phd mechanical engineering gatech

Graduate Education

Graduate admission application.

For general questions regarding the application process, please refer to the  Applicant/New Student FAQs   or   contact the department   to which you are applying. Once you have submitted your application, updates regarding your application status can be found on your application status page .

If you need to   contact us   regarding technical issues with the application system, we may be reached during normal business hours.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests.

NSF CAREER Award to Study Emotion AI

Emotion AI is increasingly in the spotlight for its potential applications — as well as its problems and pitfalls. Georgia Tech’s Noura Howell is researching how we might reimagine the future of emotion AI, thanks to a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation.

The Rising Cost of Aging Infrastructure

1974: Alive at Georgia Tech

Majors and Degrees

Georgia Tech offers a wide variety of technologically focused degrees. Explore the more than 130 majors and minors available.

Prospective Students

Choosing the right college can be complex. Learn more about Georgia Tech's academics, admissions, campus life, costs, and aid.

Our holistic admission process considers your academic background as well as your pursuits and interests outside the classroom.

Alumni Association

Connecting our global network of alumni through events, volunteer opportunities, and career help.

Strategic Plan

Achieving our mission by pursuing meaningful and measurable progress through six strategic focus areas.

Breaking down barriers and collaborating on research at the intersection of disciplines.

Campus News

Expanding Access to Obstetric Care in Georgia: Challenges and Strategies

Georgia Tech researchers highlight the limitations of the "maternity care desert" measure ...

Defining Smart City Digital Twins

A Q&A with two Georgia Tech experts in civil and environmental engineering and city infrastructu...

Meet VAL, an AI Teammate That Can Adapt to Your Tendencies

A new AI teammate developed by Assistant Professor Christopher MacLellan could be the ideal co-opt v...

‘Technique’ Editor to Represent Student Media With Debate Coverage

The student newspaper will provide a behind-the-scenes look at Thursday’s presidential debate. ...

Graduate Programs

Graduate Studies

Degree in applied mechanics », degree in civil engineering », degree in mechanical engineering ».

To apply for admission to the graduate program in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, you must submit an application, available through the Graduate Admissions Office .

In a typical year, between 250 and 300 applications for graduate study in MCE are received, and 25-30 offers of admission are made. Admissions decisions are made by the faculty, and are determined both by the research opportunities in the applicant's area of interest, and the competitiveness of the applicant's grades, class standing, research experience, and letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required for any of the MCE options. Self-reported scores will not be considered in evaluating the applications.

The degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science are offered. The program emphasizes Ph.D. level study and research. We do not have a Masters of Sciences degree only program. Students who intend to work full-time toward the Ph.D. degree as a final degree objective are admitted to the graduate program. Only in exceptional cases is there admission to the Master of Science program as the final degree objective.

As preparation for advanced study and research, entering graduate students are expected to have a thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering. An outstanding four-year undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may provide a suitable background as well. The qualifications of each applicant will be considered individually, and, after being enrolled, the student will arrange his or her program in consultation with a member of the faculty.

Application deadlines: December 15, of each year for all degree programs in MCE

For further information about graduate study in the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, please contact: Jenni Campbell Mechanical and Civil Engineering California Institute of Technology 1200 East California Boulevard Mail Code 104-44 Pasadena, CA 91125 [email protected]

Mechanical Engineering Researchers Use Salt for Thermal Energy Storage

Jul 23, 2024 — atlanta, ga.

Erik Barbosa and Madeline Morrell examine salt beads. Photo by: Allison Carter

From keeping warm in the winter to doing laundry, heat is crucial to daily life. But as the world grapples with climate change, buildings’ increasing energy consumption is a critical problem. Currently, heat is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas, but that will need to change as the world shifts to clean energy. 

Georgia Tech researchers in the  George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering  (ME) are developing more efficient heating systems that don’t rely on fossil fuels. They demonstrated that combining two commonly found salts could help store clean energy as heat; this can be used for heating buildings or integrated with a heat pump for cooling buildings.

The researchers presented their research in “ Thermochemical Energy Storage Using Salt Mixtures With Improved Hydration Kinetics and Cycling Stability ,” in the Journal of Energy Storage .

