The Catholic University of America's Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering program offers a comprehensive education designed to advance knowledge and expertise in mechanical engineering. The program emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, with opportunities for specialization in areas such as robotics, thermal sciences, fluid mechanics, and materials engineering. Students engage in cutting-edge research, benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from experienced faculty. Located in Washington, D.C., the program provides unique opportunities for collaboration with leading industry and governmental organizations. Join us to drive innovation and contribute to advancements in mechanical engineering.
Mechanical Engineering (PhD)
Degrees
The doctorate requires eighteen classes, eight of which can be transferred in from an MS from another institution or ten when the MS is from Catholic University. This is a highly specialized degree where a student works closely with one of our faculty in their field of specialization to conduct advanced research in that topic. The students that complete this most advanced degree go on to faculty positions and national laboratories and become leaders in their field.
The curriculum for The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering program is designed to provide a thorough grounding in mechanical engineering principles along with advanced specialized knowledge.
- Coursework:
- Total Credits: A minimum of 53 semester credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree.
- Core Areas: Courses in key areas such as acoustics and wave propagation, advanced and nonlinear dynamics, aerospace engineering, clean energy production and use, computational methods (FEM and CFD), electronic packaging, HVAC and refrigeration, MEMS/NEMS, microfluidics and biofabrication, multiphase flow and heat transfer, optical measurements, robotics and mechatronics, smart materials and systems, and vibration.
- Comprehensive Examination:
- After completing the required coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination to advance to candidacy. This exam assesses the student’s knowledge and preparation for doctoral research.
- Dissertation:
- Proposal: Students must submit and present a dissertation proposal for approval.
- Research: Conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of mechanical engineering.
- Defense: The dissertation must be successfully defended in an oral examination before a committee.
- Research Opportunities:
- The program includes opportunities for interdisciplinary research, often involving collaboration with faculty on cutting-edge projects in various specialized areas.
$1,850 / credit hour
More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.