Graduate Programs

Student with robot

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering offers three separate degree programs: Ph.D., M.S.E, and M.Eng. Our graduates go on to careers in industry, academia and government.

Graduate students at Princeton MAE achieve a broad understanding in a range of topics and a deep expertise in their area of interest. The majority of technical problems in engineering and science require a multi-disciplinary approach, and our department defines and pursues new research areas at the intersection of engineering, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and applied mathematics.

Princeton University is at the forefront of interdisciplinary research in every field of study. Students are encouraged to sample the opportunities provided by other departments within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as allied departments and programs outside the Engineering School.

Typically, MAE has about 100 graduate students in residence — a diverse and innovative group of individuals from around the world. A small graduate student body ensures that students are able to build meaningful relationships with world-class faculty from their first day on campus.

We believe that this community allows students to: 

  • Build strong ties of mentorship among distinguished, accessible faculty 
  • Prepare for career success in a multi-disciplinary department 
  • Conduct ground-breaking research in an engineering school with access to world-renowned departments across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities
  • Receive full financial support through the Ph.D. degree program
  • Establish lasting professional and social friendships as a part of a small graduate student population
  • Enjoy life in a college town close to New York and Philadelphia, and with easy access to Washington, DC, and other cities along the Northeast corridor