Create a free account to unlock full content!
By registering, you agree to our Privacy Statement and Terms and Conditions.
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2027-01-01 | - |
| 2027-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is a doctoral degree program offered by the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Vermont.
Type of Degree
The degree offered is a Ph.D.
School or College
The program is housed in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
Area of Study
The area of study is Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Program Format
The program format is On-campus, Full-time.
Credit Hours to Graduate
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy requires a minimum of 75 credits to be earned in coursework and dissertation research. All Ph.D. candidates must assist in teaching at least one full semester and complete a doctoral dissertation consisting of original research and of sufficient quality to merit publication in peer-reviewed conference proceedings and/or archival journals.
Program Overview
The program seeks to attract excellent and motivated students who aspire to learn by research. Students entering the program have generally received a master's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field in engineering. Applicants with other backgrounds outside engineering will be evaluated individually and may be required to first complete undergraduate technical coursework in the first semester. Part-time study leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is also possible for engineers who are employed in the vicinity. Applications are accepted from the United States and around the world. For international applicants, an English Proficiency Examination (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) is required.
Concentrations
Currently, the program offers areas of specialization in:
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials
- Control and Design of Mechanical Systems
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Thermodynamics, Fluids, and Energy
- Computational Mechanics
Curriculum
The curriculum is continuously updated to address modern topics in mechanical engineering and to offer a breadth of courses that makes studying in the program more flexible. Most graduate students are full-time and actively engaged in research projects with one or two faculty mentors who will be dedicated to their success.
Deadlines
Applications are evaluated based on transcript information, statement of purpose, English Proficiency Examination (if applicable), and recommendation letters. The deadlines for application submission are:
- January 1 for fall admissions
- October 1 for spring admissions
Admissions
The Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in mechanical engineering. Each student must meet the general requirements for admission as outlined under the regulations of the University of Vermont Graduate College. Typically, students entering the program have received a master's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely-related field. Applicants with other backgrounds will be evaluated individually and may be asked to complete prescribed undergraduate technical coursework.
Specific Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
An accredited master's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Completion of the general (aptitude) portion of the Graduate Record Examination is required.
Outcomes
Outcomes for the Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering include:
- Having an in-depth understanding of the foundational concepts in the field of study.
- Being skilled at communicating technical results in both oral and written form.
- Having a comprehensive knowledge of the literature relevant to the research or seminar topic.
- Having a detailed knowledge of the research methodologies relevant to the research or seminar topic.
- Having advanced-level breadth in areas complementary to a major field of study.
- Being able to independently design and conduct research projects.
Costs and Funding
A limited number of funded graduate research and graduate teaching assistantships (GRA or GTA) are available in the department each year and will be offered based on merit, research fit, and continuity of progress to Ph.D. students and some M.S. students.
Faculty and Research
The success of the graduate program is built on a distinguished faculty whose research is recognized nationally and internationally through innovation, dissemination of knowledge in high-impact journals, and research awards.
Related Programs
Related programs include:
- M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
- CEMS Interdisciplinary Programs
- CEMS Student Services
- Career Coaching
Career Opportunities
Popular mechanical engineering careers include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Contracting Civil Engineer
- Control and Instrumentation Engineer
- Maintenance Engineer
- Nuclear Engineer
Some of the companies where alumni work include:
- IBM
- Chrysler
- NASA
- General Dynamics
- General Electric
- Monsanto
- Mariner Petrochemical
- Ford Motor Co.
- Microstrain
- BioTek Instruments