Doctoral Program in Mechanical Engineering
Every doctoral candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is expected to attain a level of mastery in an area of mechanical engineering, and must therefore choose a field and take the most advanced courses offered in that field. Candidates are assigned a faculty adviser whose task is to help choose a program of courses, provide general advice on academic matters, and monitor academic performance.
Candidates also choose a faculty member in the pertinent area of specialization to serve as their research adviser. This adviser helps select a research problem and supervises the research, writing, and defense of the dissertation.
Milestones
Qualifying Exam: The exam consists of a written exam covering several areas of Mechanical Engineering. A candidate who fails the examination may be permitted to repeat it once in the following year. Typical Time of Completion: Two semesters after matriculation. The exam is given in May.
Master of Science (MS): Doctoral students are expected to either matriculate into the doctoral program with a master’s degree or earn one on course to their doctoral degree. Typical Time of Completion: Two to three semesters after matriculation.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil): Doctoral students should apply for the MPhil after completing the following requirements: passing the doctoral qualifying exam, accumulating six residence units, and earning 30 credits beyond the MS degree. MPhil degrees are awarded thrice yearly—in October, February, and May. Students must submit an MPhil application by email to Mel Francis. Deadline dates for submitting the application may be found here. Typical Time of Completion: Four semesters after MS.
Research Proposal: Doctoral students present a research proposal that identifies a specific problem to investigate to a three-person faculty committee. The committee considers whether the proposed problem is suitable for doctoral research, whether the plan of attack is well formulated and appropriate to the problem, and whether the student is adequately prepared. Typical Time of Completion: No later than six semesters after passing the Qualifying Exam.
As per GSAS guidelines, the research proposal shall be approved in writing by a committee of at least three faculty: at least two must be Columbia faculty named on the list of approved dissertation advisors from the student’s home department/program; a third can be from within the department, from another department at Columbia, or from outside the university (with GSAS permission).
Defense and Deposit of Dissertation: Doctoral students prepare and defend a dissertation to a five-person faculty committee consisting of at least three members from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and at least one member whose primary appointment is outside the department. Complete GSAS guidelines regarding the thesis committee can be found here. Students must submit a defense application by email to Mel Francis no later than two weeks before the scheduled defense. Dissertation dates and deadlines may be found here.
Program Requirements
- 30 credits beyond master’s degree (a combination of research and course credits, in consultation with advisor)
- GPA of 3.2 or better in graduate courses
- 4 semesters of graduate seminar MECE E9500 (must attend a minimum of 4 seminars in each semester of seminar registration)
- Completion of all milestones
- Completion of two semesters teaching experience, each equivalent to 20 hours/week effort
Doctoral Qualifying Examination
The exam consists of a written exam covering a number of areas of Mechanical Engineering.
Doctoral Research Proposal
In consultation with the research advisor, doctoral students will present a research proposal, which identifies a specific problem to investigate, to a three-person faculty committee.
Semi-annual Progress Reviews
Every semester, the Graduate Committee reviews the standing of every doctoral student enrolled in the program. In each case, the committee's goal is to ensure that the student is making progress towards graduation and achieving every milestone along the way (such as the qualifying exam or the thesis proposal) on schedule. If the student is meeting or exceeding these expectations, which happens in a majority of cases, the student receives formal feedback from the committee informing them that they are making satisfactory progress towards graduation.
Defending Your Dissertation
Below are 10 simple steps to take from distribution to deposit of your dissertation. If followed, you can ensure a very timely and smooth process. All of the steps can take place at any time during the year. However, if you are aiming to receive your degree at a specific degree conferral (October, February or May), you must follow a set of deadlines for that conferral. These deadlines are available online here.
Registration Information for PhD Students
Registration Information for PhD Students with Advanced Standing.
Financial Support for Doctoral Students
At the time of admission to a terminal doctoral program, the Department of Mechanical Engineering guarantees a minimum of five years of financial support, contingent on maintaining Good Academic Standing within both the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
Applying for a Doctoral Degree
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers two doctoral degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Engineering Science (EngScD). PhD degrees are conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and EngScD degrees are conferred by Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.