Overview

• All students are required to minor in at least one other field. Frequently selected minors are aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, astronomy, electrical and computer engineering, geophysics, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, and structural engineering. Students usually take four years to earn the Ph.D. degree. 
• Ph.D. students take a qualifying examination. For incoming students with a Bachelor's degree, the examination is usually held after they have completed two semesters of graduate studies at Cornell. For incoming students with a Master's degree, the examination is held after they have completed one semester of graduate studies at Cornell. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English and one of the following languages: French, German, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese. Teaching experience is required.
• The graduate field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) provides a foundation in engineering science and applied mathematics that prepares students to carry out analytical or experimental research and to develop models to solve a wide variety of engineering problems.  Faculty are particularly strong and active in dynamical systems, networks, composites, adhesion, granular mechanics, fracture mechanics, planetary rings and asteroids, robotics, biomechanics and bio-mathematics, locomotion and insect flight.