UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Direct PhD option for Bachelor's graduatesDirect PhD option
- Traditional PhD option for Master's graduatesTraditional PhD option
- Interdisciplinary research opportunitiesInterdisciplinary research
- Focus on societal challengesSocietal impact
- Graduate funding guarantee for eligible studentsGuaranteed Funding
The Department of Mechanical Science & Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering. This program integrates fundamental scientific principles with traditional mechanical engineering disciplines. Research focuses on critical societal issues in health, security, energy, environment, manufacturing, and transportation. Students can specialize in areas such as nanomechanics, biomechanics, and computational science and engineering. The department emphasizes a research-driven curriculum with opportunities for both traditional PhD pathways (requiring a prior Master's degree) and direct PhD pathways (for those entering with a Bachelor's degree). The program aims to equip graduates with a deep understanding of core mechanical engineering areas, the ability to conduct independent research, and strong communication and collaboration skills. Faculty and students engage in theoretical and experimental investigations across a wide range of topics, supported by numerous research centers and laboratories.
Curriculum
The PhD program requires a specific number of credit hours, including thesis research, advanced math, and elective courses. There are also requirements for minimum 500-level credit hours, seminar registration, and continuous enrollment. Students must pass a qualifying exam, a preliminary exam, and a final dissertation defense.
- Entering with M.S. or M.A. degree
- Thesis ResearchME 599
- Lab Safety FundamentalsMSE 492
- SeminarME 590
- Advanced math requirement from an approved list
- Elective courses
- Entering with B.S. or B.A. degree (Direct PhD)
- Thesis ResearchME 599
- Lab Safety FundamentalsMSE 492
- SeminarME 590
- Advanced math requirement from an approved list
- Elective courses
Careers
Graduates will possess a deep understanding of core mechanical engineering areas and broader knowledge in related fields. They will be skilled in critical thinking, research design, comprehensive documentation, scientific communication, and collaborative work. This prepares them for careers in research and development, academia, and industry.
- Researcher
- Professor
- R&D Engineer
- Academic
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
- You need a Bachelor's or Master's degree equivalent to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign degree. A minimum GPA of 3.25 for the last two years of undergraduate study, or 3.50 for previous graduate work, is required. GRE scores are optional.
- How is funding handled for PhD students in Mechanical Engineering?
- PhD students are eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships and fellowships. The first five years of study for Grainger Engineering PhD students include a funded appointment with a full tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and stipend, provided eligibility requirements are met.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- If entering with a Master's degree, the program includes 44 credit hours of thesis research plus other requirements. If entering with a Bachelor's degree (Direct PhD), it requires 52 credit hours of thesis research and other coursework.
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores, with specific minimums set by the Graduate College. For Teaching Assistantships, a minimum TOEFL iBT speaking score of 24 or IELTS speaking score of 8.0 is required.
- What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for careers as Researchers, Professors, R&D Engineers, or in academic and industry research and development roles. The program equips you with skills in critical thinking, research design, and scientific communication.
- How do I apply for the PhD program?
- You need to submit an application through the Graduate College and meet departmental requirements, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English proficiency scores. International applicants must also provide proof of financial support.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's or Master's degreeEquivalent to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign degree. Minimum GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale) for the last two years of undergraduate study, or a minimum GPA of 3.50 for previous graduate work.
TOEFLNot specified (minimums set by Graduate College)
IELTSNot specified (minimums set by Graduate College)
GRE scores are not required but can be submitted. Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. For Teaching Assistantships, a minimum TOEFL iBT speaking score of 24 or IELTS speaking score of 8.0 is required.
Fees
Tuition (international)Not specified
Tuition (home)Not specified
LivingNot specified
PhD students are eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships (research, teaching) and fellowships. Grainger Engineering PhD students in their first five years are guaranteed a funded appointment including a full tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and stipend, provided minimum eligibility requirements are met.
How to apply
1. Prepare Application MaterialsGather transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) if applicable.
2. Submit Graduate College ApplicationComplete the online application for graduate admissions through the University of Illinois Graduate College.
3. Submit Departmental RequirementsFollow any specific instructions or additional materials required by the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering.
4. Provide Financial Support DocumentationInternational applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses and tuition for the duration of their studies.
5. Await Admission DecisionApplications are reviewed by the department and the Graduate College. Decisions are typically communicated after the application deadline.
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
+
You need a Bachelor's or Master's degree equivalent to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign degree. A minimum GPA of 3.25 for the last two years of undergraduate study, or 3.50 for previous graduate work, is required. GRE scores are optional.
How is funding handled for PhD students in Mechanical Engineering?
+
PhD students are eligible for tuition waivers through assistantships and fellowships. The first five years of study for Grainger Engineering PhD students include a funded appointment with a full tuition waiver, partial fee waiver, and stipend, provided eligibility requirements are met.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
If entering with a Master's degree, the program includes 44 credit hours of thesis research plus other requirements. If entering with a Bachelor's degree (Direct PhD), it requires 52 credit hours of thesis research and other coursework.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL or IELTS scores, with specific minimums set by the Graduate College. For Teaching Assistantships, a minimum TOEFL iBT speaking score of 24 or IELTS speaking score of 8.0 is required.
What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for careers as Researchers, Professors, R&D Engineers, or in academic and industry research and development roles. The program equips you with skills in critical thinking, research design, and scientific communication.
How do I apply for the PhD program?
+
You need to submit an application through the Graduate College and meet departmental requirements, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and English proficiency scores. International applicants must also provide proof of financial support.