Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, PhD
The PhD program is a dynamic, hands-on and research-focused degree program. Overseen by the Graduate Group in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, students interact closely with faculty to pursue a degree tailored to their research interests. Each student's course of study is selected with the help of their advisor and is approved by the Graduate Group Chair. Dissertation research is guided by a faculty research advisor and a small committee of faculty with interests and competence in areas related to the dissertation.
The Ph.D. requirements include the completion of a minimum of 8 course units of graduate level coursework with a grade-point average of at least 3.0, satisfactory performance in the PhD-related exams, presentation of a departmental seminar, completion of the teaching practicum, and the submission and successful defense of an original and significant dissertation. The milestones in the PhD program are noted in the PhD Handbook.
For more information: https://www.me.upenn.edu/academics/doctoral/
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | ||
| ENM 5200 | Principles and Techniques of Applied Math I | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Principles and Techniques of Applied Math II | ||
| Numerical Methods for PDEs | ||
| Data-driven Modeling and Probabilistic Scientific Computing | ||
| Topology | ||
| Linear Systems Theory | ||
| Modern Convex Optimization | ||
| MEAM Core Courses | 3 | |
Select three of the following: | ||
| Elasticity and Micromechanics of Materials | ||
| Continuum Mechanics | ||
| Advanced Dynamics | ||
| Thermodynamics: Foundations, Energy, Materials | ||
| Transport Processes I | ||
| Advanced Robotics | ||
| Research-Related Courses 1 | 3 | |
| Teaching Practicum | 1.5 | |
| Teaching Practicum (Taken 3 times) 2 | ||
| Dissertation/Research 4 | 9.5 | |
| Independent Study Research | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| Seminar 3 | 0 | |
| MEAM Seminar (Taken 6 times) | ||
| Responsible Conduct of Research Requirement | 0 | |
| Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering | ||
| Total Course Units | 19 | |
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
- 1
At least three additional graduate courses that are related to the student’s research are required to fulfill the Research Requirement.
- 2
Three semesters of Teaching Practicum normally taken in 3rd, 4th and 5th semesters.
- 3
-
CPT courses cannot count towards degree: EAS 8980
- 4
Doctoral students are expected to maintain full-time status and to enroll in MEAM 9999 Independent Study Research while conducting research, in consultation with their advisor. A student should enroll in MEAM 9950 in year three and beyond once they advance to candidacy. A student must be enrolled in MEAM 9950 in their final semester.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 2 CU's MEAM core courses | 2 | |
| ENM 5200 | Principles and Techniques of Applied Math I | 1 |
| MEAM 6990 | MEAM Seminar 1 | 0 |
| EAS 9000 | Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering | 0 |
| Spring | ||
| ENM 5210 | Principles and Techniques of Applied Math II | 1 |
| or ENM 5220 | Numerical Methods for PDEs | |
| or ENM 5310 | Data-driven Modeling and Probabilistic Scientific Computing | |
| or MATH 5000 | Topology | |
| or ESE 5000 | Linear Systems Theory | |
| or ESE 6050 | Modern Convex Optimization | |
| 1 CU MEAM core course | 1 | |
| 1 CU research related course | 1 | |
| Qualifier Exam/MEAM 8990 2 | ||
| MEAM 6990 | MEAM Seminar | 0 |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 2 CU's research related course | 2 | |
| MEAM 8950 | Teaching Practicum 3 | 0.5 |
| MEAM 9999 | Independent Study Research | 1 |
| Spring | ||
| MEAM 9999 | Independent Study Research | 2.5 |
| MEAM 6990 | MEAM Seminar | 0 |
| MEAM 8950 | Teaching Practicum | 0.5 |
| Third Year and Beyond | ||
| Fall | ||
| MEAM 9999 | Independent Study Research | 3 |
| MEAM 6990 | MEAM Seminar | 0 |
| MEAM 8950 | Teaching Practicum | 0.5 |
| Spring | ||
| MEAM 9950 | Dissertation | 3 |
| MEAM 6990 | MEAM Seminar | 0 |
| Total Course Units | 19 | |
- 1
MEAM 6990 needs to be completed six times before graduation. These six do not need to be in consecutive order.
- 2
Students must complete either 2 CUs of MEAM core courses or 1 CU of a MEAM core and 1 CU of the math requirement before they can take the qualifying exam. The Qualifying Exam (recorded as MEAM 8990) is held in the second semester of the PhD program if the student matriculated in Fall, or in the third semester for students who matriculate in Spring.
- 3
Students are eligible to participate in Teaching Practicum (MEAM 8950) as soon as they pass their qualifying exam. Typically a student passing the qualifying exam in their second semester, would normally complete the teaching practicum in semesters 3 (Fall semester in year 2), 4 (Spring year 2), and 5 (Fall year 3).
- 4
Candidacy Exam/Thesis Proposal is completed in the student's third or fourth year. The Dissertation Defense is typically held in the student's fifth or sixth year.
- 5
Students are expected to complete course requirements in the first three years of study. However, the combination of when the specific requirement (Mathematics, Core, and Research Related) is completed isn't as strict. The above listing is a general plan of study on when to complete them.