Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Western's Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering is designed to intensify each student's engineering knowledge and comprehension, with emphasis on high-quality research in a chosen area of specialty, including aerospace engineering. 

WMU's Ph.D. program is designed to meet the ever-changing occupational needs of the mechanical and aerospace engineering fields. Department faculty hold degrees in aerospace engineering or closely related fields, with many having industrial experience. 

What will you study?

Your doctoral work will be specific to you, especially as your work on research. You must complete the general requirements listed below and should consult the course requirements catalog or the advisor for further details.

  • Take at least 30 credit hours of coursework beyond the master’s level or at least 54 credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s level
  • Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.25
  • Choose a Doctoral Dissertation Committee consisting of four members of the graduate faculty
  • Demonstrate in a comprehensive examination competency in a research area
  • Oral defense of the dissertation
  • Enrollment on campus in four consecutive semesters or sessions
  • Submit a detailed research proposal for evaluation

Information you need

Please contact the graduate advisor, Dr. Muralidhar K. Ghantasala, when considering the Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

Application requirements

  • Admission decisions will be made by the department doctoral committee.
  • All students must meet the general requirements for a doctoral degree specified in the Graduate College Catalog.

International admissions and CPT information

We get it. Applying and filling requirements for a degree in another country is daunting. WMU is here to help and seeks to make the transition as easy as possible for you. Let us know what you need.

Information needed by Ph.D. students

 

Forms

  • Every semester that you register for one of ME 5950, 6950, 6970, 7000, 7100,  7300, or 7350, you must fill complete a Permission to Elect form, obtain your advisor’s signature and submit it to the graduate program advisor.