/College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Department of Mechanical Engineering

Advance Your Mechanical Engineering Career

Explore graduate study opportunities in Mechanical Engineering at Stony Brook University. Below, you'll find admissions resources, application information, and answers to frequently asked questions about our graduate programs.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechanical Engineering is designed for students aspiring for research or academic careers in education, government, industry, or research laboratories. The program offers a comprehensive pathway to becoming a leading expert through rigorous coursework, a qualifying examination, student teaching, a minor area requirement, and the dissertation approval process.

Under the guidance of faculty and industry professionals, PhD students collaborate on advanced theoretical and practical research in areas such as Advanced Energy, Biomechanics, Design and Manufacturing, Optics, Robotics, and more!

Visit our Research Overview for more information!

The thesis track provides students an in-depth, hands-on approach to exploring Mechanical Engineering principles in order to apply learned concepts to ongoing lab projects under the guidance of a Stony Brook faculty. For students considering pursuing a PhD or research-related career paths, this option is a great way to get an inside look on what PhD-level research entails, work directly on projects related to your field of interest, and even publish papers or attend conferences to further your future career prospects.

Visit our Research Overview for more information!

The non-thesis track gives students a more comprehensive focus on coursework and course projects, to grow their technical expertise across a broader range of specialized engineering disciplines. This option is designed primarily for students looking to enter or advance within industry post-graduation, offering maximum flexibility to tailor your degree to your specific career goals. Unlike the thesis option where you dedicate time to a single research topic, this option allows you to deep dive into advanced lectures and practical, project-based learning. Students can build a versatile portfolio for high-demand areas, making you competitive for corporate engineering roles.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

General Admissions Questions

Yes! We use a holistic admissions process, so applicants without an engineering degree are welcome to apply. We typically seek candidates with a solid foundation in mathematics and science—such as calculus, linear algebra, and physics—as well as programming skills. Additionally, we recommend that applicants who do not hold an engineering degree possess a background in core engineering concepts like statics and dynamics.

 

MS Frequently Asked Questions

  • Fall Entry:
    • Priority Deadline: January 1
    • General Deadline: March 15
  • Spring Entry:
    • October 15

Applicants who will or have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university are not required to take the GRE. However, applicants from a foreign country must submit their GRE scores. Waivers for the GRE can be approved on a case by case basis. 

Yes. Students can complete the MS Program part-time. When submitting your application, please be sure to select the part-time option.

Track switching is not typically permitted. However, a student may petition the Graduate Program Committee to switch tracks.

Like most U.S. institutions, our master’s program is generally self-funded. A limited number of fellowships and scholarships are available to help offset expenses. Students can review the Graduate School, the Center for Inclusive Excellence, Financial Aid and Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) websites for information. Additionally, the Career Center offers Handshake for departments to list on-campus job opportunities.

 

PhD Frequently Asked Questions

  • Fall Entry:
    • Priority Deadline: January 1
    • General Deadline: February 15
  • Spring Entry:
    • October 15

It is not mandatory to secure a faculty advisor prior to admission; however, students are encouraged to review faculty and labs whose research interests align with their own.

Yes. Students can complete the PhD Program part-time. When submitting your application, please be sure to select the part-time option.

Full tuition funding is provided for full-time PhD students on TA/RA/GA appointments or fellowships, which covers additional university fees, as well as a stipend. We encourage prospective students to apply for external fellowships, scholarships, and grants (e.g. NSF, GEM, DoE) for additional funding.

Applicants who will or have earned a bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university are not required to take the GRE. However, applicants from a foreign country must submit their GRE scores. Waivers for the GRE can be approved on a case by case basis. 

Yes. Our PhD Program includes a pathway for interested students to earn a master's degree along the way. Admitted students may contact the Graduate Program Coordinator for more information.

Looking for Admissions Information?

General admissions, tuition, and new student information can be found on the Graduate School Website.