Doctoral Program

The Ph.D. degree is offered jointly with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Applicants to the program are admitted to both Ph.D. programs and graduates receive separate Ph.D. degrees from both Institutions. Degrees are offered in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering. The corresponding programs at UCSD are hosted by their Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Bioengineering Departments. As such, graduates receive Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from SDSU and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from UCSD or Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering from SDSU and Bioengineering from UCSD. Faculty at both institutions collaborate closely in supervising the students, and the program includes studies undertaken at both campuses, which are located about 15 miles apart. The primary Ph.D. adviser will be a faculty member from the SDSU Mechanical Engineering Department. Financial support for the student is also provided by SDSU. Students may pursue the doctoral studies in one of several research areas. Faculty research areas may be found at https://mechanical.sdsu.edu/research/overview. Prospective applicants are also encouraged to review individual faculty websites at https://mechanical.sdsu.edu/faculty_and_staff/faculty and contact the faculty member to express interest and request additional information.

The Graduate Handbook provides additional information about the program. Information is also available at the College of Engineering website here.

The College of Engineering website provides information on how to apply. The application deadline is December 1st.

You can be admitted to the program with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, bioengineering, or closely related fields. Admission to the program is highly competitive. Criteria may be found at https://www.engineering.sdsu.edu/admissions/joint-doctoral