Engineering, PhD
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- PHD Doctor of Philosophy
- Format
- In-person
- Course Info
- Curriculum Guide
- College
- College of Engineering and Polymer Science
- School/Department
Program Contact
- Dean's Office: College of Engineering and Polymer Science
-
Auburn Science and Engineering Center
330-972-6978
Overview
The Ph.D. in Engineering at The University of Akron offers advanced, interdisciplinary study for students who want to reach the highest academic achievement in their field. This program develops expert-level knowledge in your engineering discipline and builds strong scientific research skills.
Students complete advanced coursework, learn qualitative research methods, and conduct original research alongside faculty and fellow graduate students. The program concludes with a dissertation and oral defense.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the program must meet the general admission requirements of The University of Akron along with the following additional program-specific requirements:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a program that is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET at the time of graduation or provide satisfactory evidence of an equivalent academic background to The University of Akron.
Applicants with a Master of Science degree must provide satisfactory evidence of an equivalent engineering baccalaureate background.
Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume.
While we typically expect incoming students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, we take a holistic approach to reviewing applications. We consider a variety of factors beyond just GPA to determine whether an applicant is a good fit for our program. Every applicant who meets the University’s minimum 2.5 GPA requirement will be carefully evaluated for admission based on all the materials they provide.
Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than engineering shall have completed undergraduate coursework in calculus, differential equations, and have one year of classical physics at a minimum. A student’s chosen home department sets additional course requirements as shown below. Students may need to take undergraduate and / or graduate bridge-up courses depending on their background; if they need significant bridge-up coursework they will start at UA as undergraduate guest students. An applicant’s bridge-up coursework is determined by the home department’s graduate admissions committee.
International applicants: For detailed information on English proficiency scores, waivers, and submission steps, please review the University's English Requirements.
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Doctoral students are expected to have engineering undergraduate coursework as follows: one year of chemistry; engineering statics; thermodynamics; and at least four of the following five topics: materials science, transport phenomena, electrical circuits, solid mechanics, measurement and analysis of signals. Students typically bridge from undergraduate programs in biology, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, physics, and medicine.
Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering
Doctoral students are expected to have undergraduate coursework in material and energy balances or equivalent, and at least one of the following courses: equilibrium thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, mass transfer operations, or fluids & thermal operations. Students can bridge from undergraduate programs in chemistry, math, statistics, physics, or related STEM fields.
Department of Civil Engineering
Doctoral students are expected to have engineering undergraduate coursework in engineering statics, dynamics, solid mechanics, and fluid mechanics; and advanced engineering coursework in at least one of the following areas: theory and design of structures, hydraulics and soil mechanics, steel and reinforced concrete design, transportation engineering, water supply and environmental engineering. Students typically bridge from undergraduate programs in construction and other areas of engineering.
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Doctoral students are expected to have engineering undergraduate coursework in circuits and electronics including engineering analysis and design of electronics, active circuits and/or power electronics; systems analysis and design based on differential equations and linear system theory for communications and/or digital controls; and advanced engineering coursework in at least two of the following areas: energy conversion, electromagnetics, embedded systems, digital hardware, control systems, electric motor drives, integrated circuit design. Students typically bridge from undergraduate programs in physics, mathematics, computer science, and other areas of engineering.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Doctoral students are expected to have engineering undergraduate coursework in statics, dynamics, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics; and advanced engineering coursework in at least one of the following areas: thermodynamics and heat transfer; analysis and design of mechanical components; systems dynamics and control system design; materials science and engineering. Students typically bridge from undergraduate programs in physics, mathematics, and other areas of engineering.
Career Outcomes
A doctoral degree allows you to become an expert researcher in your field.
Career opportunities include:
Research Scientist
Principal Engineer
Staff Engineer
Senior Research Engineer
Senior Consultant
Postdoctoral Researcher
Assistant Professor
YES, some things just set us apart.
Flexible Part-Time Program with Real-World Application
Flexible part-time program designed to fit your busy schedule with convenience and real-life application of engineering principles you can use right away.
Learn from Industry Leaders & Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced faculty including former chief engineers, start-up founders, international fellows and industry leaders.
Multidisciplinary Approach Beyond Your Major
Take a multidisciplinary approach, perfect for students with interests beyond their engineering major.
Experience Akron Engineering
Our graduate programs prepare you to be an innovator and leader. Graduates become experts in their field.
Who? What? Why?
Who should enroll?
Anyone who wants to reach the highest academic achievement in engineering and has a love of research.
What will I learn?
The program consists of coursework and independent research, then concludes with a dissertation and oral defense.
Why should I enroll?
A doctoral degree allows you to become an expert researcher in your field. Common career paths include: academic positions, R&D in engineering, consulting firms, government agencies and more.
Funding Your Education
Funding options are available to help support your graduate education. The University of Akron offers graduate teaching and research assistantships (TA/RA); however, students must first be admitted to a graduate program before they are eligible to apply for departmental assistantships. To learn more about the overall process, stipends, and guidelines, please review the University's Financial Assistance page. For the most up-to-date tuition and fee schedules, visit the Office of Student Accounts.
Life in Akron
With a population of nearly 200,000, Akron is Ohio’s fifth-largest city. It offers a vibrant downtown, serene parks, shopping, events and venues. Its regional location and easy access to air and freeway travel puts you at the hub of a world of experiences and opportunities.
“Choosing The University of Akron for my Ph.D. means stepping into a community where innovation meets opportunity. With a strong foundation in rigorous academics, personalized mentorship and a collaborative spirit, UA empowers scholars like me to not only advance knowledge but also shape the future of our fields.”
“The University of Akron provided access to state-of-the-art resources, including advanced analytical equipment and a fully equipped machine shop. Working alongside graduate students from various engineering disciplines and experienced faculty, I experienced an incredible sense of community in the labs.”
