Degree Requirements
The doctoral degree is the highest degree offered and recognizes scholarly contributions and impact of the candidate to their chosen field of study. The degree culminates with the successful defense of a dissertation. A minimum of 72 graduate credits must be earned for the Ph.D. degree with the following requirements:
Mechanical Engineering Core (15 Credits)
Any 500 or above level ME course as well as specific non-ME courses approved by the graduate committee. These courses are grouped according to disciplinary area emphasis to help student decide which courses to take based on interest.
Mathematics/Statistics (6 Credits)
Any 300-level or higher Math or Statistics class labeled “non-major graduate credit” (EXCEPT Math 307 and Math 317) will count towards this requirement. Non-Math/Stat courses with strong math or statistics content that are approved by the graduate education committee may also count towards this requirement. See approved courses.
Electives (18 Credits)
500 or higher level ME courses, 300 and higher level courses outside ME labeled “non-major graduate credit.” Taking courses outside of ME is strongly encouraged. As part of meeting their electives, students are encouraged to take at least one course that addresses skill sets aimed at professional development (e.g. teaching/research program building, project management, globalization, engineering law, communication etc.) for academia and/or industrial positions.
Research (33 Credits)
ME 699.
Additional Requirements
- Up to 12 credits of Independent Study (ME 590/690) may be included in the Program of Study to count towards the 39 total course credits. These credits will by default count towards the electives.
- Students must also complete the M E Graduate Seminar (M E 600) requirement each semester.
