The mechanical and industrial engineering doctorate program produces graduates with a depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering while allowing students to engage in cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary research. The flexible curriculum encourages students to gain domain-specific knowledge from courses offered throughout the college’s portfolio of engineering programs. The curriculum, coupled with the depth of knowledge in mechanical or industrial engineering disciplines, creates graduates who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing societal and industrial challenges. The program develops world-class researchers who can capitalize on the most promising discoveries and innovations to develop interdisciplinary solutions for real-world challenges.

The mechanical and industrial Ph.D. requires students to address fundamental technical problems of national and global importance for the 21st century. The program finds its roots in tackling global problems in energy, transportation, health care, communications, and manufacturing. The mechanical and industrial engineering departments offer a broad range of technological research strengths including additive and advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, robotics and mechatronics, heat transfer and thermo-fluids, simulation, modeling and optimization, ergonomics, biomimetic systems, wearable sensors, health care data analytics, prognostics and fault detection, and energy systems. Students collaborate with faculty advisors to build on these technological strengths to solve problems of global significance in order to prepare them, and for careers in both industry and academia.

Visit the research profiles on the industrial and systems engineering department and mechanical engineering department websites for an overview of research opportunities and to learn about our faculty members as well as research advisors in the program. For assistance in identifying faculty working in your intended area of research, please contact the program director.

Research assistantships are available to doctoral students. Learn more about the college's research assistantship opportunities and how you can apply.