Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering is a graduate program designed to provide advanced training in both mechanical and nuclear engineering. The program aims to prepare graduates for research and teaching careers in areas such as energy production, nuclear waste transport, storage, and disposal, and the development of new mechanical devices for use in nuclear medicine.

Program Mission

The Ph.D. curriculum will provide graduate-level training in both mechanical and nuclear engineering. Graduates of the program will be prepared for research and teaching careers in areas such as energy production, nuclear waste transport, storage, and disposal, and the development of new mechanical devices for use in nuclear medicine.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program has the following student learning outcomes:

1. Apply advanced knowledge of mathematics, science, or engineering: Graduates will demonstrate an ability to apply advanced knowledge of mathematics, science, or engineering.
2. Communicate effectively: Graduates will demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively.
3. Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems: Graduates will demonstrate an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the mechanical and nuclear engineering Ph.D. program are:

1. Proof of graduation from an accredited college or university with either a bachelor's or a master's degree in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a related discipline with a minimum grade point average of 3.0
2. Demonstration of proficiency in spoken and written English
3. Submission of results of the Graduate Record Examination (minimum score for admission to be established annually by the MNE graduate committee)
4. Submission of at least three letters of recommendation from former instructors or other individuals qualified to evaluate the applicant's ability to engage in graduate study in mechanical and nuclear engineering
5. Submission of a written statement of purpose that clearly demonstrates commitment to a career in mechanical and nuclear engineering

Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. degree will require a minimum of 68 credit hours beyond the B.S. degree or a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the M.S. degree. Students may enter the Ph.D. program with either a B.S. or M.S. degree.

Transfer Policy

Transfer courses must be approved by the MNE graduate committee and must fulfill all requirements of the VCU Graduate School.

Doctoral Comprehensive Oral Examination Guidelines

A comprehensive oral examination is used to determine admission of graduate students to Ph.D. candidacy in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering. The exam is administered by the graduate examination committee and has the following goals:

1. Assessing the student's understanding of MNE foundational material at the Ph.D. level
2. Evaluating the student's critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
3. Determining the student's ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively

Research Adviser and Graduate Dissertation Committee

Students will be expected to select a research adviser and dissertation committee within 12 months of enrollment in the Ph.D. program.

Proposal Presentation Exam

Within nine months after passing the qualifying examination, the student will submit one copy of an original dissertation research proposal based upon their proposed research project to each member of his or her dissertation committee.

Publication Requirement

A Ph.D. student appearing for the final defense in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering must provide evidence of a minimum of two manuscripts accepted for publication in peer-reviewed archival journals recognized by the ISI Web of Science at the time of defense.

Dissertation Defense

No earlier than six months after passing the oral candidacy examination, the student will defend the dissertation in an open forum administered by the dissertation committee.

Time Limit

It is anticipated that students entering with a B.S. will complete the program in four years from the time the student passes the qualifying examination. Students must be continuously enrolled in the program (minimum of one credit hour per semester). All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within six years of passing the qualifying examination.

Curriculum Requirements

The curriculum requirements for students entering with a B.S. degree are:

• Core courses: 15 credit hours
• Technical elective component: 21 credit hours
• Directed research component: 24 credit hours
• Seminar component: 8 credit hours The total minimum credit hours required for this degree is 68.

The curriculum requirements for students entering with an M.S. degree are:

• Core courses: 9 credit hours
• Directed research component: 24 credit hours
• Seminar component: 3 credit hours The total minimum credit hours required for this degree is 36.