PhD in Mechanical Engineering in Pasadena United States | California Institute of Technology

The Ph.D. program in mechanical engineering emphasizes original research. Each student's coursework and research plan is customized based on their academic background and research interests. The program requires completing a significant research project that makes an original contribution to the field, culminating in a dissertation. Students must spend at least three years in residence as graduate students at the Institute, with most requiring two or more additional years to complete their thesis work.

ADVISING AND THESIS GUIDANCE
Upon admission to the mechanical engineering graduate program, each student is assigned a temporary adviser. This interim adviser provides primary mentorship until the student selects a research supervisor. Students must secure both academic and research advisers within three academic terms of starting at Caltech. Working with their adviser, students must establish a Ph.D. thesis committee within four terms of enrollment. This committee includes at least three Caltech faculty members, with a minimum of two from the mechanical and civil engineering department. The committee meets at the student's request and conducts annual progress reviews, particularly for students continuing beyond their fifth year.

Primary mentorship comes from the adviser and thesis committee. Additionally, the option representative and other faculty members offer guidance on research, degree progress, career planning, and navigating graduate school life as an emerging professional scientist.