最高学历是理学博士或哲学博士（两者仅在名称上有所不同）。该学位是根据高级研究课程的完成以及具有重大意义的原创研究，设计或开发的表现而授予的。在该系教师代表的所有领域都提供博士学位。学生通过博士资格考试后成为博士学位的候选人。博士课程包括学生主要兴趣领域的高级进修专业课程，以及不同领域的副修课程。应通过MechE研究生院有关通过资格考试的截止日期的咨询。博士课程通常需要三年以上的硕士学位才能完成工作，尽管这次的时间很大程度上取决于主题。
The highest academic degree is the Doctor of Science, or Doctor of Philosophy (the two differ only in name). This degree is awarded upon the completion of a program of advanced study, and the performance of significant original research, design, or development. Doctoral degrees are offered in all areas represented by the department's faculty.<br><br>Students become candidates for the doctorate by passing the doctoral qualifying examinations. The doctoral program includes a major program of advanced study in the student's principal area of interest, and a minor program of study in a different field. The MechE Graduate Office should be consulted about the deadline for passing the qualifying exam.<br><br>The principal component of the program is the thesis. The thesis is a major, original work that makes a significant research, development, or design contribution in its field. The thesis and the program of study are done under a faculty supervisor and a doctoral committee selected by the student and his or her supervisor, and perhaps other interested faculty members. The committee makes an annual examination of the candidate's progress and makes a final recommendation for a public defense of the work. The doctoral program typically requires three years of work beyond the master's degree, although this time is strongly topic dependent.