Reaction Redux 

The fundamental mechanics of heat storage are simple and can be achieved through many methods. A basic reversible chemical reaction is the foundation for their approach: A forward reaction absorbs heat and then stores it, while a reverse reaction releases the heat, enabling a building to use it.

ME Assistant Professor  Akanksha Menon has been interested in thermal energy storage since she began working on her Ph.D.  When she arrived at Georgia Tech and started the Water-Energy Research Lab ( WERL ), she became involved in not only developing storage technology and materials but also figuring out how to integrate them within a building. She thought understanding the fundamental material challenges could translate into creating better storage.

“I realized there are so many things that we don't understand, at a scientific level, about how these thermo-chemical materials work between the forward and reverse reactions,” she said.

The Superior Salt

The reactions Menon works with use salt. Each salt molecule can hold a certain number of water molecules within its structure. To instigate the chemical reaction, the researchers dehydrate the salt with heat, so it expels water vapor as a gas. To reverse the reaction, they hydrate the salt with water, forcing the salt structure’s expansion to accommodate those water molecules. 

It sounds like a simple process, but as this expansion/contraction process happens, the salt gets more stressed and will eventually mechanically fail, the same way lithium-ion batteries only have so many charge-discharge cycles. 

“You can start with something that's a nice spherical particle, but after it goes through a few of these dehydration-hydration cycles, it just breaks apart into tiny particles and completely pulverizes or it overhydrates and agglomerates into a block,” Menon explained. 

These changes aren’t necessarily catastrophic, but they do make the salt ineffective for long-term heat storage as the storage capacity decreases over time. 

Menon and her student, Erik Barbosa, a Ph.D. student in ME, began combining salts that react with water in different ways. After testing six salts over two years, they found two that complemented each other well. Magnesium chloride often fails because it absorbs too much water, whereas strontium chloride is very slow to hydrate. Together, their respective limitations can mutually benefit each other and lead to improved heat storage.

“We didn't plan to mix salts; it was just one of the experiments we tried,” Menon said. “Then we saw this interactive behavior and spent a whole year trying to understand why this was happening and if it was something we could generalize to use for thermal energy storage.”

The Energy Storage of the Future

Menon is just beginning with this research, which was supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. Her next step is developing the structures capable of containing these salts for heat storage, which is the focus of an  Energy Earthshots project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Basic Energy Sciences.

A system-level demonstration is also planned, where one solution is filling a drum with salts in a packed bed reactor. Then hot air would flow across the salts, dehydrating them and effectively charging the drum like a battery. To release that stored energy, humid air would be blown over the salts to rehydrate the crystals. The subsequently released heat can be used in a building instead of fossil fuels. While initiating the reaction needs electricity, this could come from off-peak (excess renewable electricity) and the stored thermal energy could be deployed at peak times. This is the focus of another ongoing project in the lab that is funded by the DOE’s  Building Technologies Office.

Ultimately, this technology could lead to climate-friendly energy solutions. Plus, unlike many alternatives like lithium batteries, salt is a widely available and cost-effective material, meaning its implementation could be swift. Salt-based thermal energy storage can help reduce carbon emissions, a vital strategy in the fight against climate change.

“Our research spans the range from fundamental science to applied engineering thanks to funding from the NSF and DOE,” Menon said. “This positions Georgia Tech to make a significant impact toward decarbonizing heat and enabling a renewable future.”

Erik Barbosa and Madeline Morrell (PhD students) analyze water vapor storage and release in salts. Photo by: Allison Carter

Michael Adams (postdoc) and Erik Barbosa discuss a heat and mass transfer model for a packed bed reactor of salts. Photo by: Allison Carter

The thermal energy storage team in Menon's lab. Photo by: Allison Carter

The thermal energy storage team in Menon's lab. Photo by: Allison Carter

Tess Malone, Senior Research Writer/Editor

[email protected]

This website uses cookies.  For more information, review our  Privacy & Legal Notice Questions? Please email [email protected]. More Info Decline --> Accept

Integrated MEMS Laboratory

Institute for electronics and nanotechnology, faculty and personnel, director and principal investigator.

