Doctoral Program

semester credit
hours minimum

SCH minimum
coursework

research
emphasis areas

About the program

The doctoral program in Mechanical Engineering at UTEP offers a broad-based, integrative education with emphases in energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, autonomous systems, and advanced materials. Students receive research training in a creative knowledge environment and gain hands-on experience in national laboratory or industry settings.

Unlike conventional Mechanical Engineering doctoral programs focused on developing future educators, UTEP's program is built around training future technology leaders for industry. Students trained in technology entrepreneurship and leadership will partner with industry to create new jobs and strengthen the innovation ecosystem for regional, state, and national economic growth.

The program reflects the department's vision and mission — emphasizing both technical excellence and broader skills that promote student success in industry, including design thinking for complex engineered systems and applied research project management.

To create a new generation of doctoral graduates who lead industry innovation, launch new technology businesses, and bring jobs to the economically disadvantaged southwest border region — and to ensure a Mechanical Engineering workforce representative of the nation's 21st-century demographics.

What sets this program apart

Design thinking

Curriculum centered on design thinking for complex engineered systems — preparing graduates to tackle real-world industrial challenges.

Industry & lab training

Research training in national laboratory or industry settings, giving students direct exposure to professional engineering environments.

Entrepreneurship & leadership

Novel coursework in technology entrepreneurship, leadership, and applied research project management — skills rarely found in traditional doctoral programs.

Degree requirements

All Ph.D. candidates must complete a written dissertation and successfully defend it in a public dissertation defense. Coursework requirements are intentionally flexible so the program can meet the changing needs of students and industry stakeholders.

Entering with a B.S.

B.S. entry track — 84 total credit hours

60 SCH beyond the bachelor's degree
30 SCH formal coursework
24 SCH doctoral research
6 SCH doctoral dissertation (MECH 6398 & MECH 6399)
21 of 30 SCH from approved ME graduate courses — MECH 5301 required
9 SCH elective coursework
Minimum 18 SCH at the 6000 level

Entering with an M.S.

M.S. entry track — 36+ total credit hours

36+ SCH beyond the master's degree
12 SCH formal coursework
24 SCH doctoral research
6 SCH doctoral dissertation (MECH 6398 & MECH 6399)
Up to 24 SCH of non-research courses may be approved for M.S. entrants
3+ SCH from approved ME graduate courses — MECH 5301 required
Minimum 9 SCH at the 6000 level

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree B.S. in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field (or equivalent)

Two-page curriculum vitae (CV) Summarizing your academic background, research experience, and professional accomplishments

TOEFL (international applicants) Minimum 550 (paper-based) or 213 (computer-based) — required if English is not your first language and your degree was not earned at an English-speaking institution

Statement of purpose A written statement of your academic and professional interests and goals

Three letters of reference From individuals qualified to evaluate your capability for doctoral-level work

Official transcripts From all colleges and universities previously attended

Application deadlines

Domestic applicants

Fall semesterAugust 1

Fall — Mexican nationalsJuly 1

Spring semesterNovember 1

Summer semesterMay 1

International applicants

Fall semesterMay 1

Spring semesterNovember 1

For best funding consideration, submit by March 1 (fall) or September 1 (spring) — all applicants, domestic or international.

Doctoral tuition remission

UTEP invests in your doctoral education by providing tuition remission to eligible students. This benefit covers tuition costs for qualified doctoral students who work as graduate assistants — no application required. If you meet the eligibility requirements, remission is automatically applied to your student account.

Eligibility requirements

Full-time enrollment — minimum 9 SCH of coursework or 3 SCH of dissertation
Graduate assistant appointment — 20 hours per week, covering the full semester
Good academic standing — minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and satisfactory milestone progress
Current FAFSA on file — required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Funding structure

Up to 66 SCH total covered across the doctoral program
Years 1–3 — up to 9 SCH per semester (18 SCH/year)
Years 4–5 — up to 3 SCH per semester (6 SCH/year)
Summer semesters are not eligible for tuition remission
Grant-funded positions may allow remission beyond the 66 SCH limit

Important dates

April 15
Fall entrants must accept UTEP employment offers

May 31
Fall enrollment must be completed

Fall Census Day
Appointments must be submitted (~12th class day)

November 21
Spring enrollment must be completed

For full details on eligibility, funding sources, and FAQs visit the Doctoral Tuition Remission page or contact the Graduate School at gradfund@utep.edu.

Financial aid and funding

All Ph.D. applicants are automatically considered for Research Assistantships (RA) and Teaching Assistantships (TA) — no separate application required. We strongly encourage applicants to contact ME faculty directly about research interests and possible RA funding opportunities.

Research Assistantships (RA) — funded through research grants and contracts
Teaching Assistantships (TA) — limited availability
Scholarships, training stipends, and fellowships
On-campus and off-campus positions for eligible students

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Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering