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 requires 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree or 48 beyond a master’s, a 3.35 minimum GPA across five core courses for first-stage candidacy, and two or more manuscripts submitted for peer-reviewed publication before the dissertation defense.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
- DepartmentMechanical Engineering and Mechanics
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Mechanical Engineering is
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics offers a challenging environment in which students work closely with faculty who are internationally renowned for their research, with a comprehensive curriculum, strong industrial collaborations, and unique laboratory facilities.
Graduate students conduct research on materials processing and manufacturing, fluid-solid interactions, composite structures, smart materials, integrity and reliability of engineering systems, integrated product development, biomechanics, mechatronics, energy and the environment, and thermal-fluid systems.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research areas
Doctoral research in the PhD in Mechanical Engineering spans 10 areas published by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics.
- Materials processing and manufacturing
- Fluid-solid interactions
- Composite structures
- Smart materials
- Integrity and reliability of engineering systems
- Integrated product development
- Biomechanics
- Mechatronics
- Energy and the environment
- Thermal-fluid systems
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s; 48 beyond a master’s obtained at another university. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree, or 48 beyond a master’s degree obtained at another university.
- Engineering mathematics (6 credits)
ME 452 Mathematical Methods In Engineering I is required, plus one of ME 413, ME 453, or an approved 400-level math-intensive course.
- Core MEM courses (9 credits)
Three courses chosen from ME 402, ME 423, ME 430, ME 433, MECH 408 or MECH 425.
- Technical electives (9 credits)
Three ME or MECH courses at the 400 level, excluding ME 460, ME 490 and ME 499.
- Qualifying standard
A minimum GPA of 3.35 in five core courses is required to reach first-stage candidacy.
- General examination (3 credits)
ME 440 General Examination — a critical assessment and formulation of a research proposal presented to the doctoral committee for approval.
- Formal candidacy
Submittal of a proposal for the dissertation research, approved by the doctoral committee and the college.
- Publication requirement
Two or more manuscripts must be submitted for peer-reviewed journal publication prior to the dissertation defense.
- Dissertation and defense
Preparation and defense of the dissertation.
Curriculum
Core and required courses
| Code | Course | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| ME 402 | Advanced Manufacturing Science | Science and simulation of manufacturing processes. |
| ME 413 | Numerical Methods in Mechanical Engineering | Numerical methods for mechanical engineering. |
| 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. |
| ME 440 | General Examination | Research topic assessment and proposal writing. |
| ME 452 | Mathematical Methods In Engineering I | Analytical math methods for engineering sciences. |
| ME 453 | Mathematical Methods in Engineering II | Complex functions, transforms, and PDE theory. |
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- 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.
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
The GRE is not required or considered 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
How many credits does the PhD in Mechanical Engineering require?
72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s; 48 beyond a master’s obtained at another university.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
No. Students enter the program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, and the credit requirement differs accordingly: 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s; 48 beyond a master’s obtained at another university.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
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 processing and manufacturing; Fluid-solid interactions; Composite structures; Smart materials; Integrity and reliability of engineering systems; Integrated product development; Biomechanics; Mechatronics; Energy and the environment; Thermal-fluid systems.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Mechanical Engineering?
A minimum GPA of 3.35 in five core courses is required to reach first-stage candidacy.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Mechanical Engineering based?
The Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics is located in Packard Laboratory, 19 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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 enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
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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