The Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (Ph.D. in Engineering) degree is awarded to candidates who successfully complete the taught courses and research components of the program. The students are required to complete a program of advanced courses in engineering.

This concentration is intended for research postgraduate students who are interested in pursuing research in computation related research. Students can enroll in a particular discipline for research with a special focus on Scientific Computation.

Many new technology developments involve new materials with different properties that would be considered "typical." This program provides the student with insight into methods for analyzing new materials and systems, and how they can be used to solve new and pressing issues.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers advanced coursework integrated with research leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mechanical Engineering. The program has four concentrations: Thermal and Fluid Systems; Design and Manufacturing Systems; Mechanics and Materials; and Robotics and Control.

The Doctor of Mechanical Engineering (D.Sc) objective is to help students prepare for the increasing demands of designing and producing more complex mechanical devices to serve the needs of the organizations by focusing on basic research related to materials science and process engineering, product design, and information integrated manufacturing processes.

This program is for graduates who want to acquire, through research, specialization with respect to Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering methods.

Graduates are expected, through research, to specialize and set up and run experiments of various sophistication.

The graduate program provides opportunities for professional development in such forms as instructional courses to enhance technical competence in areas of mechanical engineering practice; training through a variety of experiences in design, development, research, experimentation, and/or analysis in joint efforts with faculty and peers; specialized courses of study required for entry into career fields allied to the mechanical engineering discipline; guided individual study under faculty supervision; and supportive coursework for programs leading to careers that require interdisciplinary competence.

Materials Science and Engineering: Biomaterials and biomedical technologies, Coatings and surface treatments, Corrosion and wear, Experimental characterization and numerical modeling of the material behavior, High-strength glasses and ceramics, Powder metallurgy, Polymers and composite materials, Materials and technologies for cultural heritage, Materials chemistry, Materials for energy, Nanostructured materials, mechanical properties, smart materials, materials production technologies, production process, Manufacturing processes.

Two Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in the Herff College of Engineering: Biomedical Engineering, a joint program between UofM and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center; and Engineering, featuring an interdepartmental curriculum with concentrations across the college. Candidates for all degrees must follow a curriculum plan that has been approved at the departmental level and by the Director of Graduate Studies of the College.