StudyQA — PhD: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

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The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program at Princeton University offers students a comprehensive education that combines core principles of mechanical engineering with specialized knowledge in aerospace technologies. This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare students for innovative careers in industry, research, and academia, focusing on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical and aerospace systems. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering science, ensuring students develop critical problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in engineering and technology. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on laboratory experiences, students gain practical skills in areas such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, structural analysis, materials science, control systems, and aerodynamics. The program emphasizes research and innovation, providing opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects under the guidance of distinguished faculty members who are leaders in their fields. In addition to technical excellence, the program encourages the development of communication, teamwork, and leadership skills essential for effective collaboration in multidisciplinary environments. Students can participate in internships, cooperative education, and research initiatives, which enhance their real-world understanding and prepare them for successful careers across aerospace industries, automotive engineering, robotics, energy systems, and beyond. The university’s state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers support this innovative learning environment, fostering a culture of discovery and technological advancement. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce as engineers and researchers committed to advancing transportation, aerospace exploration, sustainability, and technological innovation worldwide.

Courses:

Each candidate is expected to demonstrate competence in certain core subjects to the satisfaction of the department as a whole. The basic topics vary for individual programs, but students are expected to take eight courses for a grade and perform preliminary research during the first three semesters prior to standing for the general exam. Two of the courses must be in mathematics and four must be in the student’s primary area of research. Students must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher. A student may receive one C in a graduate course and remain in the Ph.D. program. Approved courses from other departments may be taken, and members of these departments may be invited to participate in the general examination.

Pre-Generals Requirements(s):

PreGenerals Interview

Ordinarily, students will be given a single oral interview in the fall of their second year by a faculty member chosen by the major group. In case of an interdisciplinary program of study spanning two major areas, separate interviews in both areas should be conducted. A list of available interviewers and their subjects is available from the graduate office. These interviews are intended to explore, in-depth, the student's knowledge of a subject area, to prepare the student for the general examination, and to identify areas where further study may be necessary.

There is no requirement to pass or fail an interview; interviews are for the benefit of the student to ensure adequate preparation for the subject component of the general exam and to inform the graduate committee of the student’s readiness for the general exam. In some cases of weaker performance, interviewers may request additional time from the student after further studying.

General Exam:

The Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering is a certification that the graduating student is well versed in the fundamentals of his or her chosen field, is capable of performing creative, independent research, and has the ability to effectively communicate his or her ideas to a broad audience. The general examination procedure exercises the department's responsibility for determining a student's potential to satisfactorily complete a Ph.D. and simultaneously encourages the student to review and consolidate material from various courses and research activities. The general examination process consists of two components: the research component, consisting of a 30-minute presentation with an open question period; followed by the subject component, a 90-minute oral examination covering the broader subject area related to the student's research. The general exam is normally taken in January of the second year.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully passes the general examination.

Teaching:

It is a requirement for students to teach a minimum of three (3) half-time assistant in instruction assignments in order to qualify for their Ph.D.

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Yearly Committee Meetings

After successful completion of the general exam, the balance of the program is spent on dissertation research, teaching obligations, and additional courses. Candidates meet with their Ph.D. committee each year to review their research progress.

Dissertation and FPO:

The culmination of the Ph.D. program is the writing of a thesis on a research topic explored by the student and a presentation of this work in a final public oral examination. The thesis must contain significant and original contributions to the advancement of a field of knowledge. Upon acceptance of the dissertation by the departmental faculty, candidates are admitted to the final public oral examination.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.