowledge in related fields. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and communication abilities, preparing graduates for careers in research, design, manufacturing, and academia. Students must maintain a high GPA, pass a qualifying exam, form a doctoral committee, and complete an original dissertation to earn the degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Description:

The Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D.) program at the University of New Hampshire offers specialization in the following six concentrations:

• Fluid Dynamics and Thermal science
• Solid Mechanics
• Materials Science
• Design and Manufacturing
• Dynamic Systems and Control
• Ocean Engineering

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Objectives:

• To provide students with a deep understanding of at least one core area of Mechanical Engineering.
• To provide students with a broader understanding of 1-2 areas of Mechanical Engineering that are different from the area of research of the student's thesis.
• To develop students' critical thinking and creative abilities in defining research questions and outlining strategies of inquiry.
• To enhance students' ability to document research outcomes comprehensively for publication.
• To develop students' ability to communicate research results to scientific audiences in conferences.
• To foster students' ability to work collaboratively with other peers.

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Outline:

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Course Requirements:

• Students entering with a B.S.
degree must complete at least twelve 3- or 4-credit courses, with five at the 900 level.
• Students entering with an M.S.
degree in engineering are required to take a minimum of five 3- or 4-credit courses, with three at the 900 level.
• Further course requirements are determined by the student's area of concentration and guidance committee.

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Qualifying Examination:

• The qualifying examination is administered by the student's guidance committee.
• Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, the student may advance to candidacy.

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Doctoral Committee:

• A doctoral committee is appointed once candidacy has been attained.
• The committee must be composed of a minimum of five members, usually three from the student's major department and two from related departments.

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Dissertation:

• Each Ph.D. candidate must conduct research of sufficient originality and significance to warrant the awarding of the Ph.D. degree.
• The final examination (oral defense) is the defense of the student's dissertation.

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Assessment:

• Students are required to maintain a “B” average (3.00 GPA) with no grade below “B-” in all coursework.

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Teaching:

• All full-time graduate students are required to attend a weekly Mechanical Engineering Graduate Seminar.
• Students are required to make one presentation per year at the seminar.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Research and development engineer
• Design engineer
• Manufacturing engineer
• Technical consultant
• Professor