Your doctoral pursuit at Drexel’s College of Engineering will likely be one of the most intellectually transformative experiences of your life. The strength of our program lies in access to exciting research led by world-renowned faculty, and in its customizable, individually defined areas of concentration.
Drexel University is one of only 34 private institutions in the nation with a Carnegie designation as a R1 Doctoral University – with a very high level of research activity. With nearly $20M in research expenditures last year alone, the College provides an incredible range of opportunities for graduate research: biomechanics, plasma science; nanomaterials; polymers; “Smart” grid technology; sustainability and the environment; urban green infrastructure; functional fabrics; wireless systems; biomaterials; drug delivery; and cybersecurity, among many others.
We encourage you to review the areas of research and associated faculty labs for a comprehensive look at the kind of opportunity you’ll enjoy here.
We offer PhD degrees at our campus in Philadelphia in these areas:
Admission Process
Acceptance for graduate study at Drexel requires, at minimum, a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the US or equivalent international institution. Although admission requirements vary by program, acceptance typically requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Individual departments often have their own added requirements. Visit our admissions guidelines page to learn more about our requirements and how to apply.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the College of Engineering has waived the GRE requirements for applicants due to a limited access to taking the GRE examinations. The College of Engineering will keep continue to waive the GRE requirement for applicants to our doctoral programs. We hope that this removes any barriers for students looking to begin their doctoral studies.
International Students
In addition to the other materials noted above, a standardized English Language exam will be required, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, for international students that are applying to any of our graduate degree programs. A minimum TOEFL score of 90 or IELTS of 6.5 is required for all programs. For Fall 2021 we are also accepting Duolingo scores. Please note that the GRE General Test is optional for all applicants seeking to enter one any of our graduate degree programs. Students who have received instruction in English in their primary and secondary schools and students who have been in the United States for four years or longer and have received a degree from an American institution may be eligible for a waiver of the English proficiency exam requirement by sending a written request to the department or program to which they are applying.
To learn more about special requirements, visit the office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) for information and support for international students.
Financial Aid
There are many scholarships and fellowships available for graduate students, ranging from need-based to merit-based, from paying for textbooks to funding your entire education. Scholarship opportunities are available within Drexel and within specific CoE departments.
Accepted graduate students at the doctoral level are reviewed by research faculty for full and partial funding opportunities. Decisions regarding assistantships and fellowships are made after admission is granted. Some offers of financial assistance, including stipends and tuition support, are made to those students whose background and achievements are compatible with the faculty's research needs. Each department may have its own requirements. Please contact specific CoE departments with questions.
Doctoral students are eligible and will be considered by for college specific and prestigious donor awards such as the Koerner Family and Joseph Carleone Awards. There are special opportunities for new doctoral students to receive additional stipend and tuition awards that can help fund their education. Eligibility is determined at the time of acceptance. For more information on these and other awards for doctoral students see our special opportunities and fellowships pages.
Discounted tuition rates are available for alumni, military, and partner organizations.
Ready to Apply
The collection of application materials is handled by a central Graduate Admissions office at the university. More information about how to start an application can be found at the Graduate Admissions office. For application specific questions please email: enroll@drexel.edu.
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