Are you interested in becoming an expert in mechanical engineering? Use our comprehensive guide to the best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering to find the right school and program for you. In addition to all the essential details of each PhD in Mechanical Engineering program, we will also give you tips for getting accepted into your chosen program and how to pay for it.
In addition, you can explore your career options with our comprehensive career outlook for mechanical engineering PhD holders. We’ve included the best mechanical engineering jobs for experts in the field and the average PhD in Mechanical Engineering salary you can expect to make in each of these positions.
What Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering is a terminal degree in the field of mechanical engineering, which is the study of the theory and practice of how machines work. With this degree, mechanical engineers acquire expert-level knowledge and skills to design, develop, and build mechanical and thermal systems.
The mechanical engineering profession also requires testing these systems to make sure they function optimally. Mechanical engineers apply the science of matter, energy, motion, and change to machines that improve our lives.
How to Get Into a Mechanical Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The requirements to get into a mechanical engineering PhD program vary. Some of the typical requirements for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering program include an online application and paying an application fee. Most likely you will also need to have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering as a minimum education requirement.
Most programs require that you submit a personal statement, an updated resume, and letters of recommendation. International students usually have to complete a TOEFL, an IELTS, or an equivalent English proficiency exam and earn a minimum score. Some schools have a residency requirement that may need to be considered when planning for your PhD program.
In addition, most schools have qualifying exams that you must pass, as well, and you must provide transcripts from previous education. Further, some programs require you to complete specific coursework before beginning your PhD program.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
- Personal statement, updated resume, letters of recommendation
- TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent with minimum score requirements (international students)
Mechanical Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Mechanical Engineering?
It is fairly hard to get into a PhD program in mechanical engineering. Some schools are very strict when it comes to whom they will accept into their program. Entrance into mechanical engineering PhD programs requires a specific level of knowledge and skills, so there is a qualifying exam in most cases.
The good news is that if you have advanced knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, and you strategically plan your application, you will have a much easier time getting accepted into engineering school.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Auburn University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Binghamton University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Boston University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | Yes |
| California Institute of Technology | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Clarkson University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Johns Hopkins University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| Texas Tech University | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| University of Colorado Boulder | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
| University of Michigan | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | No |
Best Universities for Mechanical Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering
The best universities for mechanical engineering PhDs are reputable for preparing graduates to become experts in their field. Doctoral degree holders in mechanical engineering develop machines that have a positive impact on transportation, medicine, robotics, and climate change, among other fields critical to human health and happiness.
If you’ve begun looking into where to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering to acquire advanced engineering skills and knowledge, look no further. Here are 10 of the best PhDs in Mechanical Engineering and more details about the schools that offer them.
Arizona State University (ASU) was founded in 1886 and today provides over 450 graduate programs in higher education. The school offers 20 PhD degrees in engineering and among them is the mechanical engineering PhD. ASU reports that 91 percent of its graduates are employed 90 days after graduation.
Since 2003, research at ASU has led to over 4,100 invention disclosures and more than 980 US patents. In addition, startups based on ASU intellectual property have resulted in more than $833 million in investment capital.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This is an 84-credit mechanical engineering program with qualifying exams and a comprehensive written exam, oral exam, prospectus, and dissertation in engineering fundamentals. This PhD in Mechanical Engineering can help you unlock career opportunities to become an engineer, engineering manager or director, engineering professor, or research engineer.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 5 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $858/credit (in state); $1,361/credit (out of state); $1,470/credit (international)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships and awards, financial loans, teaching and research assistantships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Graduate admissions application and application fee
- Bachelor's or master's degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in master’s degree or last 60 hours of bachelor’s degree
- GRE or GMAT scores, personal statement, resume or curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation, and educational transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (international students)
Auburn University opened its doors in 1859, and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering was established in 1908. Auburn provides many PhD degree programs, 10 of which are in engineering fields. The Samuel Ginn College of Engineering currently has 623 students enrolled in PhD programs.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This mechanical engineering doctorate requires course work of at least 60 credit hours over and above a bachelor’s degree, including a dissertation, with a minimum of 21 credit hours in course work at the 7000 to 8000 level. A minor of nine credits in an approved field is also required. You must submit a study plan, pass the written and oral qualifying exams, and submit a written dissertation and defend it successfully.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 4-6 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $949/credit
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Scholarships, financial loans, graduate teaching, research assistantships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- GPA of 3.0 and minimum GRE score
- Three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose
- Previous education transcripts
Established in 1946, Binghamton University offers 111 graduate programs of study. The school has 29 PhD programs available in a variety of subjects. The Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science provides a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. Binghamton University has over 700 research opportunities and 23 organized research centers.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering provided by the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science requires 24 credits. Graduate students must choose an area of focus, such as design and manufacturing, solid mechanics, or dynamic systems. Students must develop a learning contract with an advisor and satisfy the qualifying exam requirement.