Dr. Farrokh Ayazi

Regents Entrepreneur Ken Byers Professor in Microsystems 404.894.9496 [email protected]

Postdoctoral Researcher

Dr. Ningxin Li

Graduate Students

Jiacheng Wang

Shubham Sahasrabudhe

Xinyu Jiang

Undergraduate Student

Zhenming Liu Graduation Date: December 2023 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: StethX Microsystems Inc., Atlanta, GA

Justin Matthews Graduation Date: May 2023 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Protiviti, Atlanta, GA

Pranav Gupta Graduation Date: May 2021 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Apple, Cupertino, California

Seung-yong Shin Graduation Date: Spring 2021 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Avago

Mojtaba Hodjat-Shamami Graduation Date: December 2020 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Employer: Self Employed

Jeremy Yang Graduation Date: June 2020 Degree: Ph.D. in Physics Employer: Waymo  – Mountain View, CA

Anosh Daruwalla Graduation Date: August 2019 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Stathera, Inc ,Quebec, Canada

Mohammad Moghimi Period: May 2018 – July 2019 Position: Post-doc Employer: Assistant Professor at Northern Illinois University

Pantani Liu (Chang-shun Liu) Graduation Date: May 2019 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Qualcomm, CA

Benoit Hamelin Graduation Date: December 2018 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: ENGENIUSMICRO, Atlanta, GA

Haoran Wen Graduation Date: May 2018 Degree: Ph.D. in Physics Employer: StethX Microsystems Inc., Atlanta GA

Yaesuk Jeong Graduation Date: May 2017 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering Employer: Panasonic, Marlborough, MA

Samuel Wisher Graduation Date: December 2016 Degree: MS in Electrical & Computer Engineering Employer: Raytheon, Tuscon, AZ

Diego Serrano Graduation Date: Oct 2014 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Panasonic – Marlborough, MA

Arashk Norouzpour-Shirazi Graduation Date: January 2016 Degree: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering Employer: Cirrus Logic, Austin, TX

Peng Shao Graduation Date: May 2014 Degree: Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering Employer: Freescale semiconductor, Senior MEMS Designer – Tucson, AZ

Roozbeh Tabrizian Graduation Date: December 2013 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: University of Florida, Assistant Professor – Gainesville, FL

Logan Sorenson Graduation Date: December 2013 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: HRL Laboratories, Research Staff Member – Malibu, CA

Wang-Kyung Sung Graduation Date: December 2013 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer:  TDK-InvenSense – San Jose, CA

Jenna Fu Graduation Date: Aug 2013 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: US Army Research Lab

Milap Dalal Graduation Date: August 2012 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Ikanos Communications, Sr Analog Designer – Red Bank, NJ

Mauricio Pardo Gonzalez Graduation Date: January 2012 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Universidad del Norte – Barranquilla, Columbia

Ashwin Kumar Samarao Graduation Date: May 2011 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Aeva, Inc. – Sunnyvale, CA

Hossein Miri Lavasani Graduation Date: May 2010 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University

Divyanshu Agrawal Graduation Date: December 2009 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Cirrus Logic – Austin, TX

Dongning Zhao Graduation Date: December 2009 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Wanling Pan Graduation Date: December 2009 Degree: Postdoctoral associate Employer: Integrated Device Technology, Inc – San Jose, CA

Houri Johari Graduation Date: August 2008 Degree: Ph. D in Mechanical Engineering Employer: InvenSense, Inc. – Sunnyvale, CA

Mina Rais-Zadeh Graduation Date: July 2008 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory – La Cañada Flintridge, CA

Mohammad Faisal Zaman Graduation Date: May 2008 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Qualtré, Inc. – Boston, MA

Jiandong Fang Employer: Lexmark – Lexington, KY

Reza Abdolvand Graduation Date: January 2008 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: University of Central Florida, Associate Professor – Orlando, FL

Ajit Sharma Graduation Date: December 2007 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Texas Instruments – Dallas, TX

Jalpa Shah Graduation Date: December 2007 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Medtronics Inc. – Minneapolis, MN

Gavin Ho Graduation Date: October 2006 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: TDK – San Jose, CA

Krishnakumar Sundaresan Graduation Date: December 2006 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: GE Global Research – Nisakayuna, NY

Zhili Hao Employer: Old Dominion University, Associate Professor – Norfolk, VA

Siavash Pourkamali Graduation Date: December 2006 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: University of Texas at Dallas, Professor – Dallas, TX

Abhishek Sivapurapu Graduation Date: December 2005 Degree: MS in Materials Science and Engineering Employer: Apple – Cupertino, CA

