Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

Program Overview

The UCF Mechanical Engineering PhD program delves into advanced study and research in Mechanical Systems and Thermofluids. Candidates with a Master's or Bachelor's degree in relevant fields can expect comprehensive coursework and assessments (Qualifying, Candidacy, and Dissertation Defense exams). The program requires 72 credit hours beyond a Bachelor's or 42 beyond a Master's, includes a seminar course and dissertation committee formation, and involves an equipment fee of $90/$45 per semester for full-/part-time students, respectively.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Mechanical Engineering PhD program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed for students with a master's or bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline. The program focuses on in-depth study and research in two areas: Mechanical Systems and Thermofluids. The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and research skills in these areas.

Assessment:

The program includes several examinations:

• Qualifying Examination: This exam is taken early in the program and assesses the student's foundational knowledge in Mechanical Engineering.
• Candidacy Examination: This exam is taken near the end of coursework and involves a written and oral presentation of a research proposal.
• Dissertation Defense Examination: This is an oral examination taken in defense of the written dissertation.

Careers:

The program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field.

Other:

• The program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours beyond a bachelor's degree and 42 credit hours beyond a master's degree.
• At least 39 hours of the program of study must consist of formal coursework, exclusive of directed research, doctoral research, and independent study.
• The remaining hours can be chosen by the student in consultation with their advisor and dissertation committee.
• The program includes a seminar course (EML 5090) that all MAE graduate students pursuing a PhD dissertation are required to take for four semesters.
• The program requires the formation of a dissertation committee consisting of at least four members: three from the MAE department and one from outside the department.
• The program requires the student to pass a PhD Qualifying Examination, establish a Doctoral Advisory Committee, and submit a departmentally approved Program of Study.
• Students must register for the seminar course a minimum of four times during their graduate career in the doctoral program.
• Students in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled.
Part-time students pay $45 per semester.