Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

George Washington University

GW’s mechanical and aerospace engineering program boasts areas of excellence in nanotechnology, biomimetics, biomedical engineering, and energy, in addition to its strengths in the discipline’s traditional fields.

The department offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees, as well as two professional degrees. Graduate students can pursue the following focus areas: aerospace engineering; design of mechanical engineering systems; fluid mechanics, thermal sciences and energy; industrial engineering (under the M.S. only); robotics, mechatronics, and controls; solid mechanics and materials science; and structures and dynamics.

The Ph.D. program is designed to provide students with the training to perform original research. For more information, visit doctoral degree program of study.

Master’s degree students learn excellent skills at the cutting edge of mechanical and aerospace engineering and benefit from GW’s breadth of research in the discipline. Students may choose a thesis or non-thesis option for the master's degree. Details are available at Master of Science degree program.

The professional degree is appropriate for students who want in-depth study in their field beyond a master's degree but seek to concentrate on applied subject material rather than on basic science. This program provides advanced study in preparation for pragmatic application and leads to the degree of engineer or applied scientist. Additional information is found at professional degree program.

Students who pursue graduate certificates acquire hands-on experience with current professional design methodologies and software. They are prepared for a broad spectrum of new engineering opportunities. Students may transfer all of their certificate courses’ credits to the M.S. program if they subsequently decide to pursue a master’s degree. For details, visit graduate certificate in computer-integrated design in mechanical and aerospace engineering.