John Peng Graduation Date: August 2006 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Pursuing Ph. D in BioE at Georgia Tech – Atlanta, GA

Shweta Sameer Humad Graduation Date: July 2004 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Goodrich Corp. – Brunsville, Minnesota

Pejman Monajemi Graduation Date: April 2006 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Apple – Cupertino, CA

Babak Vakili Amini Graduation Date: January 2006 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Qualcomm – Santa Clara, CA

Akinori Hashimura Graduation Date: August 2002 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Sharp Labs – Camas, WA

Keith Brouse Graduation Date: May 2002 Degree: MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Texas Instruments – Dallas, TX

Sidharth Dalmia Graduation Date: 2002 Degree: Ph. D in Electrical and Computer Engineering Employer: Apple – Cupertino, CA

Limited Business Hours

The Office of Graduate Education will be participating in a week-long training from July 29 – August 2, 2024. During this week we will have limited business hours. The office will be closed on Monday, July 29 and on Thursday, August 1 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. We appreciate your patience with our response time during this week and will do our best to respond to all inquiries as quickly as we can.

Graduate Education

Office of graduate and postdoctoral education, phd defense by nancy joanna deaton, july 30, 2024.

Title:  Design, Modeling, and Control of Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgical Systems with Integrated Sensors

Date:  Tuesday, July 30th, 2024

Time:  1:30 PM EST

Location:  Pettit Microelectronics Building, Room 102B

Virtual Link: https://gatech.zoom.us/j/97236083278

      Meeting ID: 972 3608 3278

Nancy Joanna Deaton

Robotics Ph.D. Candidate

Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology

Dr. Jaydev P. Desai (Advisor) - Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Dr. Yue Chen - Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Dr. Shreyes Melkote - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Dr. F. Levent Degertekin - Department of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech

Dr. Joshua Chern - Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University

The manual manipulation of passive surgical tools to access locations deep within the body can present numerous clinical challenges. These interventions require navigation through complex anatomy irrespective of whether the procedure is performed within organs or vasculature. The need to visualize the device in real-time and to prevent injury to critical anatomical structures further complicates the development of robotic solutions. This work presents the design, modeling, and control of robotic surgical systems to address some of these challenges in minimally invasive procedures.

First, this work outlines the fabrication of tendon-driven joints for micro-scale and meso-scale surgical robots, which enables the development of a robotically steerable needle system for high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR BT). HDR BT is a crucial radiotherapy treatment that relies on precise needle placement to optimize radiation dose distribution, minimize the number of needles implanted, and avoid damage to critical anatomy. This work demonstrates the development and control of a robotically steerable system for accurate HDR BT needle placement along varied paths.

Additionally, this research investigates integrated sensing for robotically steerable guidewires. Guidewires are routinely used in several endovascular interventions, and one significant challenge is the lack of distal tip steerability, particularly in treating peripheral artery disease (PAD) and cerebral aneurysms. Navigating these small, tortuous vessels without causing harm is complex. This research presents the development of integrated shape and force sensing for a robotically steerable guidewire as a potential solution to this challenging clinical problem.

Finally, this technology is adapted to create a steerable needle system for placing Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes, which are crucial for localizing epileptic seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Current procedures require the placement of multiple straight electrodes, which limit achievable paths within the desired anatomical structures. This work introduces a steerable needle system and stiffening sheath capable of placing SEEG depth electrodes along a desired path, enabling new clinical possibilities.

Accessibility Information

Download Microsoft Products   >      Download Adobe Reader   >

Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics Master's Program

• Graduate Programs
• Programs and Deadlines

School of Engineering Graduate School Application

Mechanical engineering and applied mechanics master's program.

The Sc.M. program in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics (ME) has a long tradition of excellence at Brown. ME is one of the most versatile engineering disciplines as it explores a wide range of systems spanning fluids and solids. Students from this concentration learn the science of motion, designing and analyzing systems that shape our world:  From high-precision nanomechanical machines to large-scale aerospace systems. At Brown, ME students carve unique paths leveraging computational, analytical, or experimental methodologies with other areas of interest in the spirit of the open curriculum. They become distinguished scholars, engineering innovators, and management leaders. The curriculum in ME is intended to provide students with a broad interdisciplinary foundation complemented by specialized training in mechanical systems and fluid/thermal systems.

