Program Overview: The Mechanical and Systems Engineering Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program with specialization tracks in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE). The ME track includes academic and research specialties in the areas of biomedical engineering, CAD/CAM, machine and automotive design, energy, manufacturing, materials and deformable solid body mechanics, robotics and rigid body mechanics, and thermo-fluid systems. The ISE track includes specialization areas in manufacturing systems, manufacturing information systems, artificial intelligence, systems simulation, process planning, warehousing, genetic algorithms, data mining, human factors, transportation logistics, supply chain management, reliability, and neural networks. A minimum of 60 semester hours beyond the Master of Science (M.S.) degree is required. An interdisciplinary component, for which graduate coursework is taken outside the program track, is a general program requirement. In addition to general program requirements, specific track requirements must also be satisfied. Students must pass qualifying and comprehensive exams, as well as successfully defending a doctoral dissertation. A minimum of 30 semester hours of dissertation and 30 semester hours of approved graduate coursework are required. A plan of study is approved by the student’s dissertation advisory committee, the specialization track coordinator, and the chair of the program steering committee.

Admissions Policy: The basic requirement for admission is a Master of Science degree in engineering or a related field, i.e., chemistry, physics, or applied mathematics. Applicants holding degrees in closely related fields or from non-accredited engineering institutions may be required to compensate for deficiencies with additional coursework. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English. Three letters of recommendation are required from persons who can attest to the applicant’s academic and research aptitude. Admission to the program is restricted to those students whose educational plans fall within one of the two specialty areas.

Change Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.

Transfer Policy: A maximum of 8 semester hours of graduate coursework, completed at another university, will be considered for credit towards degree completion. Such a request must be made in writing to the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, and will require approval by the Steering Committee and the student’s dissertation advisory committee. Graduate courses that were used to satisfy the requirements for another degree are not eligible for transfer. University residency requirements must be met as stated in the Ohio University Graduate Catalog. More than 8 semester hours will only be considered in exceptional situations.

Opportunities: The Mechanical and Systems Engineering Ph.D. program prepares students for advanced engineering work in industry, government, or academia.