Students must submit a prospectus and presentation of their proposed research and have it accepted by the guidance committee. There is also an oral presentation and defense of dissertation. In addition, the dissertation must be approved by the student's research committee.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 3 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $471/credit (in state); $963/credit (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial loans, assistantships, fellowships and scholarships, opportunities for employment including federal graduate work study, opportunities for underrepresented students, research and travel funding, installment options
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Submit an online application and pay the $75 application fee (or seek a waiver)
- Send bachelor’s or master’s degree transcripts (minimum GPA of 3.0)
- Submit a personal statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, and GRE or GMAT scores (strongly recommended, or required for students pursuing a graduate assistantship)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores (international students)
Boston University has 17 schools and colleges offering over 300 academic programs of study. It’s ranked number 13 for graduate employability in the US by Times Higher Education, and the school provides six different PhDs in Engineering. Boston University is a major private research university that has had breakthroughs in everything from African studies to zebrafish genetics.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
In order to graduate with this PhD in Mechanical Engineering, you must fulfill the teaching requirement. Students must also pass the qualifying examination, prepare and carry out independent and original research projects, and pass the final oral examination.
This PhD in Mechanical Engineering provides research opportunities in various areas such as acoustics and vibrations, biomechanics, computational science and engineering, and dynamics, robotics, systems, and controls.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: 5 years (maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: 21-22%
- Tuition and Fees: $1,908/credit (part time); $61,050/year (full time)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Dean’s fellowship, doctoral research assistantship, doctoral teaching fellowship, scholarships, institutional fellowships, external fellowships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official or unofficial transcripts
- Online application and $95 application fee
- Statement of purpose, resume, and letters of recommendation
- English proficiency test scores (international students)
California Institute of Technology, or Caltech, was started in 1891 and today offers various graduate programs in 31 science and engineering degree options. Additionally, Caltech has 45 alumni and faculty who have won a total of 46 Nobel Prizes.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This doctorate program requires 54 core credits, 36 of which must be taken in a single track to meet the depth requirement. In addition, you must pass these with a minimum of a C grade.
The remaining 18 core credits can be from any track. The remaining required credits are made up of electives or minor courses, advanced or applied mathematics courses, a graduate engineering seminar, and research.
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PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 5 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $56,364/year
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, external fellowships, grants
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Transcripts from each college or academic institution attended
- Three letters of recommendation, a CV, and a statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency (international students)
Clarkson University was founded in 1896, and today is a private research university educating graduate students in the US. The school provides more than 95 programs of study in engineering, business, education, science, liberal arts, and health professions, including PhD degrees. Clarkson University says that 97 percent of its graduates have secured employment in their chosen field.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This program of study requires a 90-credit-hour minimum beyond the bachelor’s degree. This includes a minimum of 24 credit hours of coursework, six credit hours of seminar, and 60 credits earned in residence at Clarkson.
Coursework includes 15 credit hours in the major field, nine credit hours in the minor, and six credit hours from a department different from the one the student is housed in. Doctoral students also need at least two years of full‑time study at Clarkson and no more than 30 credit hours of graduate transfer (B grade or better). You must also pass the qualifying examination and research proposal defense examination, and a dissertation must be submitted and defended orally.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 3 to 5 years (with a 7-year maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $1,533/credit
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Clarkson University's Payment Plan, federal student loans, alternative student loans, Income Share Agreement with Vemo Education, graduate assistantships, outside scholarships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose, two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of previous education
- International applicants must meet a minimum English proficiency score: TOEFL 80 points, IELTS 6.5 points, PTE 56 points, and Duolingo English Test 115 points
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university that opened in 1876 and established its school of engineering in 1912. The school provides PhD programs in many different areas, including anthropology, chemistry, and English. Johns Hopkins University awarded its first doctoral degree in 1878.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Students develop a technical program including coursework and research with the help of a faculty advisor. Graduate students must pass the Departmental Qualifying Exam, pass the Graduate Board Oral exam, submit a doctoral dissertation, and pass the final dissertation defense.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: 4-5 years
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $58,720/year
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Loans, assistantships, Dean’s Master’s Fellowships, internal fellowships, external fellowships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Application and $25 application fee
- Bachelor’s degree
- A statement of purpose
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- TOEFL, IELTS, or iTEP (non-native English speakers)
Texas Tech University was established in 1923 and today has over 5,500 students enrolled in its Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. Texas Tech University provides mechanical engineering degrees and degrees in other major engineering fields such as electrical, computer science, industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
To receive this Texas Tech University PhD, students must complete 12 graduate lecture courses totaling 36 credits. Within the first two semesters of enrollment, two math and two concentration-area courses must be completed.
