Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in mechanical engineering emphasizes original research and stresses a sound foundation in technical fundamentals, communication, and professionalism. To this end, a broad-based curriculum is offered 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.

Program Description

• Degree awarded: PHD Mechanical Engineering
• The program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months, which can help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S.

At a Glance

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation
• 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)
• 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

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• 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:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Personal statement
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of English proficiency
• 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.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Priority deadline is December 31
• Spring: Priority deadline is August 1

Career 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. Career examples include:

• Engineer
• Engineering manager or director
• Engineering professor
• Research engineer

Research Areas

The program offers a broad-based curriculum in:

• Design
• System dynamics and control
• Fluid mechanics and aerodynamics
• Mechanics and dynamics of solids and structures
• Transport phenomena
• Thermodynamics
• Energy