For more information contact
PhD Program
- Learn about our PhD program at mems.duke.edu/phd.
- Email the PhD program
Master’s Program
- Learn about our master’s program at mems.duke.edu/masters
- Email the master’s program
General Information
Degree offered:Program Description
Graduate students in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS) work in close collaboration with world-renowned faculty on state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary research programs. The low faculty-to-student ratio provides a close-knit scholarly community while an active Graduate Student Committee provides peer mentorship and support. The graduate curricula are uncommonly flexible whereby the students can define the academic path that best suits their professional goals.
Learn more about our faculty, research, and student projects at the departmental website: http://mems.duke.edu/
Concentrations/Research Specialties
PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
- Aerospace Engineering
- Dynamics, Controls & Robotics
- Materials Science & Biomaterials
- Mechanics, Design & Computing
- Thermal Fluids & Energy
MS in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
- Autonomous, Intelligent Machines and Systems
- Energy, Propulsion, and Structures for Earth and Space
- Multi-Scale, Advanced, and Bio-Inspired Materials
- Optimal Design of Physical and Virtual Systems
- Design Your Own
The MEMS Department also offers the following certificates to current graduate students:
- Aerospace Engineering (Master’s and PhD students)
- Nanoscience (PhD students only)
- Photonics (PhD students only)
Statistics
Application Information
Application Terms Available
Spring, Fall
Application Deadlines
Spring:
Ph.D and M.S.: October 1
Fall:
Ph.D.: December 15
M.S.: March 15
Graduate School Application Requirements
See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.
- Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
- Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
- Statement of Purpose: Required (See department guidance below)
- Résumé: Required
- GRE Scores: GRE General (Optional for 2022)
- English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English
*test waiver may apply for some applicants - GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required
Writing Sample
None required
Additional Components
Masters: Providing a recorded video response is required. The video recording platform is available within the online application.
PhD: Providing a recorded video response is optional. For international students, completion of a video can potentially negate the need for a live language interview later on in the application process. If you choose to include a video, the video recording platform is available within the online application.
We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying:
Departmental Application Guidance (Masters)
Departmental Application Guidance (PhD)