The objectives of the Brown University Mechanical Engineering Sc.M. Program are to produce graduates who will: (1) apply their knowledge of engineering, science, mathematics, and liberal arts to successful careers and leadership roles in industry, government, or academia; (2) apply independent, critical, and integrative thinking to a broad range of complex, multidisciplinary problems, and effectively communicate their solutions to broad audiences of diverse backgrounds; and (3) show a lifelong commitment to technical approaches that address the needs of society in an ethical, safe, sustainable, and mechanically responsible manner.

Students in the ME master’s program can study a broad range of topics including: 

• Complex fluids
• Fundamental fluid dynamics and heat transfer
• Mechanics of cells and biological systems
• Micro- and nanoscale fluids and materials
• Micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)
• Multiscale materials modeling
• Soft matter

Program of study

Master of science – non-thesis option.

Students take a total of eight courses to satisfy the degree requirements. Students are expected to complete the Master of Science – Non-Thesis program option in three semesters, taking three courses in the first and second semesters, and two courses in the third semester.

Master of Science – Thesis Option

Students take a total of eight courses, including independent reading and research courses. Students are expected to complete the Master of Science – Thesis program option in four semesters, taking three courses in the first semester, two in the second and third semesters, and one in the fourth semester. Students can switch between degree options during the program for greater flexibility. Students interested in pursuing the Thesis option usually identify a faculty advisor during their first or second semester at Brown.

Master of Science – Professional Option

In addition to the course requirements, a paid or unpaid experiential learning experience of 3-6 months is a required component of the professional track program. Experiential learning can include a summer internship or completion of  ENGN 2960 (Experiential Learning in Industry (ELI)) as an elective course. Assistance in obtaining internships will be provided by the School of Engineering and Career Services and Professional Development in the School of Professional Studies .

More about ScM requirements .

Master's students should meet with their advisor at their orientation and/or the start of the semester and share their intended program of study for advice and approval. 

Course highlights for ME master’s students include (but are not limited to):

ENGN 1750 Advanced Mechanics of Solids - Continuum mechanics of solids and its application to the mechanical response of machine and structural elements.

ENGN 2210 Continuum Mechanics - An introduction to the mathematical foundations of continuum mechanics.

ENGN 2340 Computational Methods in Structural Mechanics - Fundamentals of the finite element method of structural analysis.

ENGN 2810 Fluid Mechanics I - Investigate flows to design and take advantage of their behavior for engineering solutions; learn the necessary mathematical concepts and notation to communicate integral and differential formulations of governing equations for fluid motion. ENGN 2820 Fluid Mechanics II - Introduction to concepts basic to current fluid mechanics research: hydrodynamic stability, the concept of average fluid mechanics, introduction to turbulence and to multiphase flow, wave motion, and topics in inviscid and compressible flow.

Brown University ME master's program graduates are highly competitive in academic and industry markets. Companies that have hired our recent graduates include:

Lynx Global Intelligence, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Parsons Xtreme Golf, Physik Instrumente, Stony Brook University, TransMedics

Additional Information

• Faculty/Staff
• MyMichiganTech
• Safety Data Sheets
• Website Settings
• Engineering
• Graduate Programs

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics—PhD

Graduate study in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering—nationally ranked in the top 36% by U.S. News & World Report—offers a wide range of challenging and rewarding research opportunities. The PhD in Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics is a research-intensive program. Eighty percent of our PhD graduates go to work in industry.

Research in the department emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration in initiatives ranging from nanotechnologies, to lean manufacturing and design, to alternative-energy technologies including micro and macro fuel cells, hydrogen power, and wind power. Students benefit from extensive research facilities on campus and at satellite locations. Expenditures for the department’s dynamic research community exceed $13 million annually, typically funded by industry, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, NASA, the Department of Defense, and many other sources. Active research thrust areas include

• Advanced power systems: developing critical technologies for clean, efficient, sustainable power systems, and modeling energy transport and conversion processes. Focus areas include engines, fuel cells, and wind turbines.
• Mechanics of multi-scale materials: constitutive modeling of biomaterials, cellular materials, nanomaterials, energetic materials, and composite materials. Research focuses on developing methods for modeling and characterization that will inform emerging technologies.
• Multidisciplinary engineering dynamic systems: collaborative research at the interface of engineering disciplines such as dynamics, vibration, acoustics, signal processing, and controls. Research focuses on the need for quieter, more reliable, safer products, machines, and equipment.
• Multi-scale sensors and systems: research into the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of physically and functionally compatible devices and components across the size spectrum. Focus areas include nanofabrication and characterization, micro-fabrication processes, and bio-nanotechnology.
• Space systems: development of innovative components, systems, and architectures for micro and nanosatellite applications.

