Mechanical Engineering PhD

Learning Outcomes Established for the PhD

1. Program graduates will develop an in-depth understanding of the fundamental principles related to a sub-discipline of mechanical engineering.
2. Program graduates will have demonstrated a mastery of a broad range of topics related to mechanical engineering, including applied mathematics, and an ability to study and learn independently.
3. Program graduates will have demonstrated the ability to perform independent research by completing a dissertation project which results in the creation of new knowledge and/or the advancement of the state-of-the-art in specific sub-disciplines of mechanical engineering. The dissertation project will contain elements of design, experimentation and/or analysis and will require innovation and creativity.
4. Program graduates will develop technical writing and oral presentation skills.
5. Program graduates will demonstrate a pattern of living consistent with high ethical and moral standards.

Admission and Entry

Prerequisites

Applicants must have a BS degree in mechanical engineering; any other field requires provisional admission. A GPA of 3.0 or above in last the 60 hours is required for regular admission.

Entrance Examinations

All applicants must submit scores for the GRE general examination. Average scores for recent years are: V-537; Q-742; W-4.4. International applicants must also submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores; university minimum scores are required.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester: January 15; Winter Semester: September 15
Students who apply for fall semester may attend earlier for spring or summer term upon departmental approval, after acceptance into the graduate program. However, enrollment cannot be delayed until the following winter semester.
Apply at: http://www.byu.edu/gradstudies/admissions/applynow.php

Course Requirements

Minimum 66 hours beyond the BS, which may include up to 18 hours of dissertation credit and 30 hours of combined master's course work and thesis credit, and must include 9 credit hours of approved math and statistics. Committee approval is required. No undergraduate courses may apply toward a doctoral degree except those already applied to a master's degree.

Examinations

A qualifying written examination must be taken within the first year of the PhD program. Exams are offered in March and September of each year. All students are also required to pass an oral examination of dissertation.

Residency Requirements

Work toward the Master of Science degree must be completed under the specific direction of a graduate faculty member while the student is in residence at BYU for at least two consecutive six-hour semesters. "In residence" is defined as living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty.

**For comprehensive policies and procedures of PhD program, see student handbook