Typically, these programs provide a systematic development of the fundamentals of physical phenomena through course work based upon the various disciplines. At the same time, each student is brought into ongoing projects and research in which he or she participates with an increasing degree of responsibility. Completion of the student's degree program thus conjoins the principles basic to mechanical engineering and their application to significant, realistic problems. It is this duality of effort that distinguishes the department's graduate programs, and the extraordinary range of activities covered by mechanical engineering makes the field unusual among the traditional areas of engineering. In the latter case, requirements for the degree sought are developed jointly with the program.
Most students choose to do their course work and project work concurrently.
Students admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy program should hold a master's degree in engineering or its equivalent, although some exceptional students are admitted directly into the Ph.D. program with a baccalaureate degree. The Ph.D. is a research-oriented degree, and admission to the program is limited to students who have demonstrated unusually high ability and who seek to make research a substantial part of their career. Ph.D. programs generally take between three and five years to complete, depending upon student interest, background, and project extent. A number of laboratories and other special facilities have been developed for the various research programs within the department. Living costs are moderate in the Pittsburgh area.