CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · UNITED STATES
Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Highly selective, research-focused programProgram Focus
- Prepare for PhD or MS in Mechanical EngineeringDegree Options
- Focus on interdisciplinary technologyCurriculum Approach
- Develop research, creativity, and leadership skillsSkill Development
- Strong career outcomes in academia and industryGraduate Outcomes
- Virtually all graduate students receive financial supportFinancial Support
The Mechanical Engineering graduate program at Caltech is a highly selective, research-oriented program designed to prepare students for advanced research and professional practice in rapidly evolving interdisciplinary technological fields. The program emphasizes developing individual expertise in a chosen specialty while building a strong foundation in basic and engineering sciences. Students are encouraged to cultivate independence, creativity, leadership, and a capacity for continuous learning. The department offers both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. Admission is preferentially granted to applicants intending to pursue a Ph.D. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry (aerospace, energy, semiconductors, high-tech startups), and postdoctoral research.
Curriculum
The graduate program offers both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Mechanical Engineering. The M.S. is typically pursued as a step towards a Ph.D. and requires 138 units of coursework, including core ME subjects, electives, and a seminar. The Ph.D. is research-focused and requires a minimum of 195 units of coursework (numbered 101 and above), including core ME subjects, electives/minor, and culminates in a dissertation. Students are admitted primarily to the PhD program.
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Graduate Mechanical Engineering Core
- Mathematics, Engineering, and Research Electives
- Free Electives
- Graduate Engineering Seminar, AM/CE/ME 150 abcAM/CE/ME 150 abc
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- ME Core Subjects (Depth Requirement and Electives)
- Electives or Minor (Engineering or Science Courses)
Careers
Graduates are well-prepared for advanced research and professional practice in both academia and industry. Approximately 30% enter tenure-track academic positions, 50% go into industry, and 20% enter postdoctoral research programs. Graduates have secured positions at leading universities and major firms.
- Tenure-track faculty
- Industry professional (aerospace, energy, semiconductor)
- High-technology startup roles
- Postdoctoral researcher
Frequently asked questions
- What are the financial aid opportunities for international PhD students in Mechanical Engineering?
- Virtually all graduate students receive financial support that fully covers tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships.
- What is the duration of the Mechanical Engineering PhD program?
- The PhD program is research-focused and requires a minimum of 195 units of coursework, culminating in a dissertation. Students must form a thesis committee within four terms and pass a candidacy examination before the end of their 8th term.
- What academic background is required for admission to the Mechanical Engineering PhD program?
- A thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering is expected. An outstanding undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may also be suitable, with qualifications considered individually.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Mechanical Engineering PhD?
- Graduates are well-prepared for advanced research and professional practice, with approximately 30% entering academia, 50% going into industry (aerospace, energy, semiconductor, high-tech startups), and 20% entering postdoctoral research programs.
- How do I apply to the Mechanical Engineering graduate program at Caltech?
- Prospective students should visit the Caltech Graduate Office website for general admissions information, review program-specific requirements, prepare application materials, and submit the online application by the specified deadline, noting that admission is preferentially granted to PhD applicants.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering is expected. An outstanding four-year undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may also provide a suitable background. Qualifications are considered individually.
Admission is preferentially granted to applicants who intend to pursue the Ph.D. degree. The M.S. degree is normally awarded only to students who have not already obtained an M.S. in mechanical engineering and who intend to pursue the Ph.D.
Fees
Tuition (international)Virtually all graduate students receive financial support that fully pays tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses.
Tuition (home)Virtually all graduate students receive financial support that fully pays tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses.
LivingStipends are provided to cover living expenses.
Financial support is typically provided through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships.
How to apply
1. Visit Graduate AdmissionsExplore the Caltech Graduate Office website for general admissions information and to understand the application process for graduate studies.
2. Review Program RequirementsFamiliarize yourself with the specific academic and preparation requirements for the Mechanical Engineering graduate program, including the core subjects and expected background.
3. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose. Although not explicitly stated for this program, standard graduate applications often require GRE scores (check program specifics) and English proficiency test results for international applicants.
4. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application by the specified deadline. Note that admission is preferentially granted to PhD applicants.
5. Await DecisionThe admissions committee will review applications. Successful candidates will be contacted regarding further steps, including potential interviews.
Frequently asked questions
What are the financial aid opportunities for international PhD students in Mechanical Engineering?
+
Virtually all graduate students receive financial support that fully covers tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses through fellowships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships.
What is the duration of the Mechanical Engineering PhD program?
+
The PhD program is research-focused and requires a minimum of 195 units of coursework, culminating in a dissertation. Students must form a thesis committee within four terms and pass a candidacy examination before the end of their 8th term.
What academic background is required for admission to the Mechanical Engineering PhD program?
+
A thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering is expected. An outstanding undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may also be suitable, with qualifications considered individually.
What are the career prospects after completing the Mechanical Engineering PhD?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for advanced research and professional practice, with approximately 30% entering academia, 50% going into industry (aerospace, energy, semiconductor, high-tech startups), and 20% entering postdoctoral research programs.
How do I apply to the Mechanical Engineering graduate program at Caltech?
+
Prospective students should visit the Caltech Graduate Office website for general admissions information, review program-specific requirements, prepare application materials, and submit the online application by the specified deadline, noting that admission is preferentially granted to PhD applicants.