Admission Requirements
Entrance requirements for study in the PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering are normally:
- A thesis-based Master's degree from a university of recognized standing with a minimum A- (80%) standing with demonstrated research capabilities
- Three letters of reference, from professors and/or employers (minimum two academic)
- Proof of competency in English (if applicable). A score of at least 550 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), along with a minimum score of 4.0 in the Test of Written English (TWE). A score of at least 213 is required on the computer version of the TOEFL. (See Academic Regulations - English Language Proficiency Certification for other acceptable tests of English)
In order to admitted to PhD candidacy, applicants must have demonstrated research capabilities. For this reason, should graduates with a Master's degree obtained without producing a research thesis desire to enter our PhD program, they must satisfy the Department that they are able to carry out independent research.
Information on research activities and other information is given on the departmental graduate web-site.
Application Deadlines
Accepted candidates can enter the program at the start of any one of our academic terms Fall (beginning of September), Winter (beginning of January) or Spring (beginning of May). To be admitted at the start of any one of these terms, the prospective student must have submitted his/her complete application package by the following cut-off dates.
Below is a chart which lists the deadlines for admission. Please note, these deadlines are the date by which your application must be complete, not merely submitted.
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Desired Date of Admission
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International Student:
Complete Application Due By:
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Canadian/Permanent Resident:
Complete Application Due By:
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Fall Term (September)
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February 1st
(same year as admission date)
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August 1st
(same year as admission date)
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Winter Term (January)
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July 1st
(year prior to admission date)
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December 1st
(year prior to admission date)
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Spring Term (May)
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November 1st
(year prior to admission date)
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April 1st
(same year as admission date)
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Degree Requirements
This degree is awarded after candidates have satisfied the examining committee that their thesis is a substantial original contribution to knowledge and have also demonstrated a high degree of competence in areas of knowledge related to their specialization. Each PhD candidate must successfully complete at least three graduate courses at the 600 or 700 level (.50 unit weight). The actual program is decided by the student and the supervisor(s), subject to the approval of the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. The student's program is also assessed formally by the Examination Committee at the time of the Comprehensive Examination as described below.
The thesis topic is decided by the student and supervisor(s), in consultation with an advisory committee. The proposed research program is also examined during the Comprehensive Examination.
The requirements for the PhD degree are as follows:
- Satisfactory completion of three one-term graduate-level courses at the 600 or 700 level (.50 unit weight) with an overall average of 70% (No more than one of the courses used for credit towards a PhD degree may be taught by the candidate's supervisor)
- Safety milestone (must be completed by the end of the student's second registered term)
- Satisfactory performance in a Comprehensive Examination
- Submission and defense of a thesis, embodying the results of original research
Candidates admitted to the PhD program who do not possess a recent and relevant Master's degree or have transferred directly to the PhD program without a Master's degree, are required to complete a minimum of seven courses, at least five of which must be at the 600 or 700 levels (.50 unit weight).
PhD Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination should be conducted about one year, but in any case not later than sixteen months, after the student has been admitted to the PhD program. In preparation for this examination candidates will submit a written research proposal of between 2,000 and 4,000 words describing their thesis problem and outlining the proposed method of attack. This proposal must be circulated to the members of the Comprehensive Examination Committee not less than two weeks before the examination. The Comprehensive Examination Committee, on the advice of the candidate's supervisor(s), should examine:
- the adequacy of the course of study being undertaken,
- the student's performance during the first year both in the coursework and in the research studies,
- the proposal for research program as presented by the student, and
- the adequacy of the student's technical background in related areas of knowledge.
The main decision to be reached is whether the candidate should proceed with the proposed study or change the emphasis in the research work. Advice about taking additional graduate courses may also be given. A complete statement regarding subject and content of this examination is given in the Engineering Graduate Studies Manual.
Examination of the PhD Thesis
Regulations governing the submission and examination of the PhD thesis are found in the Graduate Studies Calendar in the section entitled Academic Regulations.
The Examining Committee consists of the supervisor(s) and four other members nominated by the supervisor(s) and is approved by the Faculty Graduate Studies Committee. One of the committee members is appointed from outside the University, another from outside the department (often from Mathematics or Physics).