Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Mechanical Engineering
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science takes you to a level of mechanical engineering beyond the undergraduate program through core coursework, and trains you to carry out innovative research in collaboration with faculty.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
- DepartmentMechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENeither accepted nor reviewed
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Mechanical Engineering is
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics exists to provide quality education and training, to develop new knowledge and engineering methodology through research, and to serve industry and society. Its doctoral program is built to enable advanced study with scholars on a variety of topics, and to familiarize students with the issues of support, funding and presentation of research results and products.
Doctoral students also strengthen the department around them. They bring a diverse body of highly motivated learners into contact with undergraduates, make basic and applied research more efficient, and give the department a continuing reason to improve the methods and material taught at every level. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum, strong industrial collaborations and unique laboratory facilities.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics maintains the authoritative program detail. See the department page.
Research
Research areas
Faculty and doctoral students in the department work on some of the largest and most complex problems in engineering: developing stronger, smarter materials and better ways to manufacture, keeping complex engineered systems safe and reliable, meeting energy needs while protecting the environment, and understanding the mechanics of the human body.
Materials and Manufacturing
New products depend on materials and processes that can be made reliably and at scale. Research here studies how materials are processed and manufactured, how composite structures carry load, and how smart materials respond to their surroundings.
Focus topics: Materials processing and manufacturing, Composite structures, Smart materials.
Reliability and Design
Machines, structures and devices have to keep working safely over long service lives. This work addresses how engineering systems fail and how to prevent it, how products are developed from concept to use, and how mechanical, electronic and control elements are combined into intelligent machines.
Focus topics: Integrity and reliability of engineering systems, Integrated product development, Mechatronics.
Energy, Fluids and Thermal Systems
Energy supply, transportation and manufacturing all depend on how fluids and heat move and how they interact with solid structures. Researchers analyze these interactions to improve how systems use energy and to lessen their effect on the environment.
Focus topics: Fluid-solid interactions, Thermal-fluid systems, Energy and the environment.
Biomechanics
The body is a mechanical system, and many injuries, diseases and medical devices come down to how tissues carry load and move. Doctoral researchers apply mechanical analysis and experiment to understand these processes and to inform the design of devices that interact with the body.
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree if graduate study is carried out entirely at Lehigh, or 48 beyond a master’s degree obtained at another university. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree if graduate study is carried out entirely at Lehigh, or 48 beyond a master’s degree obtained at another university. Credits beyond the required courses are earned for research through dissertation credits or maintenance of candidacy credits. No course graded below C- counts toward the degree.
- Engineering mathematics core (3 credits)
ME 452 Mathematical Methods In Engineering I.
- Engineering mathematics elective (3 credits)
Choose one: ME 413 Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering, ME 453 Mathematical Methods in Engineering II, or any 400-level math-intensive course in engineering, science or mathematics that the department accepts.
- Core courses in mechanical engineering and mechanics (9 credits)
Choose three: ME 402 Advanced Manufacturing Science, ME 423 Heat and Mass Transfer, ME 430 Advanced Fluid Mechanics, ME 433 Linear Systems and Control, MECH 408 Introduction to Elasticity, or MECH 425 Analytical Methods in Dynamics and Vibrations.
- Technical electives (9 credits)
Three courses at the 400 level, chosen in consultation with your advisor and doctoral committee from ME and MECH courses or from another department. ME 460 (Project), ME 490 (Thesis) and ME 499 (Dissertation) do not count.
- Transfer coursework
Students who completed graduate courses at another institution may petition, through a department process, for a waiver of course requirements.
- First stage of candidacy
Earn a minimum GPA of 3.35 in five core courses within the first three semesters of graduate study.
- General examination (3 credits)
ME 440 General Examination, the second stage of candidacy. It is based on an assessment of a research topic, the formulation of a research plan, and an associated oral examination, and must be completed no later than the fourth semester of graduate study.
- Formal candidacy
Formal admission to candidacy is granted when you submit a written plan for the dissertation research and the doctoral committee recommends it, followed by acceptance by the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. The plan must be presented within one year of passing the General Exam, and not less than three months after it.
- Application to candidacy
After the doctoral committee accepts your research plan, you apply for candidacy at the college level using the Application to Candidacy form, which lists the documentation to submit to the Rossin College Manager of Graduate Programs.
- Registration after candidacy
If 3 or more credits remain to reach the degree minimum, register for at least 3 credits until only 2 or 1 credits remain. When fewer than 3 credits remain, apply for Maintenance of Candidacy two times per year.
- Courses that do not count
Courses with an ESLP or EAPC subject code, Apprentice Teaching (ME 300), Directed Study (ME 310), and the doctoral-only 400-level courses ENGR 441, ENGR 499, ENGR 492 Summer Research and ENGR 496 Summer Work Experience cannot be counted toward the degree.
- Publication requirement
Two or more manuscripts must be submitted for peer-reviewed journal publication prior to the dissertation defense.
- Dissertation and defense
Present and defend a dissertation before the doctoral committee.
