The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers doctoral degrees in the fields of Ocean Engineering (OE), Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME), and Oceanographic Engineering (2W).

The Institute requirements for doctoral degrees are outlined in the Graduate School Manual. Specific departmental requirements can be found on the Department of Mechanical Engineering website. These requirements have been written with the underlying philosophy that (a) the doctoral candidate must display early in his or her graduate education a strong background in the fundamentals of the appropriate field; (b) prior to the commencement of the student's thesis research, he or she must have attained an extensive in-depth competence in the field of specialty; and (c) it is in the best interest of both the student and the Institute that the program be completed without undue delay.

Special cases will inevitably arise that,while being consistent with the above philosophy, are not permitted under departmental requirements; in such cases, the student should consult first with his/her faculty advisor who, with the consent of the Department faculty, may allow exceptions to the following regulations.