Join one of the largest mechanical and aerospace engineering departments in the nation, and coalesce with scholars working toward achieving technological, environmental, industrial, and societal sustainability.

Degree Requirements

The Graduate Seminar (MEEM 6000) must be taken twice for a total of 2 credits.

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

• Request Info
• How to Apply

"I’m here for my Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. The reason I chose it is because my undergraduate was in mechanical engineering, and Michigan Tech is, for graduate students, the top 30% in the USA." R. Karim

Undergraduate Study in Mechanical Engineering

• Minor in Energy Systems
• Minor in Engineering and Business
• Minor in Global Development
• Minor in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering

Bachelor's Degrees

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering

Undergraduate Research

Georgia Tech encourages undergraduate students to participate in quality and substantive research. There are several options in the Woodruff School for both mechanical engineering and nuclear and radiological engineering majors to do special problem courses or undergraduate research courses. Students can do a non-research special problem course. This is usually a design course and it might be combined with the capstone design class for a two-semester design problem. There are two types of undergraduate research courses; an ME or NRE class; and research internships, where students are paid for working on a project either part time or full time. For both options, the course appears on the transcript. In all cases, the student must find a faculty member to work with. Each special problem and research course requires a written final report, which is to be submitted to the faculty advisor for grading. All special problems courses taken for credit receive a letter grade and appear on the transcript. Funding opportunities are available through the President's Undergraduate Research Awards.

For more information on undergraduate research at Georgia Tech, visit www.undergradresearch.gatech.edu and for specific ME/NRE program information, visit www.me.gatech.edu .

The following undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org .

This site uses cookies. Review the Privacy & Legal Notice . Email questions to [email protected]

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

College of Engineering

Materials engineer meilin liu named to european academy of sciences.

Liu is recognized for his contributions to the field of materials for energy storage and conversion.

Meilin Liu , Hightower Chair and Regents’ Professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering , has been elected to the  European Academy of Sciences (EURASC) .

The honor is annually awarded to European scholars and engineers for their research and contributing to the development of advanced technologies. Members also demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting science and technology in Europe.

Liu is a global leader in developing materials for energy storage and conversion. His research focuses on the design, fabrication, and multi-scale simulation of thin films, membranes, and electrodes with unique functionalities for chemical and energy transformation.

Liu’s work has significantly advanced the understanding and theoretical design of energy materials, introducing practical concepts for reversible fuel cells, batteries, and membrane reactors for chemical and energy transformation. 

“I am honored to be recognized by EURASC and look forward to further collaborations with European colleagues in developing materials for a cleaner and more secure energy future,” Liu said. 

Liu has been an active contributor to various European Union organizations, participating in reviews and providing technical expertise. He also has collaborated with European scientists to author papers and mentor students and postdoctoral scholars.

Liu is a co-founder of Polyplus Battery and an inventor or co-inventor on 33 U.S. patents. He’s a fellow of the American Ceramic Society, the Electrochemical Society, and the International Association of Advanced Materials.

The EURASC bills itself as “an international association of distinguished scholars that aims to recognize and elect to its membership the best European scientists with a vision for Europe as a whole.” The group also works with its members in advising European bodies in the betterment of European research, technological application, and social development. 

Related Story

Natalie Stingelin Named to European Academy of Sciences

MSE Chair Natalie Stingelin was honored in 2023 for her contributions in the broader areas of polymer physics.

George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering

Ai and automation converge in expansion of georgia tech’s advanced manufacturing pilot facility.

July 23, 2024 By Audra Davidson

The   Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute   (GTMI) launched the   Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility   (AMPF) in 2017. Now, GTMI is breaking ground on an extensive expansion to bring new capabilities in automation, artificial intelligence, and data management to the facility. 

Georgia Tech Research News

UVAccelerate

Accelerate your time to completion of a non-thesis Master’s degree by getting started now!

Who can apply?

Current UVA undergraduate and Sweet Briar College engineering science students can apply to a Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.), or Master of Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) degree program in the third year of your undergraduate studies. These programs require 30 credits of coursework (35 credits for biomedical engineering) as part of an approved plan of study, and with the right planning, you may be able to get a head start on taking graduate-level courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree. 

Save time and money by accelerating your time to completion of a master’s degree!

How it works

Interested UVA undergraduate students should apply to UVAccelerate in March of your third year. Once admissions decisions are released, students admitted through the UVAccelerate program will be offered academic advising from graduate program faculty to identify the fastest path to your master’s degree. While applying in your third year of undergraduate studies may seem early, getting an early admissions decision and personalized advising allows you to minimize your time to degree by taking advantage of things like advanced placement credit and undergraduate electives. Some students who participate in UVAccelerate are able to earn a master’s degree in as little as one additional semester beyond their bachelor’s degree.

Benefits to you 

By earning your master’s degree in engineering, you have access to more interesting and challenging job opportunities, accelerated career advancement, and higher earning potential throughout your career. UVA Engineering graduate students report an average starting salary $30,000 higher than bachelor’s graduates in their first job after finishing their degree. UVAccelerate can help you get there as quickly as possible!

How to apply

Complete a graduate application through our online application system starting as early as December 1st . On the Program page of the online application, be sure to check the box indicating that you’re applying through the UVAccelerate program. We also made it easier for you to apply by waiving two of the three required letters of recommendation, making the GRE test-optional, and waiving the $85 application fee for UVA Engineering and BACS undergraduates who apply to UVAccelerate!

Degree Programs and Contacts:

• Biomedical Engineering  (M.E.) |  Don Griffin
• Chemical Engineering (M.E.) |  Gary Koenig
• Civil Engineering (M.E.) |  Jose Gomez
• Computer Engineering (M.E.) | Mircea Stan
• Computer Science (M.C.S.) |  Felix Lin
• Electrical Engineering (M.E.) |  Zongli Lin
• Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) |  Leo Zhigilei
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (M.E.) |  Gavin Garner
• Systems Engineering (M.E.) |  Robert Riggs  

UVA Engineering Partners with Sweet Briar College on Accelerated Path to Graduate Degree

Through the new UVAccelerate partnership, Sweet Briar engineering students can get a jump start on a Master of Engineering graduate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Completing the application.

Can I apply to a different graduate program than my undergraduate major?  

Yes. You are not limited to your undergraduate major and are free to apply to any graduate program of your choosing.

Am I eligible to apply for UVAccelerate in my second year if I plan to complete my program in three years?

No. The program is designed specifically for third-years. If you are a second-year interested in pursuing an M.E., we encourage you to apply for your program of interest during the standard admissions cycle.  

How many letters of recommendation are required as part of my UVAccelerate application?   

Only one letter of recommendation is required; however, you are welcome to submit additional recommendation letters if preferred.

Does my letter of recommendation need to be from a faculty member?   

Your letter of recommendation does not need to be from a faculty member. However, if you request a faculty member write your recommendation letter, consider including faculty with whom you have taken more than one course or worked closely with on projects. For tips on applying to a graduate program, please visit our Graduate Admissions website here .

What is the cost associated with applying to UVAccelerate?   

The UVA Engineering graduate application fee is $85; however, the application fee is automatically waived for all SEAS and BACS undergraduate students applying to the program.

Admissions Decisions

How soon will I be notified of my admissions decision?   

Admissions decisions are typically made within 30 days of the March 1st application deadline. Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email that will direct you to the application portal.

I just received a letter stating that I have been admitted to UVAccelerate. What are my next steps?  

Congratulations! Please log in to the application portal, respond to your offer of admission, and look forward to ‘next steps’ emails from the Office of Graduate Programs. 

Cost and Tuition

How much does the master’s program cost?   

For information regarding Tuition & Fees, please visit the SEAS Graduate Admissions website here .  Some graduate programs do offer scholarships; however, the Master of Engineering program in the Engineering School is self-funded. 

Do I have to pay to take graduate courses as a UVAccelerate student?   

