PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Hone your expertise in mechanical engineering by specializing in biomechanics; dynamics, control and manufacturing; or solid mechanics.

student working on a robot

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Major: Mechanical Engineering

Rigorous graduate study in mechanical engineering can bring you to the forefront of knowledge creation and application in this fundamental field of engineering, and prepare you for a successful career in academia, industry or government labs. Given the rapid convergence of physical science and data science, as witnessed in emerging fields like cyber-physical systems, the Industrial Internet of Things, digital and sustainable manufacturing, biomanufacturing and biologically inspired robots, to name just a few, a multidisciplinary approach is increasingly needed to solve many of the world’s pressing challenges. Pursuing a graduate degree is the most effective and efficient process for honing expertise in the theories and tools for successful multidisciplinary research. 

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Case Western Reserve has a legacy of scholarly contributions that have pushed the frontiers of the field, from microgravity flows to robotics. Ranked in the top 23 percent of graduate programs in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, we offer exciting opportunities for high-quality graduate studies in diverse specialty areas, including design and control of biologically inspired robots, biomechanics, biosensing, digital and sustainable manufacturing, computational and experimental fluid mechanics, batteries and energy storage, thermal system management, fire spread and safety, and more. We work across departments, and our proximity to world-renowned health care institutions provides you with unique opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students in the medical and biomedical fields. 

Become an expert in applied mechanics, dynamics and design, or fluid and thermal engineering sciences with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

Delve deep into a specialized area based on your interests via our focused tracks:

  • Biomechanics

  • Dynamics, Control and Manufacturing

  • Fluids and Thermal Sciences

  • Solid Mechanics

Our graduates are in high demand across industry, academic and government agencies. Recent employers include Carnegie Mellon University, Texas A&M University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ohio State University, Cairo University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Explore degree requirements, courses and more in the university's general bulletin