University of Michigan

What you'll study

The PhD programme centres on independent research under the supervision of a faculty advisor, combined with advanced coursework to build depth in a chosen specialty. Students typically pursue research themes across core mechanical engineering areas such as dynamics and control, solid and structural mechanics, fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, heat transfer and thermal systems, materials and manufacturing, micro/nanoscale systems, and robotics and mechatronics.

• Coursework: Advanced graduate courses in continuum mechanics, finite element methods, computational fluid dynamics, experimental methods, control theory, and statistical methods for engineering. Students tailor coursework to their research needs and may take classes from related departments (e.g. materials science, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics).
• Research: Major component of the degree; involves literature review, problem formulation, experimentation and/or computation, and dissertation writing. Research groups at Michigan cover experimental facilities, high-performance simulation, and multi-scale materials characterisation.
• Teaching and professional development: Many doctoral students gain experience as graduate student instructors or teaching assistants, and participate in seminars, grant-writing workshops and outreach programmes.
• Qualifying milestones: The programme includes formal milestones such as a qualifying or preliminary exam, a dissertation proposal meeting, and a final oral defence administered through the Rackham Graduate School and the Mechanical Engineering department.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline; a relevant master's degree with substantial research experience is typically preferred but exceptional applicants with a bachelor’s degree and significant research credentials will be considered. Admissions committees look for preparedness for research demonstrated by prior coursework, laboratory or computational experience, a convincing statement of research interests, and strong letters of recommendation from faculty or research supervisors.

• Academic transcripts showing advanced coursework in mathematics, mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids and/or materials.
• Research experience, such as a master's thesis, undergraduate research projects, publications, or equivalent laboratory/computational work.
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and potential faculty collaborators within the department.
• Letters of recommendation (usually three) that address academic and research potential.
• Curriculum vitae summarising education, research, programming and laboratory skills.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where applicable (by recognised tests or prior instruction in English), in line with university requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme go on to careers in academia, industry research and development, national laboratories, and technical leadership roles. Common career paths include tenure-track faculty positions, research scientists at public and private research institutions, R&D leadership in automotive, aerospace, energy and advanced manufacturing companies, and technical entrepreneurship in high-tech start-ups.

• Academic research and teaching positions at universities worldwide.
• Industrial R&D roles in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics, biomedical devices and advanced materials.
• Positions at national laboratories and government research organisations focused on large-scale experimental facilities, modelling, and policy-related technology development.
• Consulting and technical management roles that leverage deep analytical and problem‑solving skills developed during doctoral study.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan provides a research-intensive environment with a broad spectrum of faculty expertise and well-equipped laboratories. The Department of Mechanical Engineering collaborates across disciplines and with external partners, offering access to specialised facilities for micro/nanofabrication, imaging and materials characterisation, large-scale experimental rigs, and high-performance computing resources.

• Interdisciplinary research centres and collaborative projects that connect mechanical engineering with materials science, biomedical engineering, aerospace and electrical engineering.
• Opportunities to work with industry partners and research consortia, including strong regional links to automotive and manufacturing sectors.
• Structured support for graduate students through mentorship, professional development, teaching experience and career services administered by the department and Rackham Graduate School.
• Location in Ann Arbor provides an active academic community, a vibrant tech ecosystem and proximity to national and regional research organisations.