***Note to applicants to the graduate program who are awaiting admissions decisions:
Due to some significant staffing changes, we were unable to contact all applicants with the two communications that were promised at the beginning of the cycle. Please be assured that we are reviewing all applications. If there was a problem with your specific application, you would have received an e-mail directly from us regarding the exact situation. If you did not hear anything from us, it means that your file is complete and being reviewed. We are planning to notify everyone with final decisions by the middle of March, if not sooner.
If your checklist status remains incomplete, please do not be concerned. We are not updating checklists for official transcripts. As long as you have uploaded unofficial transcripts, and we you have provided unofficial GRE/TOEFL scores, and we have received three letters of recommendation, your file WILL BE reviewed for admission. Thank you.***
If you plan to visit us, PLEASE e-mail meinquiry@stanford.edu for an appointment. We are a very small office and do not have dedicated staff to meet with prospective students, and therefore we are unable to accept drop-in visitors. Drop-in visitors will be turned away if we are occupied with other activities, events or deadlines. We are happy to meet with people who pre-arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree is intended primarily for students who desire a career in research, advanced development or teaching.
PhD programs are designed to give students a broad background in mathematics and engineering sciences, together with intensive study and research experience in a specialized area. Current Stanford MS students interested in adding a PhD program to their academic career should speak with the staff at the Student Services Office about the necessary paperwork and relevant policies. If you are a current master's student in the Stanford Mechanical Engineering department, to apply for the PhD, you must complete paperwork prior to conferring the MS degree. Failure to do so will require an application through the online admissions process along with all other external applicants.
A majority of PhD students at the Mechanical Engineering Department completed the Stanford MS program. A small number of students who acquired a master's degree from other institutions are admitted each year, but in order to enter the PhD program, one first must find an ME faculty member willing to supervise and fund a research project. We highly recommend that undergraduate students interested in a PhD from Stanford Mechanical Engineering apply for the Stanford MS program first. The PhD program only admits students who already hold (or are currently studying for) an MS degree. If you are applying from another institution, your MS degree must be conferred prior to starting the PhD. Applications for PhD are accepted throughout the year. To apply for the PhD, please complete the Stanford Graduate Degree Application via the Stanford Graduate Admissions Office. Required materials and test scores are the same as the requirements for the MS degree.
Autumn 2016-2017: December 1, 2015
Winter 2015-2016 (January start date): October 6, 2015
Spring 2015-2016 (April start date): January 19, 2016
Summer 2015-2016 (June start date): April 26, 2016
Note: for students wishing to apply to the PhD program during the winter, spring, or summer quarter, please contact meinquiry@stanford.edu directly first.
