Details: Mechanical Engineering, Doctorate

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DoctorateMechanical Engineering

A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in mechanical engineering from Wichita State will prepare you for high-paying, high-demand career options in virtually any industry—from aircraft and automotive to medical and energy. You’ll have access to some of the best research facilities in the country and the chance to work and research with faculty and industry professionals on campus and throughout Kansas’ largest city.

Learn how Mechanical Engineering is the right fit for you.

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Engineering students pose in front of electric car for Go Baby Go. — GoBabyGo! gives mechanical engineering students the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while also making a difference in children's lives. Engineering and physical therapy students collaborate to modify off-the-shelf toy ride-on cars for children with disabilities.

Applied learning at Wichita State

At Wichita State, applied learning is everything. In fact, every degree we offer has a guaranteed applied learning or research experience built right into it equipping you with the relevant skills and experience to make you workforce ready before graduation.

Learn about our innovative approach

Admission to the program

In addition to the general admission requirements, admission to the Ph.D. program requires:

A minimum GPA of 3.25 in all graduate coursework
Official GRE scores
Two letters of recommendation from faculty
A statement of purpose indicating research interests

Non-native speakers of English must provide a TOEFL score of at least 550 paper or 79 internet-based, OR an overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS examination.

For additional admission details, click on the link below.

Admission requirements

Inside the Program

Summer internship propels engineering senior forward

Before her senior year, Amy McClain already had her foot in the door, having spent the summer interning at a Kansas City engineering firm.

It was a competitive process, but being part of such a strong program as a mechanical engineering major at WSU gave Amy the skills and connections to get the job.

“Apply, apply, apply to all the internship programs out there. Having experience is vital for job searches in the industry.”

Curriculum

The Ph.D. degree is a four-year program requiring rigorous study and a high degree of emphasis on original research. Currently, three areas of specialization exist at the doctoral level in mechanical engineering:

Thermal/Fluid Sciences
Mechanical Systems and Design
Materials Science and Engineering

To earn the Ph.D., students must pass comprehensive exams, a dissertation approval exam and dissertation defense.

View the curriculum

Careers

Whether you’re pursuing a promotion or preparing for a Ph.D., WSU’s vast industry connections, research opportunities and unmatched facilities create an environment for our engineering students to gain the expertise that leads to dream careers.

Learn more about careers in this field