Additionally, six mechanical engineering courses must be completed, including the concentration area but excluding the required math courses. Students must complete one credit hour of graduate seminar (ME 5120). Leveling courses may apply if you have a bachelor’s in another field as the minimum education requirement.
You must submit a Degree Plan developed in collaboration with the PhD advisor by the end of the second semester of your doctoral studies. In addition, students must submit a qualified dissertation.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 4-6 years
- Acceptance Rate: Not available
- Tuition and Fees: $2,150/year (with teaching, research, or graduate part-time instructor assistantship)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate, research, and teaching assistantships; graduate part-time instructor; scholarships; financial aid loans and grants
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- GRE scores
- Three letters of recommendation
- Previous education transcripts
- TOEFL scores (international students)
University of Colorado Boulder started in 1877 and today offers over 4,300 academic courses across 150 fields of study. The University of Colorado Boulder conducts research in aerospace and space science, bio-health sciences, and climate, energy, and sustainability.
The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering conducts research that has made an impact on the advancement of several fields such as materials science, thermo fluid, and biomedical sciences.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This mechanical engineering PhD from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credits at the 5000 level or higher. A minimum of nine courses must be mechanical engineering department courses.
It also includes two courses that all PhD students must complete: the Methods of Engineering Analysis I, worth three credits, and the Introduction to Research, worth three credits. Choose from seven focus areas that will guide your selection of courses and research.
Students must earn at least a B grade for courses to count toward their PhD and should earn at least a GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for graduation; however, the GPA requirement for teaching or research assistantships is 3.25.
Students must pass the oral preliminary exam and a preliminary research oral exam. Students must complete the comprehensive exam between six and 12 months before defending their PhD dissertation, consisting of 30 dissertation hours. They also need to pass the dissertation defense successfully to qualify for the PhD degree.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 4 years (with a 6-year maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $2,715/credit (in state); $3,414/credit or $5,688/credit (out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, fellowships, scholarships
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Complete the application online via the graduate school admissions website page and pay the application fee.
- Submit your curriculum vitae, personal statement, and three letters of recommendation.
- Provide transcripts for all previous post-secondary education.
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores for all international applications.
University of Michigan was started in 1817 and today provides 19 schools and colleges, with hundreds of majors and over 1000 student organizations for doctoral students to take advantage of. They offer doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and construction engineering and management, among other engineering fields.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
This PhD degree is the highest qualification issued by the Mechanical Engineering Department and includes both research and coursework. Additionally, you must pass the qualifying examinations, advancement to candidacy, the dissertation proposal examination, and the written thesis dissertation and oral defense.
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Overview
- Program Length: Approximately 4-5 years (with a 7- year maximum)
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Tuition and Fees: $14,558/term (full-time in state); $27,023/term (full-time out of state)
- PhD Funding Opportunities: Internal and external fellowships, assistantships, instructorships, graduate student staff assistant (GSSA) positions
PhD in Mechanical Engineering Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Statement of purpose, personal statement, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts from all previous educational institutions
- English proficiency test scores (international students)
Can You Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering online, but few programs are available. You may need to look outside mechanical engineering to find a PhD in engineering program online. Make sure that you adequately research the online PhD requirements. Depending on the school, there may be a need for you to go to campus for things like orientation, clinicals, internships, or practicum requirements.
Mechanical engineering graduate students’ online programs have various research opportunities. Thankfully, online degrees are also respected in the job market. Career opportunities with top companies become available once graduates have earned their PhD in Mechanical Engineering either online or on campus.
