Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Florida Tech is a research-driven program that provides students with an intimate learning environment where professors mentor and collaborate with students as professionals. Class sizes are small, and the environment promotes innovative, independent thinking to develop graduates who are positioned for leadership.

Dedicated, Experienced Faculty

Each faculty member is a professional engineer who has experience in real-world design and research. Professors conduct a wide range of research interests in instrumentation and control, mechatronics, robotics, biomechanics, computer-aided design, alternative energy, and more. Mechanical engineering PhD students can contribute to these projects and often publish their findings in respected research journals.

Customized Degree Options

Five areas of specialization are offered to students in the mechanical engineering PhD program:

• Automotive engineering
• Dynamic systems: robotics and controls
• Hydrogen and fuel cell technology
• Solid mechanics and materials
• Thermal fluid sciences Prior to beginning the program, candidates map out their own course of study with a faculty mentor whose professional field is aligned to the student's career goals and interests.

Extensive Research Facilities

The university's reputation is built on a solid record of engineering and research excellence. Research facilities and infrastructure where students conduct state-of-the-art research include:

• National Center for Hydrogen Research
• Florida Center for Automotive Research
• Institute for Energy Systems
• Wireless Center of Excellence
• College of Engineering Center for Space Commercialization
• Wind and Hurricane Impacts Research Laboratory
• Laser, Optics, and Instrumentation Laboratory
• Low-Speed Wind Tunnel
• Dynamic Systems and Controls Laboratory
• Drop Tower
• Shaker Table
• Materials Testing Machine
• Composite Manufacturing Lab
• Cascade Tunnel
• Laser Optics and Instrumentation Laboratory
• Robotics and Spatial Systems Laboratory
• Thermal Plasma Spray and High Heat-Flux Testing Laboratories
• Automotive Engineering Testing Laboratory

Important Research Projects

Mechanical engineering PhD students often collaborate with numerous organizations on research projects, including:

• NASA
• Department of Energy
• Department of Defense
• Florida Department of Transportation
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Air Force Research Laboratory

Great Florida Location

The program is located in the heart of Florida's Space Coast, in the middle of one of the nation's largest high-tech workforces.

Excellent Career Potential

Graduates find a wide range of career options with a degree from Florida Tech's mechanical engineering PhD program. Mechanical engineers work in industries such as:

• Aerospace
• Electronics
• Railway
• Government and defense
• Materials and metals
• Construction
• Automotive Demand for mechanical engineers is growing, with new job opportunities in alternative energy, nanotechnology, and automotive. Employers such as Harris Corp., GE, the US Air Force, and Pratt & Whitney have hired Florida mechanical engineering graduates.