Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Shortlist

# 21QS Subject Rankings

24 monthsProgram duration

Physics and AstronomyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Physics and Astronomy

Study Level

PHD

The Field of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics provides a strong background in engineering science and applied mathematics, which prepares students to carry out high-quality analytical or experimental research and to handle a wide variety of modern engineering problems. Course work provides a broad education in the mechanics of rigid and deformable bodies, applied mathematics, and modern experimental techniques. Current research topics include solid mechanics (modeling of manufacturing processes, quantitative ultrasonic and acoustic emission techniques, fracture mechanics, composite materials, mechanics of human-powered vehicles, nonlinear elasticity); fluid mechanics (granular materials, strongly swirling flows); dynamics and space mechanics (evolution of the solar system, planetary rings and rotation of celestial bodies, qualitative analysis of dynamic problems in nonlinear mechanics, bifurcations, chaos); and biomechanics and biomathematics (respiration of plants, how fishes swim). All students are required to minor in at least one other field. Frequently selected minors are aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, astronomy, electrical and computer engineering, geophysics, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, and structural engineering. Students usually take four years to earn the Ph.D. degree. Ph.D. students take a qualifying examination. For incoming students with a Bachelor's degree, the examination is usually held after they have completed two semesters of graduate studies at Cornell. For incoming students with a Master's degree, the examination is held after they have completed one semester of graduate studies at Cornell. They must also demonstrate proficiency in English and one of the following languages: French, German, Russian, Chinese, or Japanese. Teaching experience is required.

Program overview

Main Subject

Physics and Astronomy

Study Level

PHD

IELTS

Students must have a Honor's Level BA; Honor's Level BSc.

Program Duration

2 Years

Starting Month(s)

Jan-2000

Tuition fee and scholarships

Tuition Fee
Scholarships

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Other Expenses

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

Download Scholarship Guide

More programs from the university

Cornell University offers 80 undergraduate majors and 122 minors; a few of which are interdisciplinary or dual degree programs. To give you a sense of the type of programs Cornell University offers, here’s a selection of a few of their programs:

Feminist, gender and sexuality studies
Environmental engineering
Fiber science and apparel design
Global and public health sciences
Government
Policy analysis and management
Urban and regional studies.

All students, including internationals, are required to sit the SATs (that is, even if they’ve taken A levels or the International Baccalaureate). To apply, you would also need to submit English proficiency test results. Aim to score at least 100 in the internet-based exam, or 600 in the paper based exam in your TOEFL or at least 7 in the IELTS.

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B.S. in Biology and Society

Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

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Natural Sciences (6)

B.S. in Biometry and Statistics

Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Science

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Cornell University offers a wide range of interesting graduate fields of study, including:

Asian literature, religion and culture
Astronomy and space sciences
Film and video studies
Medieval studies
Operations research and information engineering
Peace studies and peace sciences.

At graduate level, cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, book and supplies and room and board, ranges between US$ 29,500 and US$ 102,652. That being said, 97% of PhD students at Cornell University living on-campus receive funding covering their tuition, fees, health insurance and a stipend from the university.