The purpose of the PhD program in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is to provide a world-class education to doctoral students, in an atmosphere enlightened by the principles of the gospel. Specifically, the purpose of this program is to produce graduates who:

1. Eagerly pursue lifelong learning through study and faith in professional, religious and personal aspects of life.
2. Understand the fundamental concepts of math, science, and engineering, particularly as they apply to thermal and mechanical systems.
3. Implement the fundamental principles of engineering through hands-on design and analysis, using modern engineering tools and practices, to solve complex, real-world engineering problems with high standards of personal and professional ethics.
4. Demonstrate leadership in a specific sub-discipline of mechanical engineering through the development of new knowledge and practices.
5. Confidently present their intellectual efforts in a technical forum of professionals in their area of expertise.
6. Express faith in God and a desire to serve Him through lifelong service to family, church, profession and community.

• Credit hours: For students with an approved MS: a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the MS, which includes 18 hours of dissertation credit. The remaining 18 hours are graduate-level coursework, half of which must be in mechanical engineering and none of which can be project credit.  For students entering directly from the BS: a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the BS, which includes 18 hours of dissertation credit.  The remaining 36 hours are graduate-level coursework, half of which must be in mechanical engineering and none of which can be project credit.
• Program of Study: a study list must be submitted during the second semester of doctoral study.  All coursework will be approved on the basis of how to best fulfill research needs, career goals, and integrity of the mechanical engineering program.
• PhD qualifying examination.  For students with an MS, the examination must be taken no later than the second offering of the exam during the PhD program.  For students entering directly from the BS, the examination must be taken no later than the third offering of the exam during the PhD program.  Exams are administered in March and October of each year.  The written examination may be retaken only once.
• Prospectus: a written prospectus should be defended and submitted no later than the first anniversary of passing the qualifying examination. The prospectus must be approved at least one year prior to the dissertation oral examination.
• Biannual Evaluations: each student’s progress will be evaluated twice a year, in January and May. Satisfactory progress must be maintained in order to remain in the program.
• Residency: work toward the PhD must be completed under the direction of a graduate faculty advisor while the student is in residence at BYU for at least two consecutive semesters of 6 or more hours of registration. “In residence” is defined as living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university, where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty.
• Graduate Seminar: all doctoral students are required to attend 8 graduate seminars each semester, for two semesters. The seminars include technical presentations by industry experts, faculty members, and invited guests.
• Dissertation: A written dissertation describing significant original research must be completed and approved.  A maximum of 18 hours of dissertation credits (Me En 799R) may count toward the PhD. All work toward the dissertation must be completely open for public review and publication. Exceptions must have written approval from the department and college in advance of any work performed.
• Defense: all PhD students are required to pass an oral examination of their dissertation research.
• Time limit: PhD students have eight years maximum to complete the degree.
• GPA: PhD students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or above in all courses counted toward the PhD degree.

Please see the PhD Handbook at http://me.byu.edu/content/phd-mechanical-engineering  for more details regarding requirements.