About PhD Program,
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Columbia University offers world-class academic programs and cutting edge research opportunities that empower students to creatively solve the practical, real-world problems of today and define and direct new technologies that will shape our future.
Every doctoral candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering is expected to attain a level of mastery in an area of mechanical engineering, and must therefore choose a field and take the most advanced courses offered in that field. Candidates are assigned a faculty adviser whose task is to help choose a program of courses, provide general advice on academic matters, and monitor academic performance. Candidates also choose a faculty member in the pertinent area of specialization to serve as their research adviser.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Unfortunately, we are unable to evaluate your candidacy prior to the submission of a complete application. There is no minimum score requirement for standardized test scores or GPA in order to apply for admission consideration. If you are interested in admission, we encourage you to submit a complete application along with the required documents.
All application materials should be submitted and received within two to four weeks after the posted deadline. Columbia Engineering reserves the right to review and render decisions on applications that remain incomplete following the posted deadlines. References can be added to your submitted application after the priority deadline, if necessary. It is in your best interest to complete your application close to the priority deadline. The contacts you list as reference providers will be able to add their letters directly to your online application after submission.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Doctoral Students
At the time of admission to a terminal doctoral program, the Department of Mechanical Engineering guarantees a minimum of five years of financial support, contingent on maintaining Good Academic Standing within both the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Financial support comes in the form of teaching assistantship, graduate research assistantship, or fellowship, and may change from year to year or semester to semester.
Financial support and other benefits for a funded doctoral student consist of:
- Salary (the standard nine-month support for the 2021–2022 academic year is $31,140)
- Full payment of tuition (approximately $50,496 per year)
- Full payment of basic (gold-level) medical insurance (approximately $3,676 per year)
- Full payment of Facilities and Health Service fees (approximately $2,246 per year)
- One-time conference travel grant of $1000 [form]
- Minimum two weeks of vacation, in addition to designated University holidays [policy]
Funded doctoral students are responsible for paying a one-time $105 Document fee in their first semester, a $25 Student Activity fee each semester they are enrolled, and a one-time $85 processing fee when depositing their dissertation.
Application Requirement,
- Transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores*
- School Code: 2111
- Optional for the 2025 Admission Cycle
- Personal statement
- Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Publications (optional)
- An interview may be requested
- $85 non-refundable application fee (payable by a major credit card through the online application system)
- International applicants or applicants whose undergraduate degree was received in a country in which English is not the official and widely spoken language must submit the following additional requirements with the application for admission:
- Results of an English language test. Accepted tests include the Test of English as a Foreign Language iBT (TOEFL) – including TOEFL iBT Home Edition, International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic), or Duolingo English Test (DET). The ETS School Code for the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science is 2111.
- Translation of the official transcript(s) and degree/diploma certificate(s) if the institution(s) attended does not issue transcripts in English. The translation must be conducted by a reputable service provider.
If you have questions about any of the application requirements, please visit our FAQ.
If you are applying via an alternative application (MS Express, Integrated BS/MS, Barnard 4+1 Pathways, MD/MS in Biomedical Engineering) refer to the application requirements as listed with the appropriate application.
*Applied Physics Doctoral applicants may also submit Official GRE Physics Subject Test Scores
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
- $85 non-refundable application fee (payable by a major credit card through the online application system)
