First-Year Advising
Students admitted without a research advisor have up to four quarters to rotate in different research groups and find their best fit with a faculty member who will ultimately serve as the dissertation advisor. Research rotations are tracked by the student enrolling in course. To facilitate an introduction to the ME PhD program, the first research rotation must be with a faculty member whose primary appointment is in the ME department. A new sponsor is required for each research rotation until the PhD research advisor is identified. No further rotations are required once the PhD research advisor is identified (by the end of the 4th quarter).

In special situations, Academic Council members who are not members of the ME department’s faculty may serve as the principal dissertation advisor when approved by the department. In such cases, a member of the ME department faculty must serve as a co-advisor. This co-advisor must be a student’s Reading Committee and Oral Exam Committee member.

Coursework
PhD candidates must complete a minimum of 135 units. These courses must be numbered 100+. PhD candidates who received their MS from Stanford may count up to 45 units toward the 135 total.

Out of the 135 units, a student must complete a minimum of 21 units of approved courses in advanced study in engineering, science, and mathematics (excluding research, directed study, seminars, curricular practical training, and course) beyond the MS degree. These courses must be numbered 200+ and must be taken for a letter grade.

In addition, the department has a breadth requirement for the PhD degree. This may be satisfied by a formal minor in another department (generally 20 units) or by at least nine units of coursework (outside of the primary research topic) which the principal dissertation advisor approves. Nine units from the minor requirements can be counted towards the depth requirement if a minor is taken.

ME-PHD - Mechanical Engineering (PhD)

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General

Program Policies

Learning Outcomes

External Credit Policies

Advising Expectations