Mechanical engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
The nuts and bolts of innovation
Mechanical engineering is behind many of the technologies that power our world — from high-speed jets and electric cars to smart robots and clean energy systems. As a mechanical engineer, you’ll be at the center of designing smarter, faster and more efficient solutions that drive progress across industries.
This program prepares you with both the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed. Through labs, projects and applied research, you’ll learn how to design, analyze and improve mechanical and thermal systems. You’ll also examine how engineering decisions affect people, communities and the planet.
Students often take part in faculty-led research tied to real industry needs, with past projects supported by organizations such as NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy and companies like Hewlett-Packard and General Atomics.
Overview
Related Topics
Watt’s your next move?
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field
- Want to conduct research in the field
- Are a creative problem solver
- Work well independently and as part of a team
Career outcomes
Current job openings
2,038 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$48,689 - Cost Estimators
$51,796 - Mechanical Engineers
$75,943 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$122,156 - Mechatronics Engineers • Robotics Engineers
$67,828
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead—estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
University of Idaho is awarded more than $100 million in annual grants, contracts and research appropriations.
- Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Robotics Club
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
- Vandal Atmospheric Science Team (VAST)
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. mechanical engineering program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: Yes (Ph.D. and non-ABET M.Engr. and M.S.)
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 2
- Other requirements: Recommended minimum scores for GRE:
- Verbal 151
- Quantitative 153
- Analytical Writing 4.0
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.