TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€0k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 320Doctoral students (Fall 2024)
- 6Departmental research areas
- 103Total faculty (Fall 2023)
- GuaranteedFinancial support for all PhD students
The Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University is designed for students seeking to contribute significantly to advanced research in the field. This program requires a minimum of 96 semester credit hours for students entering with a bachelor's degree, or 64 semester credit hours for those with a master's degree. Students will work closely with world-renowned faculty to identify a dissertation advisor and conduct cutting-edge research. All admitted Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, tuition and fee remission, and employee health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years for students entering with a bachelor's degree, and four years for those with a master's degree, provided academic good standing is maintained. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics and core mechanical engineering concepts, complemented by specialized technical electives and significant research engagement. Students are required to pass a Qualifying Exam and form a dissertation committee with diverse faculty representation, including members from outside the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. curriculum is structured to provide a robust theoretical foundation and extensive research experience. Depending on your entry qualification (bachelor's or master's degree), the program requires a different number of credit hours and course distributions. All students engage in seminars and significant research culminating in a dissertation.
- 96 Credit Hour Ph.D. Program (Beyond Bachelor's Degree)
- Mathematics Courses
- Core Courses
- Technical Elective Courses
- Seminar (MEEN 681)MEEN 681
- Research (MEEN 691)MEEN 691
- 64 Credit Hour Ph.D. Program (Beyond Master's Degree)
- Mathematics Courses
- Core Courses
- Technical Elective Courses
- Seminar (MEEN 681)MEEN 681
- Research (MEEN 691)MEEN 691
- Mathematics Course Options
- Modeling & Analysis of Mechanical SystemsMEEN 602
- Any graduate level MATH or STAT course
- Core Course Options
- Advanced Product DesignMEEN 601
- Theory of ElasticityMEEN 603
- Continuum MechanicsMEEN 608
- Mechanics of Robot ManipulatorsMEEN 612
- Engineering DynamicsMEEN 613
- Advanced Engineering Thermo DynamicsMEEN 615
- Mechanical VibrationsMEEN 617
- Fluid MechanicsMEEN 621
- Intermediate Heat TransferMEEN 630
- Control System DesignMEEN 651
- Introduction to Finite Element MethodMEEN 672
- Multidisciplinary System Analysis & Design OptimizationMEEN 683
- Advanced Solid MechanicsMEEN 688
- Technical Elective Course Options
- Any graduate level MEEN course (max 4 hours of MEEN 684/685 combined)
- Any graduate level course in College of Engineering or Science (with advisor approval)
- Up to one undergraduate course at 400 level
Frequently asked questions
- What are the total credit hour requirements for the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering?
- If entering with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 96 semester credit hours is required. For those entering with a master's degree, a minimum of 64 semester credit hours is required.
- What financial support is available for Ph.D. students?
- All admitted Ph.D. students receive financial support including a monthly stipend, tuition and fee remission, and employee health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years for those entering with a bachelor's degree, and four years for those with a master's degree, provided academic good standing is maintained.
- Do I need to find a dissertation advisor before applying?
- Yes, applicants must identify a dissertation advisor. You should review faculty profiles and research areas on the department website to find a suitable match.
- Are there any specific English language requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests, if applicable based on your nationality and previous education. Please refer to the graduate admissions page for specific requirements.
- What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government research sectors, equipped to tackle complex engineering challenges and drive innovation.
Entry requirements
Bachelors DegreeMinimum 96 semester credit hours required beyond this degree.
Masters DegreeMinimum 64 semester credit hours required beyond this degree.
Applicants must identify a dissertation advisor. A qualifying exam must be passed according to departmental guidelines. A dissertation committee of at least four faculty members is required, including the chair, and at least one member must be from outside the Department of Mechanical Engineering. All committee members must be on Graduate Committee Faculty.
Fees
Tuition (international)All students in the Ph.D. program receive financial support which includes remission of tuition and fees.
Tuition (home)All students in the Ph.D. program receive financial support which includes remission of tuition and fees.
LivingLiving cost estimates vary by student classification, residency status, personal needs, and spending habits. All Ph.D. students receive a monthly stipend as part of their financial support package.
Texas A&M University offers locked and variable tuition rate plans. Students can pay tuition and fees in four equal payments during the semester.
How to apply
1. Complete Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the official application portal. Applicants to the Ph.D. program receive a fee waiver that significantly reduces the application cost, which will be applied at checkout.
2. Identify a Dissertation AdvisorIncoming Ph.D. students should identify a dissertation advisor from the faculty. Review the research areas and faculty profiles on the department website.
3. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, and CV/resume. Specific requirements can be found on the graduate admissions page.
4. Meet English Language RequirementsInternational applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests (if applicable to your nationality and previous education).
Scholarships
Graduate Student Research and Presentation (RAP) Travel AwardUp to $1000
Graduate Student Child Care (CC) Travel AwardUp to $750
Frequently asked questions
What are the total credit hour requirements for the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering?
+
If entering with a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 96 semester credit hours is required. For those entering with a master's degree, a minimum of 64 semester credit hours is required.
What financial support is available for Ph.D. students?
+
All admitted Ph.D. students receive financial support including a monthly stipend, tuition and fee remission, and employee health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years for those entering with a bachelor's degree, and four years for those with a master's degree, provided academic good standing is maintained.
Do I need to find a dissertation advisor before applying?
+
Yes, applicants must identify a dissertation advisor. You should review faculty profiles and research areas on the department website to find a suitable match.
Are there any specific English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests, if applicable based on your nationality and previous education. Please refer to the graduate admissions page for specific requirements.
What are the career prospects after completing the Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government research sectors, equipped to tackle complex engineering challenges and drive innovation.