PhD Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering

The doctoral degree is the highest degree offered and recognizes scholarly contributions and impact of the candidate to their chosen field of study. The degree culminates with the successful defense of a dissertation. A minimum of 72 graduate credits must be earned for the Ph.D. degree with the following requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering will be able to

  1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge in the field of Mechanical Engineering.
  2. Demonstrate a deep understanding and expertise in one or more focus areas of Mechanical Engineering.
  3. Develop and demonstrate a strong theoretical and/or experimental and/or computational background through their research projects.
  4. Discuss and apply an understanding of the current literature in mechanical engineering and related disciplines.
  5. Identify fundamental research problems and propose innovative solutions to these problems.
  6. Plan and execute an original research project, analyze the relevant findings, and organize their results into a coherent argument.
  7. Organize research findings into a coherent thesis and will produce scholarship (articles and/or books and/or conference paper) that appear in peer-reviewed venues.
  8. Present and defend their research findings effectively through oral and written presentations and through the development of supporting materials.
  9. Effectively communicate in written, verbal, and nonverbal methods to a broad range of audiences, including the ability to describe complex and technical materials or concepts.
  10. Demonstrate an understanding of current societal issues, particularly related to the mechanical engineering field.
  11. Demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct.
  12. Demonstrate a commitment to the thoughtful consideration of fundamental principles of ethical professional conduct.

Degree Requirements

Credits
GR ST 5650: Responsible Conduct of Research in Science and Engineering 1
Mechanical Engineering Core
Any 5000 or above level ME course as well as specific non-ME courses approved by the graduate committee.		 18
Mathematics/Statistics
Any 3000-level or higher Math or Statistics class (EXCEPT Math 3070 and Math 3170) will count towards this requirement. Non-Math/Stat courses with strong math or statistics content that are approved by the graduate education committee may also count towards this requirement.		 6
Communication
A course focused on improving your communication skills.		 3
Total 28 credits
Research credits + Elective Courses (determined by POSC)
ME 6990		 44
Total 72 credits

Course Selection

See the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook for approved courses and additional degree requirement details. To help you decide what courses to take, many courses have been grouped by disciplinary area emphasis.

Course descriptions can be found on the Iowa State Course Catalog. Availability of courses will be on the Schedule of Classes. Students should review the ME Grad Student Handbook and Graduate College Handbook for guidelines on courses, such as independent study, transferring courses and minimum needed at Iowa State, undergraduate courses, and credits earned during non-degree-seeking status.

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