Graduate courses are typically covered by undergraduate tuition. However, this is not the case for all undergraduate students. Please contact Student Financial Services ( [email protected]) to verify that graduate courses will be covered by your tuition and/or financial aid.

Students using VA benefits should contact UREG-Veterans Benefits ( [email protected]) to verify if your benefits will cover the tuition costs for graduate courses.  

Prospective Student Inquiries

Can I be a part-time student in the master’s program?   

Yes. Once you’ve matriculated into the master’s program, you can switch enrollment status from full-time to part-time. 

Can I transfer to a different graduate program within the Engineering School?   

If you're a current UVAccelerate student and you decide to transfer to another program within UVA Engineering before starting the master’s program, you will need to receive approval from both programs. Please contact [email protected] to notify them of your request, and they will assist you with the program transfer process.  

Once you start your master’s program, you may not transfer to a new program within UVA Engineering until you have spent at least one semester in your current program. Any student wishing to transfer after this minimal time period must complete the Request Program Plan Change Form . Graduate Student forms are on the Office of Graduate Programs website here .

Can I work and still pursue a master’s degree?   

Yes. If you cannot take courses on-ground and have matriculated into the master’s program, you may want to consider applying to the Virginia Engineering Online (VEO) program instead. VEO is designed for working professionals looking to receive their Master of Engineering degree online. For more information about this option, please visit the VEO website here .    

Can I take online graduate courses?   

If you are an on-grounds undergraduate student or a master’s student, you will not be able to enroll in online courses. Online courses are offered only to VEO students.  

Current Student Inquiries

I’m on track to graduate with my undergraduate degree and master’s degree. Can I graduate with both degrees in the same semester?   

Per university policy, you cannot graduate with two degrees in the same semester. If you’re on track to graduate with both degrees, please contact [email protected] , and we will assist you with the next steps. 

I am a current UVAccelerate student that will soon be graduating and (1) have decided to attend another university for graduate school or (2) received a job offer that will impact my ability to matriculate in the fall semester as expected. What steps should I take?  

The program is created to be nonbinding as we are very understanding that plans can change. Please inform your graduate advisor and contact [email protected] once you receive this information so the update to your admissions status can be reflected in our records.

How do I transfer graduate courses I’ve taken as an undergraduate student to my master’s program?  

In the final semester of your undergraduate studies, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Programs regarding the process for transferring graduate courses you’ve taken as an undergrad to your master’s program. Please note course credits cannot be counted toward both your undergraduate and graduate record.

Enrollment Inquiries

How many graduate courses can I enroll in as a UVAccelerate student?  

Each school has its policy on how many credit hours an undergraduate student can enroll in each semester. SEAS students are not to exceed the max of 19 credit hours  without special permissions, and BACS students are limited to 15 credits during initial  course enrollment and 17 credits during open enrollment. For more information regarding guidelines for course enrollment, please visit the University Registrar's website here or refer to your school's undergraduate record. 

Please note, most UVAccelerate students take an average of 1-3 graduate-level courses per semester. 

Is the graduate course enrollment process the same for both SEAS and BACS students admitted to UVAccelerate?  

Yes. Enrollment for graduate courses is handled for both SEAS and BACS students by the SEAS Undergraduate Registrar. 

What is the process for enrolling in graduate courses as a UVAccelerate student?  

5000-Level Graduate Courses  

UVAccelerate students planning to enroll in 5000-level courses do not need special approvals to enroll. 

6000-Level Graduate Courses  

UVAccelerate students planning to enroll in 6000-level graduate courses will require special approvals and will need to submit the “Undergraduate Request to Take Graduate Course Form” to the SEAS Undergraduate Registrar by the date provided in the ‘registration next steps’ email. You should expect to receive this email from the Office of Graduate Programs at least two weeks prior to ENU open enrollment.  

Please note, open enrollment will vary depending on the semester in which you plan to take graduate-level courses. We ask that you refrain from submitting the referenced form until you receive communication on the next steps from the Office of Graduate Programs. 

I have been admitted to the program but plan to enroll in graduate courses in my final semester. What steps should I take?  

UVAccelerate provides you with the opportunity to take graduate courses where there is space in your course schedule regardless of semester. If you decide to take graduate courses during one semester and not the other, please reach out to us at [email protected] so we can ensure the most updated information is reflected in our records.