Acceptance into a doctoral program at an engineering school is the first step toward obtaining a doctorate degree in mechanical engineering. Admission to a mechanical engineering doctoral program has stringent requirements. Candidates with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering field, such as aerospace engineering, are typically considered for admission to the program. Admission to the doctoral program typically requires a high grade-point average (GPA) in the master’s program, as well as letters of recommendation and an interview with the doctoral program’s staff.
Starting at the undergraduate level is generally recommended to meet the requirements for admission to the mechanical engineering PhD program. The concepts will be introduced in an undergraduate engineering program, which will prepare students for the master’s program. A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue a graduate degree in the field.
Mechanical engineering master’s programs typically accept students who have a track record of innovation and hard work. In most cases, a high GPA isn’t enough to get into a program. Students who have competed in design competitions, conducted research in a lab, or interned at an engineering firm will have the engineering skills needed for a master’s program in mechanical engineering. In addition, the admissions committee will review application letters to see which candidates have a strong interest in mechanical engineering.
Once you’ve been accepted into a master’s program, you should concentrate on completing the 30 credit hours required to graduate. A master’s degree in mechanical engineering is typically a two-year program that is completed full-time. Students may be required to write a thesis paper depending on their college. This is generally recommended for students who want to apply for a PhD program in mechanical engineering.
A mechanical engineering PhD typically requires 45 credit hours of additional coursework, including 21 credit hours of approved coursework and 24 credit hours for the dissertation. Students usually have five years to complete the requirements after being accepted into a doctoral program. The department will usually require a written and oral examination before the dissertation can begin. A PhD guidance committee will eventually assess the dissertation’s progress and decide whether or not work on a mechanical engineering PhD should continue. If everything goes well, the department staff will evaluate a final presentation, and the PhD in mechanical engineering will be awarded.