Program Overview Mechanical Engineering M.S.Mechanical Engineering Ph.D.Certificate

Why Study Mechanical Engineering?

The PhD in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research, teaching, or advanced technical work. Graduates of the program pursue careers in academia and research or advancing the frontiers of knowledge at government or commercial laboratories.

UMBC’s mechanical engineering faculty are at the forefront of efforts to develop new manufacturing techniques, advance the green energy transition, improve materials for biomedical applications, and more.These experts will be your guide as you train to be an independent researcher and produce a dissertation that demonstrates a significant contribution to the state-of-the-art in the topic you select.

At a Glance

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FINANCIAL AID ↓HOW TO APPLY ↓APPLICATION DEADLINES ↓PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ↓PROGRAM CONTACTS ↓

What Are My Career Options Studying Mechanical Engineering?

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

Find opportunities to further advance your career and academic studies.

UMBC participates in all federal and state student financial aid programs and offers scholarships and assistantships through the Graduate School, Graduate Departments and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Graduate Assistantships Fellowships Funding Your Education

Ready to Apply?

Review Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering Requirements

Required for domestic students:

Undergraduate GPA required: for MS Program >= 3.0 ; for PhD Program >= 3.3 (on 4.0 scale)
GRE Test is not required unless the student’s GPA is below the minimal GPA for applying (Minimum Quantitative Score: MS = 148; PhD = 153).

Required for international students:

GRE Test is not required unless the student’s GPA is below the minimal GPA for applying (Minimum Quantitative Score: MS = 148; PhD = 153).
TOEFL: Minimum 80 (IBT) or IELTS 6.5 (No Provisional English Proficiency Admissions provided)
Undergraduate GPA required for: MS >= 3.0 ; PhD >= 3.3 (on 4.0 scale).
Undergraduate degree in mechanical, aerospace, environmental, or chemical engineering strongly recommended.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Apply (For Funding) by February 1
Apply by July 15

Spring Semester

All Students:
Apply (For Funding) by September 1
Apply by November 15

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Contact Information

Mechanical Engineering Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3330
megrad@umbc.edu

Program Director

Dr. Liang Zhu
410-455-3332
zliang@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Connie Bailey
410-455-3357
conniebailey@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from
Mon - Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering