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Ready to take the next step?

As a Michigan Engineering Ph.D. student, you’ll have the opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind educational experience centered around your research interests.

The first step as a prospective student is to find your passion and build your application. Use this section to learn about everything from funding opportunities to the kinds of world-changing research you can pursue as a Michigan Engineering doctoral student.

Please note that Michigan Engineering is no longer requiring the GRE as part of the Ph.D. application process. Additionally, students with financial need may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Click this link to see if you qualify before November 30, 2022 @ 11:59 PM EST*.

 

*Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, & Robotics deadline for application fee waivers: November 14, 2022 @ 11:59 PM EST. Please note that it will take up to 2 business weeks to receive a decision. Please plan accordingly.

 

 

 

Research &
Advisors

What’s your area of interest?

Do you know what area you are interested in exploring? Below you can search for faculty working in research areas that interest you. You can reach out to them to learn more as well. There are two ways to begin your search:

Search by Topic

Because research can span many departments and disciplines, use U-M’s experts.umich.edu database to search based on topics that most interest you. This site will help to identify faculty members and learn more about their work through research publications and websites.

U-M Experts

Questions for your potential research advisor(s)

Talking with a potential advisor may seem overwhelming and intimidating. To help initiate conversation and get all your questions answered, please feel free to utilize the questions below. Of course, please feel free to ask your own questions as well. Faculty and staff are here to help make your journey as smooth as possible.

  • How many graduate students are you currently advising?
  • How many graduate students have graduated under your advisement in the last five years? And where are they now?
  • How long do your graduate students usually take to finish?
  • Is there, or how much funding is available for your students?
  • What are the requirements for this funding? I.e. teaching requirements?
  • Do you have specific research in mind for your new Ph.D. student(s)?
  • How many of your students have gone into academia vs industry?

Success & Realistic Expectations

Understanding where your academic goals will fit in at U-M

Earning a Ph.D. is extremely rewarding, but not a simple undertaking. There is a big difference between taking courses as an undergrad and creating significant and original research as a Ph.D. There are many things to consider before applying for a Ph.D.

The top reasons people decide to get a Ph.D. to include:
  • PASSION

    about the subject matter and have a deep interest level

  • ENJOYMENT

    in doing research

  • ACADEMIA & RESEARCH CAREER

    as a requisite to entering these fields

Earning a Ph.D. deserves some serious thought and realistic expectations. Here are a few things to consider if you decide to take this journey.

Research in any field is demanding. While you can still find a work-life balance, your research will take a considerable amount of your time.
  • Most research is done independently and requires a lot of internal motivation.
  • Having passion and drive for research is a must-have to be successful.
  • Experimentation, feedback, and failure will all be a part of your research. So an open mind and the ability to receive constructive feedback, and not being afraid to fail will be necessary to achieve success.
Learn more about navigating the tasks associated with earning a Ph.D.

Practice Your Purpose

Michigan Engineering and Rackham Graduate School offer wonderful workshops and experiential learning opportunities ranging from leadership to multi-disciplinary design projects. Here you can customize your own unique combination of credentials that will set you apart from the competition. Below are examples of opportunities to develop your professional skill set while getting your Ph.D.

Professional Competencies

Graduate Student Organizations

Graduate Student Organizations

Meet people and practice your purpose – join a graduate student organization today!

Learn More — >

Professional Society’s Student Chapters

Professional Society’s Student Chapters

Professional societies offer educational opportunities and connections with others in your field.

Learn More — >

Project Teams

Project Teams

Project Teams offer the opportunity to become part of a diverse, collaborative, and engaging community of students from across the university.

Learn More — >

Diversity Focused Organizations

Diversity Focused Organizations

Build your supportive and inclusive culture through diversity focused organizations.

Learn More — >

Immersed | Practice your Purpose

Immersed | Practice your Purpose

Find experiential learning opportunities to help you find your niche, connect with people who share your passion and gain hands-on experience that’ll set your resumé apart from the stack.

Learn More — >

Professional Development

Rackham Graduate School - Professional development

Rackham Graduate School – Professional development

Professional development – Interdisciplinary learning and community building related to professional interests.

Learn More — >

Center for Entrepreneurship

Center for Entrepreneurship

Programs that help you learn to solve daily-life problems through innovative products and services.

Learn More — >

Nexus - Professional Education Certificates

Nexus – Professional Education Certificates

Offering professional education certificates and online graduate degrees.

Learn More — >

Multi-disciplinary Design Program

Multi-disciplinary Design Program

Students representing 11 different colleges and schools from across the University work together on professional design projects.

Learn More — >

Tauber Institute for Global Operations

Tauber Institute for Global Operations

Experience a multidisciplinary, action-oriented education to solve operations challenges at top companies around the world.

Learn More — >

NextProf - Future Faculty Workshops

NextProf – Future Faculty Workshops

Workshops designed to strengthen and diversify the next generation of academic leaders.

Learn More — >

Additional Graduate Certificate Programs

Additional Graduate Certificate Programs

Change your career trajectory, no matter where you are or when you make time for class.

Learn More — >

No matter how good we are at our Ph.D. topics, having effective interpersonal skills is more important. Building connections, and practicing leadership through involvement in professional and student organizations is a great way to exercise those skills.

Erik H.
Nuclear Engineering Ph.D. Candidate

Get Answers to Your Questions

Graduate Coordinator Contacts

Message a Graduate Coordinator within your area of interest with specific questions surrounding your area of interest.

For general college admission questions contact [email protected].

DEPARTMENTS

Mirko Gamba, Grad Chair & Master’s Chair

Aerospace Engineering

[email protected]

Claire Miller

Climate and Space Sciences & Engineering

[email protected]

Maria Steele

Biomedical Engineering

[email protected]

Susan Hamlin

Chemical Engineering

[email protected]

Jason Brummet

Civil & Environmental Engineering

[email protected]

Kayleigh Merz

Computer Science and Engineering

[email protected]

Kayleigh Merz

Computer Science and Engineering

[email protected]

Kristen Thornton

Electrical and Computer Engineering, Engineering Education Research

[email protected]

Jason Brummet

Civil & Environmental Engineering

[email protected]

For questions specific to a faculty member's research, please contact them directly.

Matt Irelan

Industrial & Operations Engineering

[email protected]

Carolina Benn

Macromolecular Science & Engineering

[email protected]

Kathy L Bishar

ISD: Global Automotive and Manufacturing, ISD: Manufacturing

[email protected]

Renee Hilgendorf

Materials Science & Engineering

[email protected]

Adam Mael

Mechanical Engineering

[email protected]

Nathalie Fiveland

Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering

[email protected]

Garnette Roberts

Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Science

[email protected]

Denise Edmund

Robotics

[email protected]

Claire Miller

Climate and Space Sciences & Engineering

[email protected]

Our graduate program coordinators have been immensely helpful during my entire time in graduate school. They are always available and eager to answer students’ questions and assist in navigating important program deadlines and requirements. Overall, they genuinely care about the success of students and help foster a supportive environment for graduate studies in our department.

Laura B. Andre, Ph.D Postdoctoral Researcher, Electrical Engineering

RESOURCES
AVAILABLE

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Apply

Most Ph.D. applications are submitted to Rackham Graduate School where the admissions process is managed as a team with the colleges and departments.* The requirements for each department’s program may vary, therefore refer to the guidelines posted on the department’s website.

You can find help for preparing your application, and tips for what to do after you’ve been accepted on the Rackham Admissions site.

*The only doctoral program not administered by Rackham is the Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing. Learn more and apply.

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