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The Doctor of Philosophy program attracts exceptional students passionate about self-directed learning and investigation. This rigorous program requires advanced coursework surpassing master's level studies, comprehensive written and oral qualifying exams, extensive research, a dissertation, and a final oral defense. North Carolina State University's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in Raleigh, NC, stands as the state's largest and ranks among the nation's most prestigious. The department provides Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in both Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AE), along with combined BS/MS accelerated degree options for both disciplines.
To be considered for admission in full graduate standing, an applicant must have a four-year bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university as determined by a regional or general accrediting agency and must have at least a “B” (3.000/4.000) average in the undergraduate major or in the latest graduate degree program.
Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT). Minimum test scores for each section:
Listening: 18 points
Reading: 18 points
Writing: 18 points Speaking: 18 points for admission, 23 points for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students, 26 points for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory
The maximum total score for the iBT is 120 with each section worth 30 points.
Provide International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section are listed below:
Listening: 6.5
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 6.5
Speaking: 6.5 for admission, 7.0 for TA appointment
Computer-based TOEFL scores must be 213 or higher (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). The paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
Application Deadlines and Details
Fall Mar 1
Spring Jul 15
Summer 1 Distance Education Only: April 1
Summer 2 Distance Education Only: April 1