Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science PhD

Program Code: G-ME-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Department
Website: mems.duke.edu/phd

Program Summary

The department offers programs of study and research leading to the MS and PhD in mechanical engineering and materials science. The department’s broad areas of concentration include aerodynamics and aeroelasticity, autonomous systems, biomechanics and biomaterials, computation and artificial intelligence, energy systems and materials, and soft matter and nanoscale materials. MS and PhD programs of study are highly flexible to meet individual needs.

Academic Requirements

Duke MEMS provides a customized, flexible educational experience tailored to meet your needs in your chosen research area. In our program, you will progress from introductory classes to specialized coursework. As you learn, your focus will gradually shift from coursework to learning important research and leadership skills.

• 6-8 core courses, depending on your chosen curriculum 

• Coursework-based Preliminary Exam in your 2nd year

• Research-based Research Proposal Defense in your 3rd year

• Complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training

• Complete two semesters of teaching assistantship

• Complete and defend a dissertation

• During their training, many students also complete certificates and/or internships