Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D.)

The Department offers a Doctor of Philosophy degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. Within this degree program, students can choose among various areas of focus.

Program Overview

The Department's doctoral program is a research-focused degree program with the objective of preparing students for a life of scholarship in their field of interest. Central to the program is original thesis research, which substantially advances the state-of-the-art in the field. Coursework to strengthen the command of the chosen discipline and enhance mathematical skills is also required.

Thesis research is directed by the thesis advisor, with input from a small committee of faculty, which is selected for their expertise in the chosen field of study. Students will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and contribute to our effort to advance basic and applied sciences.

We welcome students with outstanding records who will also have the motivation and drive to become leaders in their chosen field of study.

Doctoral Degree Program Requirements

There are three distinct phases in the program of doctoral study in MAE. These are:

1. the period of preparation for the qualifying examination;
2. the qualifying examination; and
3. the period after admission to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree during which the student performs research leading to the doctoral dissertation.

Overall, direct-to-Ph.D. students should complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and 18 credit hours of research. Students who enter the program with an M.S. degree should complete a minimum of 12 credit hours of coursework and 18 credit hours of research.

Areas of Focus

• Aerospace Engineering
• Design & Manufacturing of Mechanical and Aerospace Systems
• Fluid Mechanics, Thermal Sciences, and Energy
• Solid Mechanics, Materials Science, and Tissue Engineering
• Robotics, Mechatronics & Controls

Ph.D. Admissions Requirements

All applicants to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program at the School of Engineering & Applied Science must meet the admissions requirements for entry.

Applicants must provide the following materials to be considered for any graduate program at SEAS:

1. Complete online application form
2. Transcripts
3. GRE exam scores
   • International applicants: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores
4. Letters of Recommendation
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Resume/CV
7. Application Fee

English Language Exam Requirements

• All visa-seeking international applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores to SEAS to be considered for admission.
• Please provide only your most recent test scores. Scores may not be more than two years old.

Minimum Score Requirements

IELTS

• 6.0 overall with no individual score below 5.0.
• Applicants to the graduate programs in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering or Data Analytics are required to have a minimum score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.
• Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have an overall band score of 7.0 with no individual score below 6.0.

TOEFL

• 80 on the Internet exam (iBT) or 550 on the paper exam
• Applicants to the graduate programs in Engineering Management, Systems Engineering or Data Analytics are required to have a minimum score of 100 on the Internet exam.
• Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have a 600 on the paper-based exam or 100 on the Internet-based exam.

PTE Academic

• 53. Applicants who would like to be considered for funding opportunities must have a minimum score of 68.

Exceptions

Exceptions are granted to applicants who:

• Hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction AND the official language of the country in which the university is located

• Hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an institution located in a country that qualifies for the English language exam exemption.