Best Online PhD Programs in Mechanical Engineering
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Tech Global Campus | Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics | Within 8 years |
| Mississippi State University | Online PhD in Engineering with a Concentration in Mechanical Engineering | Within 8 years |
| Texas A&M University | Online PhD in Engineering | Information not available |
| The University of Alabama | Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering | Within 9 years |
| Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Online PhD in Systems Engineering | Information not available |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
It takes three to 10 years to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. The National Science Foundation states that most US students take around 7.2 years to graduate with a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering.
Most people complete the coursework in two to three years. However, the dissertation may take up to seven years to complete depending on how much time you dedicate to finishing it.
Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Hard?
Yes, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering is hard, even if you are good at and enjoy mathematics and science. A PhD is the highest level of education in the field so it requires a significant amount of research, time, and dedication. In addition, the field of mechanical engineering includes scientific and mathematical concepts that PhD mechanical engineering students will need to master to acquire their PhD degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
It costs about $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This data further illustrates that the average cost of graduate degree programs in mechanical engineering at a private institute can reach as much as $25,929 and public institutions cost around $12,171 per year.
Costs to acquire a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will vary from school to school. There are also different costs for in-state and out-of-state students. Make sure to check out the costs associated with your PhD degree properly so that you can adequately plan or budget for your investment.
How to Pay for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering include tuition waivers, teaching assistantships, research fellowships, scholarships, financial aid loans, and grants. In some cases these can completely pay for your PhD, making it essentially free. Many of these funding options are available for online learning too.
Some schools also offer income share agreements as an option. However, this option should be carefully considered as total payments may amount to more than the actual cost of your PhD degree.
Note that there are various options available that will vary by school. There are also multiple options of funding for students available depending on your circumstances, for example, low-income families and international students.
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What Is the Difference Between a Mechanical Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a mechanical engineering master’s degree and a PhD is that a PhD, or doctoral degree, can be attained after acquiring your master’s degree. A master’s degree is more career-oriented, and a PhD is more research-oriented. As a result, a master’s may mean that you have more job opportunities. However, a PhD means that you are an expert in your field.
A master’s is quicker to acquire than a PhD, but obtaining a PhD also means being bestowed the title of doctor. A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering will most likely cost less than a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. However, PhD in Mechanical Engineering is more desirable than a master’s degree in professions such as teaching at higher education institutions, for research, and in clinical settings.
Master’s vs PhD in Mechanical Engineering Job Outlook
A job outlook of 7 percent growth is projected for jobs such as mechanical engineers with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also reports that a career such as a post-secondary teacher, which typically requires a PhD, has a job outlook of 12 percent. As such, having a mechanical engineering PhD will offer you more career opportunities than just a master’s degree will.
Difference in Salary for Mechanical Engineering Master’s vs PhD
A Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, according to PayScale, comes with an average salary of $89,000. Entry-level jobs may start with salaries of about $62,000. Wiith experience and a proven track record, you may reach a high-paying wage of about $98,509 per year.
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering degree holder has an average salary of $110,000. This means that a PhD represents earning an average of about $20,000 more per year than a master’s degree. Entry-level positions may start at around $52,000, but with experience and a proven track record, you could earn as much as $130,000.
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering
You should get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering because there areexcellent benefits that come with this degree. Benefits, aside from being bestowed the designation of doctor and being an expert in your field, include high-paying salaries and research opportunities. Let’s have a closer look below.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- Higher-paying salaries and possible tenure. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, graduates can acquire higher-paying salaries that may come with academic tenure or research tenure. This means you can get above-average wages and, with tenure, a certain amount of job security provided that you comply with the defined terms and conditions.
- Expert-level knowledge and skills. A PhD or doctoral degree is the highest qualification you can acquire in any field. As a result, you accumulate in-depth knowledge and skills that few others possess unless they too have obtained a PhD degree.
- Increased job opportunities. Having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will increase job opportunities because it is the highest qualification you can acquire. As a result, there will be few jobs in your industry that you won’t qualify for. You will be a prime candidate with an edge over other applicants for a wide range of positions.
- Opportunities to make an impact in your industry. Having experience in research, and continuing with research after acquiring your PhD degree, will afford you the benefit of valuable contribution to cutting-edge research areas in your chosen industry. Being a part of these research opportunities means making valuable, or even revolutionary, discoveries and conclusions that may affect valuable change in your field.
Getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical Engineering PhD Coursework
The coursework options for getting a PhD in Mechanical Engineering cover a widely varied scope of topics, and knowing what to look for may seem overwhelming for some. However, as this is a technical field of study, prospective students can be sure that there are specific coursework requirements across all programs. Below is a list of topics typically included in mechanical engineering PhD coursework.
Mechanical Design
Mechanical design coursework introduces concepts like computational approaches that automatically generate mechanical designs via predefined parameters. Additionally, you will learn about multi-material mechanical design, relating to topics in the design process, and computational analysis tools based on mechanical simulation, among others.
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics coursework introduces basic laws of thermodynamics. Students will develop a body of knowledge about entropy, thermodynamic properties of substances and mixtures, phase equilibrium, and transformations. Course content also includes the basic phase diagram and related physical and mechanical properties.
Energy
In this course you will learn about energy’s fundamental principles and experimental electrochemistry techniques as well as the fundamentals in iconic and electronic conduction of metal. It will help students understand different semiconductors, inorganics, and polymer materials and their applications pertaining to batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical capacitors and photonics, sensors, and semiconductor electrochemistry.
Materials
This kind of course covers everything about materials mechanics, including crystalline and non-crystalline materials, as well as basic solid mechanics concepts, stress concentration and materials failures, stress and strain sensing principles, and sensors.
Coursework may include learning about polymer chain formation, configuration, and basic structures; crystalline and amorphous states of polymers; and solution and phase behavior of polymers.
Fluid Dynamics
Learn about the physical properties of gasses and liquids and the kinematics of flow fields. Analyze viscous, heat-conducting Newtonian fluids, stress and surface-tension-driven flow and capillary effects. Among the other topics covered are vorticity and circulation, and ideal fluid flow theory in two and three dimensions.
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How to Get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements
Although there are some common steps and requirements for earning a mechanical engineering PhD degree, many doctoral program requirements will vary by school and PhD program. Check the specific graduation requirements of the school and the program before applying to learn how to get a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
This will help ensure that you are informed of and prepared to fulfill all of the criteria required for your career path in advanced mechanical engineering. That being said, below you can find typical doctoral requirements for engineering disciplines.
Every PhD degree in mechanical engineering has specific course and credit requirements. Each program allows a particular number of credits that can be transferred from previous degrees or courses completed. Additionally, most PhD programs have specific courses that must be included in the program you develop with your PhD academic advisor.
Graduate students must also maintain a minimum GPA, and some programs have a certain number of seminars you must attend, which also varies by school and program. Some programs require a higher GPA for assistantships, so ensure you check what is required to qualify if you intend to apply for these as part of your plan to fund your PhD.
Most PhD programs require a degree plan of study to be submitted within a specific timeframe of the program, and some programs state that you must finish the coursework within a certain amount of time.
The preliminary exams, in most cases, are to assess competency in both mechanical engineering and research processes and concepts. Some have to be done within a specific timeframe and may be conducted orally.
Some coursework has to be completed before you are permitted to take the exam, and most programs offer a limited number of attempts to pass the exam. Failing means being denied your PhD degree.
Some PhD in Mechanical Engineering programs require a teaching practicum. A teaching practicum requires graduate students to act as teaching assistants for several semesters. The graduate chair usually determines the requirements for these practicums.
The comprehensive exams may be oral or written and must be taken a certain number of weeks or months before a dissertation or thesis defense. Some schools demand that several research articles be submitted to academic journals as part of this requirement.
The exam, in most cases, is to assess the graduate student's knowledge and ascertain whether a student's research project is original, creative work and will make a noted impact in the field. This includes whether it will qualify for publication in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. This phase of the program serves as a gateway to the last stage, including completing the dissertation and program.
The thesis or dissertation usually requires a certain number of credit hours. It should be original work based on an original and creative topic. Some schools have a certain number of dissertation hours that may be acquired in a semester, so planning is vital. Some dissertations require that the student is enrolled full time for a certain number of dissertation hours.
Most schools have a dissertation or graduate handbook that lays out specific requirements for how to write and present your dissertation. Once the dissertation has been completed, you need to notify the committee that you intend to defend your dissertation, and it may need to be approved before you can proceed.
Once approved, you are set to attend your dissertation defense. Once completed, you may be approved by the committee, meaning you have completed your PhD successfully and are now the official holder of a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.
