The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering equips graduates for advanced research roles in industry and academia, as well as leadership positions in mechanical-related fields.
Mechanical engineers drive innovation in areas like power plant design, automotive and aircraft engineering, robotics and modern transportation systems. The program offers a balanced curriculum with specializations in mechanical systems, robotics, thermo-fluid systems, HVAC, materials science, biomechanics, renewable energy and more.
Students gain expertise in cutting-edge areas such as nanotechnology, laser materials processing, computational analysis and multidisciplinary design optimization. This program provides the technical knowledge and research experience needed for professional growth and research-focused careers in mechanical engineering.
Application Requirements
All students must also meet the University’s Graduate Policies and Procedures alongside departmental requirements. The Graduate Admission Committee reviews credentials of all other applicants individually.
Minimum Requirements
- Graduate admission application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution
- Applicants with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution must meet the admissions requirements above and have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the master’s program
International Applicants
- Graduate admission application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions. Official transcripts translation: if transcripts are not in English, submit the original and a second copy translated by an official translation agency to FIU.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in upper-level undergraduate work.
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics from an accredited institution.
- Applicants with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited institution must meet the admissions requirements above and have a minimum GPA of 3.3 in the master’s program
- English language proficiency: if you earned your bachelor’s degree from a non-English-speaking country, submit a passing score from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Use FIU Institution Code 5206 when requesting official scores. View TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries.
- TOEFL minimum score is 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based), IELTS required minimum score is 6.5.
- Certified copy of diploma if you obtained your degree at a foreign institution
Program Curriculum
Students with a bachelor’s degree
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree must complete at least 75 credit hours to earn a Ph.D., including a minimum of 45 coursework hours and 15 dissertation hours. Of these, at least 21 credits must be at the 5000 level or higher (excluding dissertation) and at least 12 credits must be at the 6000 level or higher (excluding dissertation).
Students must fulfill the program’s breadth requirement by taking three courses in an area outside their field of specialization and are also required to complete two applied or computational mathematics courses as outlined in the MSME curriculum.
Students with a master’s degree
Applicants entering the Ph.D. program with a master’s degree must complete at least 45 credit hours, including a minimum of 24 coursework hours and 15 dissertation hours. At least 12 credits of coursework must be at the 6000 level or higher (excluding dissertation).
To satisfy breadth requirements, students must take three courses outside their field. Additional coursework will be determined by the student’s dissertation committee.
Financial Aid
FIU’s Academic Works platform connects students with scholarship opportunities tailored to their needs. Students can use Academic Works to explore and apply for more than 100 scholarships.
Speak with an Advisor
Are you interested in learning more about the MS in Mechanical Engineering? Email Bilal El-Zahab, graduate program director, at belzahab@fiu.edu or Markus Downey, graduate program co-director, at mdowney@fiu.edu.