Our PhD in Engineering is designed to help you develop the ability to contribute to modern scientific discourse through independent research. You will take part in rigorous coursework, utilize cutting-edge technology and collaborate with peers and instructors in small, participatory classes. We encourage our students to work toward their own career goals with a multi-disciplinary approach to engineering, developing plans of study from courses such as: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, nanoscale science and engineering, materials science and bioengineering.
In addition to our stand-alone PhD in Engineering, we also offer an interdisciplinary PhD program with opportunities for you to develop a plan of study combining engineering and a complementary discipline (e.g. natural sciences).
The flexible, personalized focus of the program ensures our students can develop the skills needed for a variety of careers in engineering. The city of Denver, and the Denver Tech Center which is only minutes away from campus, provides a first-rate environment for engineering expertise. The Front Range is consistently rated as one of the top high-tech areas in the country. We’re committed to maintaining active connections with industry leaders, allowing you to graduate with useful experience and a well-developed professional network.
Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer
Curriculum: 45 Credit Hours for students entering with a master’s degree
90 Credit Hours for students entering with a bachelor’s degree
Program Length: 4 Years for students entering with a master's degree
6 Years for students entering with a bachelor's degree
PhD in Engineering
How our curriculum advances your career in engineering
Courses that prepare you for interdisciplinary fields
Take courses across multiple disciplines and engage in projects and coursework that help prepare you for working in interdisciplinary fields upon graduation.
Flexible coursework plan
Our curriculum allows you to develop both breadth and depth within the field of engineering, with opportunities to take courses in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, materials science and bioengineering.
Faculty mentors for research projects
Our faculty serve as mentors for research projects in areas such as biomedical engineering, advanced materials, robotics, mechanical design and AI/machine learning, among others.
Be prepared for careers in academia, research or industry
Our Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering program prepares you to contribute to the advancement of science, engineering and technology through independent research. Our graduates are prepared to go on to teach, research and work in industry.
Contribute to the advancement of science, engineering and technology
Make an individualized plan of study based on your previous experience and desired research areas. Work on interdisciplinary research while also satisfying the PhD in Engineering degree requirements.
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Advance your career with an Doctor of Philosophy degree in Engineering
Students Entering With a Master's Degree in Engineering
For students entering with a master’s degree, up to 45 credits may be transferred and applied to the doctorate degree. In addition, a minimum of 45 credits must be completed at DU. The total number of credits required for the degree is 90.
A student who holds a master’s degree on entering the doctoral program is expected to complete all requirements for the degree no later than seven years after beginning the program.
Required Core Courses
- ENME 4900 - Graduate Professional Development
- ENME 4950 - Graduate Assessment
Mechanical Engineering Core Courses
- ENGR 3630 - Finite Element Methods
- ENGR 4730 - Introduction to Robotics
- ENME 3545 - Mechanisms
- ENME 3651 - Computational Fluid Dynamics
- ENME 4020 - Advanced Finite Element Analysis
- ENME 4360 - Elasticity
- ENME 4520 - Intermediate Dynamics
- ENME 4541 - Advanced Mechanics of Materials
- ENME 4630 - Viscous Flow
- ENME 4670 - Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
- ENME 4671 - Convective Heat Transfer
- ENME 4800 - Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Any 4XXX level ENEE or ENCE course
Bioengineering Core Courses
- ENBI 4500 - Biofluids
- ENBI 4510 - Biomechanics
- ENBI 4520 - Introduction to Cardiovascular Engineering
- ENBI 4800 - Advanced Topics in Bioengineering
Materials Science Core Courses
- ENGR 4200 - Introduction to Nanotechnology
- ENME 4310 - Computational Methods for Mechanics and Materials
- ENME 4400 - Fatigue
- MTSC 4020 - Composite Materials I
- MTSC 4215 - Composite Materials II
- MTSC 4450 - Fracture Mechanics
Advanced Math Courses
- ENGR 3621 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics
- ENGR 4300 - Advanced Numerical Methods (Advanced Numerical Methods)
- ENGR 4350 - Reliability
- ENGR 4620 - Optimization
- ENGR 4765 - Robot Control
Get Started on Your PhD in Engineering
Advance your engineering career with a PhD in Engineering from the University of Denver’s Ritchie College of Engineering and Computer Science
