Advance your career in engineering research and innovation.
Earn your Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at Northern Illinois University and prepare to lead in research, academia and advanced engineering practice. This program equips you to identify meaningful research questions and develop innovative solutions that address complex engineering challenges.
Potential research areas include:
You’ll build expertise in your specialization while strengthening your ability to design and execute rigorous scientific and engineering research.
A Ph.D. in mechanical engineering prepares you for leadership roles across a wide range of organizations, including:
The program emphasizes both analytical depth and applied research, enabling you to contribute to innovation and technological advancement.
90 credit hours
In person or hybrid
Full or part time
Start in the fall, spring or summer semester
I have always wanted to apply my intellectual capacity to solving problems that can benefit humanity and make the world a better place, and I believe the experience gained from my research provides me the platform and foundation to do just that.
Oluwatobi Kushimo, Ph.D. student, mechanical engineering
What I enjoy most about mentoring students is helping them discover their potential. I enjoy watching students grow, from learning the fundamentals to confidently tackling complex engineering problems on their own. Whether in the classroom, through course projects or in research, I encourage students to ask questions, think critically and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. Seeing students gain confidence, develop as independent thinkers and achieve their goals is the most rewarding part of being a faculty member.
Bo Zhang, assistant professor, mechanical engineering
You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
Application deadlines:
To be considered for admission, you must meet Graduate School requirements along with program-specific criteria:
GRE scores are not required but are strongly encouraged. Current NIU master’s students must apply separately to the Ph.D. program.
Our competitive tuition and fees help ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about CEET scholarships and additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
At 90 credits, it will take approximately three to five years to complete your degree.
Working closely with internationally recognized faculty, you'll conduct original research in modern laboratories while building the technical expertise and research skills that are essential in making a lasting impact.
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Building, Room 226
590 Garden Road
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9979