Program Overview

Mechanical Engineering PhD Program

The Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Case Western Reserve University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in academia, industry, or government labs. With a rich history dating back to 1887, the Case School of Engineering has a proven track record of training researchers who advance the field of mechanical engineering to improve human lives.

About the Program

The five-year PhD program in Mechanical Engineering allows students to hone their expertise through a rigorous curriculum, specializing in topics such as dynamics, control, and manufacturing; fluids and thermal sciences; or solid mechanics. The program focuses on blending a mastery of mechanical engineering fundamentals with creativity, societal awareness, and leadership skills to produce leaders who can solve pressing problems.

What to Expect

The curriculum is designed to cultivate a research-intensive environment, tackling a wide range of topics from data analytics integration to the dynamics of rotating machinery, additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, robotics, combustion, heat transfer, and more. Recent innovations include the development of a portable device for detecting sickle cell anemia in low-resource settings and a biohybrid robot that combines 3-D-printed parts with sea slug muscle to create a cyborg-esque bot capable of traveling further than traditional robots.

Beyond the Classroom

The program places a high value on experiential learning, providing students with the opportunity to curate their ideas into products. The seven-story, 50,000-square-foot Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears think[box] is the largest open-access innovation center at a university in the United States, offering design and ideation resources, prototyping and fabrication equipment, business and legal expertise, and more.

By the Numbers

• Ranked #52 in engineering schools by U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked #47 in mechanical engineering by U.S. News & World Report
• Ranked #18 in the world for innovation by Index

Admission Requirements

To pursue this degree, students must successfully pass a qualifying examination consisting of both written and oral components, with qualifying exams offered in applied mechanics, dynamics and design, or fluid and thermal engineering sciences. Admission requirements include:

• Completed online application
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Statement of purpose
• Current resume/CV
• Transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation
• Results of TOEFL or IELTS exam (waiver available)