Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-oriented degree requiring independent mastery of a field of knowledge. As such, the Graduate School and MAE offers considerable flexibility in tailoring individual programs. The majority of our applicants apply for direct admission to the PhD program as they are completing their Bachelors degree. All PhD students in MAE are fully supported, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance. MAE is home to more than five hundred graduate students, with more than two hundred pursuing a PhD.

How to Apply

  • Submit a University of Florida Graduate School Application
  • Under Program of Study, select Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering – Doctor of Philosophy
  • A $30.00 (non-refundable) application fee is required
  • Submit all required materials
  • Monitor your application in the App Status portal

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

  • Priority consideration for Ph.D fellowships and admission: December 5
  • Domestic deadline for admission and Graduate Research Assistantships: June 1
  • International deadline for admission and Graduate Research Assistantships: March 1

Spring Semester

  • Domestic deadline for admission and Graduate Research Assistantships: November 1
  • International deadline for admission and Graduate Research Assistantships: September 1

Applications for Summer Semesters are not accepted

Applications submitted after the application deadlines listed above may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a closely related STEM discipline. The majority of our applicants apply for direct admission to the PhD program as they are completing their Bachelors degree.
  • A clear “Statement of Purpose” indicating goals to be achieved in specific area(s) of study
  • A minimum of 3 letters of recommendation.
  • International applicants only: IELTS with a minimum score of 6, or TOEFL with a minimum score of 80 (internet based) or 550 (paper test), with some exemptions.
  • Upper-division undergraduate or graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • GRE scores are not required for admission.
  • Due to our large volume of applicants, satisfaction of the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to our graduate program.

Application Status

  • Admissions decisions are rendered by the MAE Graduate Admissions Committee in conjunction with MAE faculty. In most cases, applicants must receive a funded Graduate Assistantship (GA) offer to qualify for admission
  • Admissions decisions are typically sent 60 to 90 days after the priority deadline has passed.
  • View your application status online in the App Status portal

Spring Visit

  • Spring Visit is the annual PhD visitation event at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Prospective students from around the nation visit for a weekend research information sessions, faculty meetings, tours and other events.
  • Spring Visit is by invitation only. Invitations will be sent following the priority deadline.
  • HWCOE Dean’s Research Award (HRDA) fellowship awardees must attend Spring Visit to remain eligible.

Funding

All PhD students in MAE are fully supported, including stipend, tuition, and health insurance.

  • Graduate Assistantships
    • Graduate Assistants, or Research Assistants, work on a research project in conjunction with their faculty mentor
    • Graduate Assistantships include a stipend, tuition, and GatorGradCare Health Insurance, and are renewable annually
    • Visit our Research Areas page to find faculty with whom your interests align.
  • Fellowships
    • The HDRA provides new engineering PhD students with four years of full funding. Funding coverage includes tuition waiver, GatorGradCare Health Insurance and a monthly living stipend ($34,000 annually). Full details may be found on the Graduate School website.
    • HDRA awardees must attend Spring Visit to remain eligible.

Tips

  • Don’t miss our emails! Add GradAdmissions@mae.ufl.edu to your known senders list.
  • Submit all of your application materials by the priority deadline.
  • Once you apply, communicate with faculty early and often about open PhD positions.
  • Be professional, courteous, and detailed in your communications.
  • Investigate faculty research areas and tailor your statement of purpose to highlight your areas of research interest.
  • The following email example is likely to receive a positive response when contacting faculty: “I read your paper on 3D Bioprinting; I found the additive manufacturing process fascinating! I have some experience with additive manufacturing in Dr. Person’s lab at the University of College, do you have some time to meet with me regarding research opportunities in your lab?”

FAQ

Is the GRE required for Admissions?

  • No, the GRE is not required for admission.

Do you accept the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam?

  • No, we do not consider the FE for admissions purposes.

What is the cost of attendance?

  • PhD students at MAE are fully funded, which includes a stipend, tuition, and GatorGradCare Health Insurance.
  • Fully funded PhD students are responsible for some student fees that are not included in the tuition. Approximate remaining annual fees are ~$1,967 ($81.96 per credit hour). These figures are based on the 2023-2024 fee schedule and are subject to change.
  • Current tuition and fee rates can be found here.

How are admission and funding decisions made?

  • The MAE Graduate Admission Committee, in conjunction with MAE faculty, review applications considering all provided details. The most successful applicants are those whom have strong academic and/or research backgrounds, clearly articulate their research interests, and will integrate into one of our research labs.

Do I need to contact faculty before I apply?

  • No. You do not need to contact faculty before your apply. We encourage you to tailor your application to your areas of research interest.
  • After you apply, we recommend contacting any faculty with whom your research interests and experience are mutually compatible. Check the Research Areas page to identify faculty that align with your research interests. Do not send mass emails or template emails, a smaller number of targeted, quality correspondences are better.

What if I cannot attend Spring Visit?

  • Applicants who are invited to Spring Visit should attend if at all possible. If you are unable to attend Spring Visit, an alternate visit may be made available to you.
  • Note that Spring Visit is your best opportunity to secure a graduate assistantship position, so it is recommended that you attend if invited.