Year by year
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| First three semesters | Earn a minimum GPA of 3.35 in five core courses, the first stage of candidacy. |
| By the fourth semester | Complete the General Examination. |
| After the General Exam | Present the written plan for your dissertation research within one year, and not less than three months after passing the exam. |
| Before the defense | Submit two or more manuscripts for peer-reviewed journal publication. |
Curriculum
Core and required courses
| Code | Course | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| ME 452 | Mathematical Methods In Engineering I | Analytical math methods for engineering sciences. |
| ME 413 | Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering | Numerical methods for mechanical engineering. |
| ME 453 | Mathematical Methods in Engineering II | Complex functions, transforms, and PDE theory. |
| ME 402 | Advanced Manufacturing Science | Science and simulation of manufacturing processes. |
| ME 423 | Heat and Mass Transfer | Conduction, convection, radiation, mass transfer. |
| ME 430 | Advanced Fluid Mechanics | Viscous and inviscid incompressible fluid flow. |
| ME 433 | Linear Systems and Control | State-space linear systems, stability, control. |
| MECH 408 | Introduction to Elasticity | This course is a first graduate course in solid mechanics. |
| MECH 425 | Analytical Methods in Dynamics and Vibrations | This course will mainly cover the following topics. |
Careers
Where graduates work
Mechanical engineering alumni lead technical work in manufacturing, aerospace and defense, energy and technology.
Doctoral-level training in mechanical engineering and mechanics leads to research and development leadership in industry and to faculty positions at universities. Alumni titles include principal and senior mechanical engineer, staff engineer, research scientist, director of engineering, engineering manager, and assistant and associate professor, and many alumni advance into project management, executive roles and company leadership. They work in manufacturing, defense and space, aviation and aerospace, electronics, life sciences, information technology and education.
Employers where our alumni most often work include:
- GE
- Lockheed Martin
- Air Products
- Pratt & Whitney
- Boeing
- Lutron Electronics
- Apple
- RTX (Raytheon)
Alumni also work at Amazon, Northrop Grumman, MPR Associates, Pennsylvania State University, Intel, BD and W. L. Gore & Associates.
Based on current employers of Lehigh mechanical engineering alumni, all degree levels, who graduated between 1996 and 2025.
Funding
Financial support
All PhDs at the Rossin College are 100% fully-funded, however, funding sources may vary by department. Funding covers PhD tuition and a stipend.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures; ask the graduate contact below what funding looks like for this program.
- PhD applicants wishing to be considered for financial assistance should submit a complete application no later than December 15 for a fall semester start.
- Named opportunities open to Rossin College doctoral students include the Rossin Research Scholars program, Pasteur PhD Partners (P3), and the SEED-EF NSF National Research Traineeship, see special opportunities for Lehigh PhD students.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time, six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission, all semesters, all levels, are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
Application open dates and deadlines are determined by individual departments. Contact the department concerning relevant deadlines and available start terms.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics requirements
- GPA: A minimum preferred GPA of 3.35 on a 4-point scale.
- Deadline: The annual deadline for applications is December 15.
GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
The PhD in Mechanical Engineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/meche/graduate/phd
What does the PhD in Mechanical Engineering involve?
The program requires innovative research in collaboration with one or more faculty members, along with core coursework in engineering mathematics and mechanical engineering and mechanics, technical electives, a General Examination, a research plan for the dissertation, and a dissertation defended before a doctoral committee.
How many credits does the PhD in Mechanical Engineering require?
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree if graduate study is carried out entirely at Lehigh, or 48 beyond a master’s degree obtained at another university.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply?
The credit requirement depends on your starting point: 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree if graduate study is carried out entirely at Lehigh, or 48 beyond a master’s degree obtained at another university. Students who completed graduate courses elsewhere may petition for a waiver of course requirements.
What GPA does the program look for?
The program has a minimum preferred GPA of 3.35 on a 4-point scale.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
No. GRE scores are neither accepted nor reviewed for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
The annual deadline for applications is December 15. At the college level, PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration, and applications open September 1. Application open dates and deadlines are determined by individual departments. Contact the department concerning relevant deadlines and available start terms.
Is the PhD in Mechanical Engineering funded?
All PhDs at the Rossin College are 100% fully-funded, however, funding sources may vary by department.
What courses are required?
You take ME 452 Mathematical Methods In Engineering I, one more engineering mathematics course, three core courses in mechanical engineering and mechanics, and three technical electives at the 400 level. You also register for ME 440 General Examination. Remaining credits come from dissertation research.
What is the first stage of candidacy?
You reach the first stage of candidacy by earning a minimum GPA of 3.35 in five core courses within the first three semesters of graduate study.
What is the General Examination?
It is the second stage of candidacy. It is based on an assessment of a research topic, the formulation of a research plan, and an associated oral examination, and must be completed no later than the fourth semester of graduate study.
When do I become a formal candidate for the PhD?
Formal admission to candidacy follows submission of a written plan for your dissertation research, a recommendation from the doctoral committee, and acceptance by the Rossin College. The plan must be presented within one year of passing the General Exam, and not less than three months after it.
Is there a publication requirement?
Yes. Two or more manuscripts must be submitted for peer-reviewed journal publication before the dissertation defense.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Mechanical Engineering student?
Research areas published by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics: Materials and Manufacturing; Reliability and Design; Energy, Fluids and Thermal Systems; Biomechanics.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
Ali Marsteller, inmegrd@lehigh.edu is the graduate contact for the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics. The department can be reached at meche@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-4107. General Rossin College graduate inquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
What courses do students take in the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
Required courses include Mathematical Methods In Engineering I, Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering, Mathematical Methods in Engineering II, Advanced Manufacturing Science, and Heat and Mass Transfer, among others. Other courses students can choose from include General Examination, Integrated Product Development, Advanced Thermodynamics, Topics in Thermodynamics, Unsteady and Turbulent Flow, and Advanced Gas Dynamics, among others. Coursework is planned with your advisor and doctoral committee, and the Lehigh course catalog carries the current requirements.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Graduate contact
Ali Marsteller · inmegrd@lehigh.edu
Address
Packard Laboratory
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone and email
(610) 758-4107
meche@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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