Overview

The mission of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering program at Princeton University is to educate leaders in engineering and applied sciences through a rigorous graduate program that defines the frontiers of knowledge in our field and prepares them for careers in academia, industry, and government.

The majority of outstanding technical problems in today’s engineering and applied sciences require a multi-disciplinary approach. Our department has a strong tradition in defining and pursuing new research areas at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and applied mathematics.

As a candidate for the doctoral program, the student, in consultation with a faculty adviser and the student's Ph.D. committee, develops an integrated program of study in preparation for a comprehensive general examination. After passing the general examination, the student prepares a dissertation displaying technical mastery of the field and contributions to the advancement of knowledge, followed by a public presentation of the material to the technical community.

Candidates in this program are required to complete a minimum of 10 courses throughout their enrollment. Eight of these courses must be completed in the first three semesters.

Candidates are also required to be an assistant in instruction (teaching assistant) for a minimum of three semesters after passing the general examination. The Ph.D. program typically lasts five years and includes full financial support. In addition, all admitted Ph.D. students are automatically considered for the prestigious Wu and Upton Fellowships.

Opportunities

We offer exciting opportunities for graduate study in areas as diverse as applied physics; biomechanics, and biomaterials; control, robotics, and dynamical systems; fluid mechanics; materials science; and propulsion and energy sciences. In addition, Princeton University is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research.

Students are encouraged to sample the opportunities provided by other departments and programs within the School of Engineering and Applied Science and allied departments and programs across campus.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Numerical Algorithms for Scientific Computing

Software Engineering for Scientific Computing

General Plasma Physics

Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics

Linear System Theory

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering View 42 other PhDs in Aerospace Engineering in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Statement of Academic Purpose

Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Required Tests
Writing Sample

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Princeton University and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

Princeton guarantees full funding for its Ph.D. candidates for all years of regular program enrolment.

Living costs for Princeton

2022 - 4977 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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