PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Where can a Mechanical Engineering doctorate take you? Rowan's PhD program enables you to customize your studies through flexible specializations in numerous areas. You'll graduate with valuable technical expertise and practical skills that will make you an asset in research institutions, high-powered industries and government agencies.
Why choose Rowan's Mechanical Engineering Program?
The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is a terminal degree program specifically designed to meet the changing needs of researchers, scholars and scientists in academia, industry and the government.
The primary goal of this program is to prepare students for careers in research and/or academics by providing an environment that closely reflects the realities and expectations encountered by today’s academicians, professional scientists and research engineers. The program offers a highly flexible inter- and multi-disciplinary curricular structure, allowing specialization in any (or multiple) of the traditional or emerging areas of Mechanical Engineering. Graduates emerge with a strong foundation in research methodologies, technical expertise and the ability to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, making them valuable assets to academic institutions, industry organizations and government agencies.
Key Considerations
Credits, Cost & Completion Time
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying Mechanical Engineering at Rowan
What You'll Learn
The Rowan University Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering program requires successful completion of coursework, teaching assistantships, research requirements, a dissertation and a dissertation defense.
For a student who possesses a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 72 semester hours of graduate-level coursework will be required.
For a student who possesses a master’s degree in a related field, a minimum of 42 semester hours (credits) of graduate-level coursework beyond the master’s degree will be required. Up to 30 of the credits earned in pursuit of the master’s degree may be transferable. Typically, 21 course credits and 9 research hours credits. All credit offsets and transfer credits are subject to approval of the Department and of the Rowan School of Graduate Studies.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses: 9 S.H. | ||
| ENGR 01511 | Engineering Optimization | 3 |
| MATH 01502 | Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory | 3 |
| MATH 1505 | Probability and Mathematical Statistics | 3 |
| MATH 01515 | Engineering Applications of Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 01529 | Numerical Analysis | 3 |
| MATH 03511 | Operations Research I | 3 |
| Business Course: Choose one of the following | ||
| ENT 06506 | Corporate Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development | 3 |
| EM 01501 | Engineering Economics | 3 |
| EM 01511 | Strategic Risk Management | 3 |
| EM 01512 | Quality Engineering Management | 3 |
| EM 01513 | Engineering Decisions | 3 |
| EM 01514 | Engineering Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MGT 06510 | Strategic Engineering Management | 3 |
| MGT 06666 | Managing Engineering Teams | 3 |
| MGT 06677 | Management Skills for Engineers | 3 |
| MIS 02526 | Project Management for Engineers | 3 |
| Technical Communications Course: Choose one of the following | ||
| XEED 01601 | Effective Teaching in Academia, Corporate and Government Setting | 3 |
| ECE 09702 | Strategic Technical Writing and Winning Grant Proposals | 3 |
| Other Graduate Level Technical Communications Course* | ||
| Specialization Courses: 24 S.H. Course currently approved for the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program; this coursework is to be determined in consultation with student's research advisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator: |
||
| Any graduate level course taught in the Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering | ||
| Any graduate level course taught in the College of Science and Mathematics | ||
| Any graduate level course taught in the School of Earth and Environment | ||
| Any graduate level course taught in the School of Osteopathic Medicine, the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, or the Graduate School of Biomedical Science | ||
| Any graduate level course otherwise approved by the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Coodinator when specifically related to student's current or planned research | ||
| Research Coursework: 39 S.H. | ||
| ENGR 01799 | Doctoral Research and Dissertation | 3/6/9 |
*This course must be taught by the Department of Writing Arts or the Henry M. College of Engineering and approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator
Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Academic Catalog.
Transfer Credit Evaluation Policy
The program allows incoming matriculated students to transfer up to 12 graduate credits into the program. Degree programs may accept up to 12 credits, while non-degree programs may accept up to 6 credits. (Student must have earned a B or better, courses/credits must be deemed equivalent to required courses/credits within the course sequence, and must have been completed within the past 10 years.)
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Completed Application Form
- No application fee required
- Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- A Bachelor’s degree in a field such as science or mathematics is highly recommended
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives
- Three letters of recommendation
- Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale). Those who possess a B.S. in Engineering degree from Rowan University with a GPA of 3.5 or higher; or who have completed the M.S. in Engineering Track 1 (research option with thesis) with a GPA of 3.3 or higher will automatically qualify for this program.
- TOEFL/Language Test (international students only)
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study and scholarships.
Review graduate financial aid resources at Rowan.
Careers & Outcomes
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