DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Villanova’s College of Engineering offers a distinctive PhD program leading to a Doctorate of Philosophy.
Congruent with the University’s mission, the doctoral program emphasizes excellence, innovation and integrity in research, scholarship and education. Its purpose is to educate highly qualified engineering scholars for academia, industry and government.
Doctoral candidates wishing to concentrate their studies in Mechanical Engineering will take courses and pursue research projects reflecting the specialties of the department’s highly distinguished and nationally recognized faculty, including:
- Thermal Sciences
- Mechanics and Materials
- Dynamics and Controls
- Bioengineering
- Nanotechnology
Research and Facilities
The College of Engineering has an active research environment with projects sponsored by industry partners, governmental agencies and foundations.
Explore:
Professional Development
The College is unique in its professional development program for doctoral students, which reflects Villanova’s commitment to high quality teaching and close attention to the student, as well as development of the whole person. Based on your area of professional interest, two tracks are available: Academic Scholars and Industry Scholars. Each offers the option to pursue a corresponding certificate.
In addition, Villanova’s Career Center recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as you pursue new academic and career goals. Tailored advising and guidance are available as well as online resources that use the latest technology to network, polish your resume, job search, prepare for an interview and more.
Courses
Learn more by exploring the Graduate Courses for Mechanical Engineering.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
“My Villanova University graduate education dramatically improved my critical thinking skills and scientific creativity. I conducted cutting-edge experimental and computational research, which was tightly linked to industrial projects. Career fairs at Villanova are flooded with employers eager to hire knowledgeable Villanova Wildcats!"
Kamran Makarian
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Drexel University
“I’ve traveled all over the world working with Dr. Garrett Clayton. From the foot of the Alps in France to the floodplains of Cambodia to our lab in Tolentine Hall, every interaction with Dr. Clayton has helped shape my life in some way.”
Michael Benson
Current PhD student
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
RONALD WARZOHA
Title: Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, United States Naval Academy
Research Focus: Nanoscale thermal transport
SEBASTIAN ARAYA
Title: Thermal Engineer, Data Center Architecture and Engineering, Salesforce
Research Focus: Comprehensive study of organic rankine cycles (ORC) as waste-heat recovery systems for data centers
YUE SCHUMAN
Title: Applications Scientist, TA Instruments
Research Focus: Materials development and characterization on materials ranging from nanoparticle thin films to graphene and graphene-based phase change material composites