PhD Mechanical Engineering at University of Pittsburgh

Programme overview

The Mechanical Engineering PhD develops students for engineering research in industry or academia, with education at the edge of technical, management, systems design and decision-making concepts and a strong mathematics base. Students are expected to study full time, with at least one full-time year on campus if part time.

Faculty: Swanson School of Engineering | Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Specialty areas of mechanical engineering such as thermo-fluids, modeling and simulation, biomechanics and medical technologies, energy systems technologies, and control and dynamics.

Career pathways

Engineering research in industry or academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Swanson School of Engineering graduate admission (all graduate programmes): cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher (applicants below 3.0 are considered individually and may be admitted provisionally); GRE optional and not used in admission decisions; online application with transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; international applicants must show English proficiency unless they hold a degree from an institution in an English-speaking country (minimum TOEFL 81, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 120). Mechanical Engineering requires 2 letters of recommendation. Deadlines: Fall 2027 financial consideration December 1, 2026; Fall 2027 without funding April 1, 2027; Spring 2027 October 15, 2026.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Domestic applicants: USD 30,628 a year (2026-27). Pennsylvania-resident graduate tuition, Swanson School of Engineering, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

International applicants: USD 54,002 a year (2026-27). Out-of-state (non-PA resident) graduate tuition, Swanson School of Engineering, full-time two terms (fall and spring). Tuition only; mandatory fees and other expenses excluded. Source

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