Potential Careers With a Mechanical Engineering Degree
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PhD in Mechanical Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
A PhD in Mechanical Engineering salary ranges between $79,000 and $130,000. Job outlooks over the next five years or so range between 5 and 12 percent in growth, and the number of jobs ranges from 28,000 to 1,276,900. This means that securing employment in your chosen career in mechanical engineering is an achievable career goal.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, you can work in various industries, including aerospace engineering and mechanics, materials and metals, chemicals, and fast-moving consumer goods. Career choices include jobs like research scientist, senior software engineer, or training and development manager.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- Petroleum engineers
- Training and development managers
- Senior mechanical engineers
- Research scientists
- Senior software engineers
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
The average salary for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering degree holder is $110,000, according to PayScale. Based on this data, salaries may start at around $52,000 on the low end and reach as much as $300,000 in the most senior positions, like chief executive officer (CEO).
Highest-Paying Mechanical Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
| Mechanical Engineering PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Petroleum engineers | $130,850 |
| Training and development managers | $120,130 |
| Industrial production managers | $103,150 |
| Mechanical engineers | $95,300 |
| Postsecondary teachers | $79,640 |
Best Mechanical Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate
The best mechanical engineering jobs with a doctorate come with excellent salaries, and they represent varied specializations and industries. On top of that, the best states to work in represent various parts of our beautiful country. Let’s have a closer look at these career options.
Petroleum engineers design and develop ways to remove oil and gas from underground deposits. They manage the drilling operations. They monitor efficiencies in drilling systems and create new tools to enhance the extraction of these materials. A PhD in Mechanical Engineering will also allow you to consider careers within academia and research and development in the petroleum engineering field.
- Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $130,850
- Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 28,500
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Alaska, California, Texas, Florida
Training and development managers create plans, coordinate, and develop skills through knowledge-enhancement programs for businesses and employees. They are required to manage budgets and collaborate with other departments to determine a company's learning and development needs. This may include managing research and development tasks to improve efficiencies and achievements within the business and its staff.
- Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $120,130
- Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 42,100
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California, Colorado, Massachusetts
Industrial production managers oversee the operations of manufacturing and related teams. They coordinate, plan, and manage these teams in producing goods like cosmetics, toys, and cars. They are responsible for managing and achieving the associated targets and budgets, making their job a crucial aspect of any profitable business in manufacturing products.
- Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $103,150
- Job Outlook: 5% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 189,300
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
Mechanical engineers use the knowledge and skills developed by gaining their PhD in Mechanical Engineering to research, design, develop, and build mechanical and thermal sensors. This includes designing, developing, and building devices, tools, engines, and machines. Testing and analyzing systems to optimize efficiency is another vital aspect of this profession.
- Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $95,300
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 299,200
- Highest-Paying States: New Mexico, Louisiana, District of Columbia, California, Alaska
Postsecondary teachers work at higher education institutes such as colleges and universities. Mechanical engineering doctoral degree holders educate students enrolled in mechanical engineering degree programs. Responsibilities include assessing and grading. In addition, teachers do research to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and related information to maintain industry-relevant materials and knowledge within the curriculum.
- Salary with a Mechanical Engineering PhD: $79,640
- Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
- Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New York, Utah, California, New Jersey
Is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Mechanical Engineering is worth it. Although most jobs for mechanical engineers require at most a master’s degree, some do require a PhD, like becoming a university professor.
However, benefits of having a PhD in Mechanical Engineering include increased employability and avoiding unemployment, higher-paying salaries, expertise-level knowledge in your field, strong technical skills, and the distinguished title of doctor.
Additional Reading About Mechanical Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/mechanical-engineering/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/jobs-for-mechanical-engineering-majors/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/mechanical-engineer-cover-letter/
PhD in Mechanical Engineering FAQ
Yes, you can get a good job in mechanical engineering without a PhD degree. Most jobs in mechanical engineering require a master’s degree at most. However, having a PhD will increase your chances for advancement.
Yes, you can work remotely with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. In fact, there are numerous jobs available online for candidates with degrees at the doctoral level.
You can find PhD in Mechanical Engineering jobs on trusted job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. You can also network with your school’s program partners and other professionals in the industry. You can also look online for lists of the best companies hiring mechanical engineers to discover the top employers in the field.
Yes, a bootcamp technical certificate can help you get a mechanical engineering job at some of the world’s top global companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook.
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