The Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology (MMET) has a new PhD program and will be accepting applications for enrollment in spring semester 2025. The Manufacturing Engineering PhD program will emphasize research of the most viable and efficient processes used during fabrication, shaping, machining, and assembly and will provide an ability for students with an MS degree to further their domain knowledge and expertise in the field.
MMET professor and chair John Irwin is excited for the first PhD program in this department. “Research in the manufacturing engineering field has potential for talented people to propose innovative solutions, including tech-enabled sustainability initiatives,” says Irwin. “It is exciting to be department chair during this historic time of growth and change.”
No matter the industry, manufacturing engineering designs share the end goal of producing a better product at a lower cost. The new degree is applicable across traditional engineering disciplines, including material science, mechanical, electrical, robotic, biomedical, and chemical engineering in order to make advancements in processes for forming, joining, casting, molding, producing composites, micromachining, and additive methodologies.
It’s predicted that 35,600 new jobs will need to be filled by 2029. The 1.36 percent annual increase in job demand over the next few years means more faculty holding PhD degrees will be needed to prepare students for their careers. The job increase also translates to a need for research engineers with 14 percent growth expected in manufacturing engineering jobs through 2030 who are equipped to continue accelerating the growth of innovative technologies.
For more details on course and credit requirements, check out the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology blog.
About the College of Engineering
Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering offers more than 15 bachelor of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil, environmental and geospatial engineering, electrical and computer engineering, engineering fundamentals, geological and mining engineering and sciences, manufacturing and mechanical engineering and technology, materials science and engineering, and mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Our engineering graduate degree options include master’s and PhD programs, along with robust online certificate programs for busy professionals. Follow Michigan Tech Engineering on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest happenings.