The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is ideal for students looking to pursue advanced-level careers in industry, research, or academia. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering undertake advanced research under the mentorship of a faculty advisor (Principal Investigator), most often on a government or industry funded project as a paid research assistant. The degree plan involves consideration of a challenging problem utilizing analytical, experimental, and/or design techniques. This research – in addition to coursework, exams, journal articles, and dissertation credits – culminates in a final dissertation. The dissertation contains new analytical knowledge, experimental knowledge, design knowledge, or a combination thereof. The dissertation must make an original contribution to the field.
Students interested in graduate work should refer to the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Learning Objectives
- Bring together faculty members and graduate students in a diverse community of scholars having a common interest in advanced professional study and creative work.
- Extend the boundaries of the mechanical engineering profession by developing advanced technologies to provide creative solutions to global problems such as energy, environment and human health.
- Consideration of a challenging problem utilizing analytical, experimental, and/or design techniques 1) to determine and explain the behavior of a simple system, or 2) to bring into logical order the techniques of a field which has experienced random growth.
- Develop new analytical knowledge, experimental knowledge, design knowledge, or a combination thereof.
Effective Fall 2023
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Mathematical Modeling for Chemical Engineers | ||
| Numerical Methods in Science and Engineering | ||
| Mathematics for Scientists and Engineers | ||
| Computational Methods for Mechanical Eng. | ||
| Select 2 courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Advanced Mechanics of Materials | ||
| Advanced Mechanical Systems | ||
| Materials Issues in Mechanical Design | ||
| Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics | ||
| Advanced Fluid Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Heat Transfer | ||
| Electives | ||
| Electives 1 | 3-32 | |
| Master Degree Credit | ||
| Master Degree Credit 2 | 30 | |
| Dissertation | 30 | |
| Dissertation: Bioengineering | ||
| Dissertation: Energy Conversion | ||
| Dissertation: Environmental Engineering | ||
| Dissertation: Heat and Mass Transfer | ||
| Dissertation: Industrial and Systems Engineering | ||
| Dissertation: Mechanics and Design | ||
| Dissertation: Computer-Assisted Engineering | ||
| Dissertation: Robotics | ||
| Dissertation: Solar Engineering | ||
| Dissertation: Computational Fluids | ||
| Dissertation: Materials | ||
| Dissertation: Plasma | ||
| Dissertation: Motorsport Engineering | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 72 | |
A minimum of 72 credits are required to complete this program. Of the 72 minimum credits required for this program, at least 21 credits must be at the 500-level or above and earned at CSU. Minimum of 15 credits with the MECH subject code. Minimum 12 credits in regular courses numbered 500 and above (not including dissertation, independent study, or supervised teaching).
- 1
Select courses with approval of advisor and graduate committee.
- 2
A maximum of 30 credits may be accepted from an engineering master's degree.
For more information, please visit Requirements for All Graduate Degrees in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.
Summary of Procedures for the Master's and Doctoral Degrees
NOTE: Each semester the Graduate School publishes a schedule of deadlines. Deadlines are available on the Graduate School website. Students should consult this schedule whenever they approach important steps in their careers.
Forms are available online.
| Step | Due Date |
|---|---|
| 1. Application for admission (online) | Six months before first registration |
| 2. Diagnostic examination when required | Before first registration |
| 3. Appointment of advisor | Before first registration |
| 4. Selection of graduate committee | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 5. Filing of program of study (GS Form 6) | Before the time of fourth regular semester registration |
| 6. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. and PD) | Two terms prior to final examination |
| 7. Report of preliminary examination (GS Form 16) - (Ph.D. and PD) | Within two working days after results are known |
| 8. Changes in committee (GS Form 9A) | When change is made |
| 9. Application for Graduation (GS Form 25) | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 9a. Reapplication for Graduation (online) | Failure to graduate requires Reapplication for Graduation (online) for the next time term for which you are applying |
| 10. Submit thesis or dissertation to committee | At least two weeks prior to the examination or at the discretion of the graduate committee |
| 11. Final examination | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School Website |
| 12. Report of final examination (GS Form 24) | Within two working days after results are known; refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 13. Submit a signed Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form (GS Form 30) to the Graduate School and Submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates (Ph.D. only) prior to submitting the electronic thesis/dissertation | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website. |
| 14. Submit the thesis/dissertation electronically | Refer to published deadlines from the Graduate School website |
| 15. Graduation | Ceremony information is available from the Graduate School website |