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Mechanical and Energy Engineering

Doctoral Degree Program

The Mechanical and Energy Engineering doctoral program at the University of North Texas offers a ground-breaking opportunity to learn fundamental and applied knowledge compatible with mechanical engineering, renewable energy, energy modeling, manufacturing and fossil fuels.

Graduate opportunities

Our Doctor of Philosophy degree is the first of its kind in Texas, and the innovative curriculum allows you to study and conduct research with world-class faculty members. This collaboration can lead to being published in professional journals, providing a validation of your hard work and strong research.

In addition, you’ll work with faculty members to develop a broad and in-depth knowledge for solving energy problems. You’ll explore topics such as:

  • Bio-based green and sustainable products
  • Energy-efficient intelligent vehicles
  • Energy-efficient products and structures
  • Fundamentals of energy
  • Renewable and alternative clean energy
  • Solid mechanics and controls
  • Thermal energy and fluids

Our faculty members have been honored by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, among others. Their research areas include environmental sustainability, materials and manufacturing and oil and gas.

UNT provides services unique to the needs of graduate students. The Graduate Writing Support Center can help you with writing a thesis, dissertation or class paper, and the Office of Research Consulting can help you achieve your research goals using cutting-edge research technology tools and statistical analysis. A Thesis Boot Camp and other specialized workshops are available through the Toulouse Graduate School®. Many of the workshops are available online for your convenience.

Research facilities

You can conduct research with faculty members in laboratories containing the most modern equipment in the nation. Among our facilities is the Zero Energy Research Laboratory where various energy technologies aimed at achieving net-zero consumption of energy are tested. The facility is the first of its kind in Texas. Other facilities include:

  • Bioproducts Lab
  • Center for Advanced Scientific Computing and Modeling
  • Composite Mechanics and Manufacturing Lab
  • Computer Aided Design and Analysis Lab
  • Functional Cellular Solids Lab
  • Laboratory of Small Scale Instrumentation
  • Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Lab
  • PACCAR Technology Institute
  • Thermal Fluid Science Lab

More information about these labs is at our website.

Attending UNT

Admission requirements

You must apply for admission to the university through the Toulouse Graduate School® or UNT International.

You also must submit directly to the department a detailed rèsumè with educational experience, relevant work history and research experience.

Degree requirements

You’ll plan your degree program with assistance from your major professor and advisory committee. The degree requires 72 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree or 42 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. You’ll need to maintain at least a B average in all courses.

Students entering with a master's degree

  • 12 credit hours of core courses
  • 12 credit hours of electives
  • 6 credit hours of research
  • 3 credit hours of a seminar course
  • 9 credit hours of dissertation

Students entering with a bachelor's degree

  • 12 credit hours of core courses
  • 24 credit hours of electives
  • 21 credit hours of research
  • 3 credit hours of a seminar course
  • 12 credit hours of dissertation

Financial assistance

Teaching and research assistantships are competitively awarded to students who show high potential for research productivity. This is demonstrated through publications, conference proceedings, recommendations citing evidence of above average creativity and reasoning, excellent academic performance and/or standardized test results.

Out-of-state and international students who are funded at least half time are eligible for in-state tuition rates. Only master’s students who select the thesis option are eligible for teaching or research assistantships. A number of in-state tuition scholarships also are available.

Information about other financial assistance programs is at the financial aid website.