Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Detailed Description
Course Catalog

  The department offers a Ph.D. program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The program of study for the doctorate degree is intended to prepare students for careers in research, teaching, or engineering practice at an advanced level. The program of study leading to the Ph.D. consists of three elements:

(1) 48 credits of course work and Ph.D. dissertation work beyond the M.S. degree,
(2) completion of a qualifying examination,
(3) preparation of a dissertation and dissertation defense.

Students usually complete the degree within three to five years.

Admission Requirements
Admission to the Ph.D. program is granted if three conditions are met. First, a sufficient level of academic and professional achievement must be documented by transcripts of the student's prior academic performance (e.g. M.S. degree with GPA of 3.5/4.0 is expected), GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and other supporting information. Second, the focusing of the student's efforts in one area of specialization should be clear from the student's transcript and a statement of purpose. Third, a faculty adviser must be willing to supervise research in the student's area of specialization.

Credit Hour Requirement
Forty-eight credits beyond the M.S. degree are required, including a minimum of 15 credits of course work at the 600 level or higher, and a minimum of 24 credits of Ph.D. dissertation work. A minimum of one year in residence is required.

Qualifying Examination
Ph.D. candidates must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their general field of study as well as demonstrate the ability to undertake research for the dissertation. The department requires that each Ph.D. student pass an oral qualifying examination. In consultation with the candidate, the dissertation advisor will form an examination committee with at least 3 faculty members from the MAE department. In the event that the candidate fails the examination, the examination committee may permit the candidate to retake the examination within a specified period of time. Candidates receiving the M.S. degree from the MAE department must take the qualifying examination at or before the completion of the third year of their graduate study. Candidates who enter the Ph.D. program with a M.S. degree from another institution must take the examination within two academic years.

Dissertation and Final Examination
Each student is required to prepare a dissertation of the highest quality in terms of substance, originality, and relevance on a topic chosen in consultation with the dissertation advisor. The dissertation defense shall be conducted according to the rules of the Graduate School .