Ph.D. Programs

The three graduate fields - Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - cross traditional college and department boundaries and afford a graduate student maximum flexibility in designing a program represented by faculty from virtually any discipline on campus. We also offer a doctoral degree program in Robotics in both Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Apply now
Prateek Sehgal works with a sample in the lab
Graduate Field Handbook

Our Four Ph.D. Options

smiling student with a four-legged robot on the table in front of him.

Why the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering?

  • Flexibility

    The four graduate fields cross traditional college and department boundaries and afford a graduate student maximum flexibility in designing a program represented by faculty from virtually any discipline on campus.

  • Collaboration

    Cornell Engineering is known for its radical collaboration across departments, colleges and campuses. Collaboration allows our students and faculty to accelerate discovery – leading to impactful and lasting change.

  • Exceptional Faculty

    Faculty in the Sibley School conduct cutting-edge research in a wide array of areas including robotics, space science, and health care to name a few. 

The Sibley School Ph.D. Program Difference

  • First Semester Fellowship

    Most students do not choose a Ph.D. advisor before applying. Matriculated students on first semester fellowships are afforded the opportunity to interact with a number of faculty in seeking a good student-advisor match within the first semester.

  • Grad Student Community

    Prospective graduate students are drawn to the Sibley School by the close community of multi-cultural and diverse graduate students. Students feel as though they are part of an inclusive community that supports one another throughout the Ph.D. process. 

  • Five Years of Funding

    We offer five years of funding to all admitted Ph.D. students (contingent upon maintaining good academic standing).

Student-Led Graduate Research Symposium Exposes Possibilities and Strengthens Skills

Each year, the student-led organization SiGMA (Sibley Graduates in Mechanical and Aerospace) holds an annual research symposium, funded by industry and academic sponsors.

An important component is networking with a panel of career professionals in academia, industry, startups, and national labs to represent the wide variety of careers students in mechanical and aerospace engineering end up in.

This year, in addition to prizes for the most clearly communicated research presentations, students were invited to compete for the best artistic rendition of their research.

The day’s activities included a career panel, a skills workshop, graduate research talks, and a reception that gave students the opportunity to connect with peers, faculty, and professionals in a more informal setting.

The Cornell Career Network published a story about the 2026 SiGMA Symposium.

Four members of the Sibley Research Graduate symposium Planning Committee pose together outside of Upson Hall.

Contact

  • Assistant Director for Graduate Affairs

    Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
    343 Upson Hall
    Cornell University
    Ithaca, NY 14853
    607-255-5250

  • Email

    maephd@cornell.edu