The Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University is a research-focused doctoral program for students who want to conduct independent, innovative research in mechanical engineering and related interdisciplinary fields. Students work with faculty advisors and thesis committees to develop advanced technical expertise, complete qualifying exams, conduct original research, and defend a doctoral thesis.

Offered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the program is available on campus in Medford/Somerville. Full-time and part-time study options are available, and the average duration is 3–5 years.

Who is this Program For?

This program is designed for students with a strong academic background in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline who want to pursue advanced research. The Ph.D. may be a strong fit for students interested in robotics, autonomous systems, aerospace, thermal-fluid systems, materials, micro- and nanoscale systems, sustainable energy, mechanical design, controls, HRI, engineering education, or medical device research.

Students should be prepared for a rigorous doctoral experience that includes advanced study, faculty mentorship, qualifying exams, independent research, thesis committee review, and public thesis defense.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
- Mechanical Engineering requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100, IELTS score of 7.5, or Duolingo score of 120 for admittance
GRE General Test scores are not required
Portfolio (optional)

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What Will You Study?

Doctoral study in mechanical engineering combines advanced coursework, faculty-guided research, qualifying exams, and thesis preparation. Students are assigned a faculty advisor upon matriculation and work toward selecting a thesis advisor by the end of the second term of full-time study.

Research areas include:

Robotics, autonomous systems, and aerospace systems
Thermo-fluid systems
Materials mechanics and processing
Sustainable energy and superconducting materials
Soft matter, biophysics, and microscale fluid mechanics
Microfluidic devices and MEMS

Acoustics, vibrations, dynamics, and controls
Mechanical design and manufacturing
Human-robot interaction
Engineering education and design pedagogy
Biomedical imaging, biomaterials, and medical device applications

About the Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Tufts University supports graduate education and research across core and emerging areas of mechanical engineering, including robotics, materials, energy, thermal-fluid systems, design, manufacturing, human factors, and engineering education.

Faculty research connects fundamental engineering science with applications in autonomous systems, transportation safety, soft matter, microfluidics, thermal management, biomimetic and robotic systems, additive manufacturing, biomedical technologies, controls, acoustics, vibrations, and learning sciences.

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Why Study Mechanical Engineering at Tufts?

Research-Oriented Doctoral Training

The Ph.D. is designed to establish a student’s ability to conduct independent, innovative research. Students build advanced technical knowledge through faculty-guided investigation, qualifying exams, thesis committee feedback, and public defense of original research.

Faculty Mentorship

Close interaction between doctoral students and faculty is a central part of the program. Students are assigned an advisor when they enter the program, select a thesis advisor as they develop their research direction, and receive guidance from a thesis committee.

Interdisciplinary Engineering

Mechanical engineering research at Tufts connects mechanics, materials, robotics, controls, energy, manufacturing, human factors, biomedical applications, and engineering education. This breadth helps students pursue research questions that cross traditional technical boundaries.

Boston-Area Innovation Ecosystem

Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus is located near the technology, robotics, healthcare, aerospace, clean energy, research, and startup communities of Greater Boston and Cambridge. This setting can support professional connections, research exposure, and access to a broader engineering innovation ecosystem.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering?

A Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering can support advanced research, teaching, technical leadership, and innovation-focused career paths. Graduates may pursue opportunities in academia, industry, government laboratories, research organizations, technology companies, startups, or interdisciplinary engineering settings.

Potential paths may include:

University faculty member or postdoctoral researcher
Mechanical engineering, robotics, autonomous systems, or aerospace researcher
Thermal-fluid, materials, energy, MEMS, or microdevices researcher
Medical device researcher

Controls, dynamics, or vibrations researcher
Engineering education researcher
Research and development engineer

What is the Career Outlook?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for mechanical engineers is projected to grow 9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $102,320 in May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What academic background do I need?

Applicants should have a strong academic background in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Full-time PhD students within the School of Engineering often receive a tuition scholarship. Applicants should review current tuition and aid information and contact gradadmissions@tufts.edu with questions.

Is the GRE required?

No. GRE General Test scores are not required.

How do I apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.