University of Tulsa

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, qualifying examinations, and an extended period of original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation. Students normally complete graduate-level core courses in mechanics, advanced dynamics, continuum mechanics, computational methods, and experimental methods, together with specialised electives aligned to their research concentration.

• Core and elective coursework: advanced solid mechanics, finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer and thermodynamics, control systems, and materials science approaches used in mechanical engineering research.
• Research rotations and lab work: hands-on work in laboratory environments covering experimental techniques, instrumentation, data acquisition, and high-performance computing, depending on the chosen area.
• Qualifying examinations and research proposal: students typically pass a written and/or oral qualifying exam and prepare a dissertation proposal describing original research questions, methods and expected contributions.
• Dissertation research: prolonged, supervised investigation under a faculty advisor leading to a defended doctoral thesis and scholarly publications.

Research areas commonly pursued by TU mechanical engineering doctoral students include dynamics and control, fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, thermal sciences and energy systems, materials and manufacturing (including additive manufacturing), biomechanics, and computational mechanics. Interdisciplinary collaborations with other engineering and science disciplines are encouraged.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant bachelor’s degree and, in many cases, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Strong academic performance in engineering, mathematics and science courses, evidence of research potential, and a clear statement of research interests are important.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate and graduate transcripts showing strong performance in core engineering and maths subjects.
• Research experience: prior research, project work or publications are advantageous and strengthen applications.
• References: at least two academic or professional letters of recommendation commenting on research aptitude and readiness for doctoral work.
• Statement and CV: a statement of purpose outlining research goals and preferred faculty supervisors, plus a CV listing relevant experience.
• English language proficiency: required for international applicants where English is not the first language, as demonstrated by an approved test or other institutional criteria.

Admissions decisions also consider fit with available faculty supervisors and research facilities. Funding support such as teaching or research assistantships may be available to qualified students; prospective applicants should contact potential faculty mentors to discuss openings.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Mechanical Engineering pursue a range of careers that capitalise on deep technical and research skills. Typical paths include:

• Academic positions as university faculty and researchers, leading independent research programmes and teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels.
• R&D roles in industry across sectors such as energy and power generation, oil and gas technology, aerospace and defence, advanced manufacturing, and automotive engineering.
• Specialist technical leadership in research laboratories, product development teams, simulation and modelling groups, and innovation centres.
• Positions in national laboratories, government research organisations, and consulting firms where problem-solving, experimental design and computational expertise are required.

Doctoral graduates often move into roles that require project leadership, grant writing and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and many publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a doctoral experience that emphasises close faculty mentoring and hands-on research within well-equipped laboratories. Its location provides access to regional industry partners in energy, manufacturing and aerospace, facilitating applied research collaborations and internship opportunities.

• Faculty engagement: relatively small research groups enable personalised supervision and early involvement in funded research projects.
• Facilities: access to specialised experimental labs, instrumentation, and computational resources appropriate for advanced mechanical engineering research.
• Industry connections: proximity to companies and research organisations in the region supports translational research, technology transfer and employment pathways for graduates.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaborations across engineering, materials, energy and biomedical areas allow students to pursue diverse applications of mechanical engineering expertise.

Prospective students are encouraged to review faculty profiles and contact potential supervisors to discuss specific research opportunities and funding arrangements before applying.