机械工程（ME）的研究和研究由机械与土木工程系（MCE）提供。提供哲学博士学位（博士学位）和理学硕士（MS）学位。MS学位通常仅授予希望攻读博士学位的学生。机械工程学位，并且尚未获得机械工程硕士学位。通常，打算全日制攻读博士学位的学生。学位是进入机械工程专业研究生课程的最终学位目标。加州理工学院机械工程专业研究生课程的目的是为学生提供在跨学科技术迅速发展的时代进行研究和专业实践的准备。该课程结合了个人在特定特定专业领域的经验和能力，并具有扎实的基础和工程科学背景。它致力于发展职业独立性，创造力，领导能力以
The Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering is focused on research. Study and research programs for the Ph.D. degree are individually planned to fit the interests and background of the student. A comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution to the field documented by a dissertation is required. A minimum of three academic years in residence as a graduate student are required by the Institute, and two or more additional years are usually needed for preparation of the thesis.<br><br>ADVISING AND THESIS SUPERVISION<br>An interim adviser is appointed for each student upon admission to a graduate degree in mechanical engineering. The interim adviser will serve as the primary mentor until the student finds a research adviser. It is the responsibility of the student to find an academic and research adviser within three terms of graduate residence at Caltech. In consultation with the adviser, the student must form a Ph.D. thesis advisory committee within four terms of graduate residence at Caltech. This committee shall consist of at least three members of the Caltech professorial faculty, with at least two members from the faculty in mechanical and civil engineering. The committee shall meet as requested by the student. Further, the committee shall meet annually to review progress and to approve the registration of the student beyond the fifth year of graduate residence at Caltech.<br><br>The adviser and the thesis advisory committee provide the majority of mentoring to the student. In addition, the option representative and other members of the faculty are always available to provide advice and mentoring on any aspect of research, progress toward the Ph.D., future careers, and other aspects of life in graduate school and as a professional scientist.