Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Program

Who Should Apply

We welcome applicants who hold a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering and biomedical engineering; possess a strong academic background; and have demonstrated an aptitude for advanced study and research. Exceptionally well-qualified applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field may be considered for direct admission to the Ph.D. program.

Note that applicants who would like to be considered for assistantships or fellowships must apply by February 1 for consideration for the fall semester.

Program Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.5, from an accredited institution

• Official college transcripts

• Two letters of recommendation

• Resume or curriculum vitae

• A statement of purpose

• For international students: An excellent TOEFL/IELTS score*

• A competitive GRE or GMAT score (required for both part-time and full-time applicants)

• View General Admissions Requirements >

*International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not obtained prior degrees from a U.S. institution are required to provide TOEFL scores.

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For information about fellowships and assistantships, contact Graduate Admissions. Contact >

Mechanical Engineering Doctoral Program Curriculum Overview

Coursework in the Mechanical Engineering doctoral program is supplemented by advanced research alongside Stevens’ faculty. The program is helpful in preparation for Professional Engineering (PE) Certification. A doctoral dissertation based on the results of original research, carried out under the guidance of a faculty member and defended in a public examination, is a major component of the doctoral program.

By the end of this program, students will be able to:

• Model and simulate mechanical engineering problems using multi-physics analysis tools

• Perform experimental research in major mechanical engineering fields including fluid, thermal, structural and materials

• Lead cutting edge research and solve real-world complex problems in mechanical engineering related areas

• Work in a research team environment and collaborate with others

Degree Requirements

To receive a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, a minimum of 84 credits of graduate work in an approved program of study are required beyond the bachelor's degree; this may include up to 30 credits obtained in a master's degree program. The preliminary requirements for the doctorate are regarded not as ends in themselves, but rather as preparation for the dissertation in which the student demonstrates ability.

Each Ph.D. curriculum must also adhere to the institute wide standards listed in the academic catalog.

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Qualifying Examination

After being enrolled in the doctoral program for at least one year, students will be required to successfully complete a qualifying examination. This two-part examination, which is intended to test comprehension of introductory level graduate material and assess research aptitude, is usually administered during the fall semester.

Doctoral Dissertation and Advisory Committee

Following successful passage of the qualifying examination, students will be required to defend a Dissertation Proposal within two years from enrollment into the doctoral program. The doctoral dissertation must be based upon original investigation, approved by the graduate committee of the department and must represent a contribution to the state of the art worthy of publication in the peer-reviewed literature.

Before receiving the doctoral degree, students must also satisfy the requirements for residence and publication of the dissertation.

Students accepted into the program must select an Advisor to assist in defining a study plan, selecting a dissertation topic and forming a Doctoral Committee. Courses are selected to develop skills in a particular area of interest. While this course work is necessary to develop the knowledge and skills of the profession, the most important aspect of the course selection is the original research topic. The subject of the doctoral dissertation is open to a wide range of particular choices within the broad range of mechanical engineering disciplines.

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If you have existing graduate credits or experience in this area of study, please contact [email protected] to discuss opportunities to include it in the curriculum.