phd student squirting chemicals in small tube

PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering

Overview

The Graduate School of Engineering offers a PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering involving substantial work in two or more academic departments or disciplines. Those interested in this program of study must submit a detailed proposal of the areas of inquiry and research with their application for admission. Interdisciplinary study requires favorable recommendation by a sponsoring Doctoral degree-granting department and approval by authorized representatives of the graduate committees of the departments appropriate to the disciplines covered under the applicant’s proposal.

Learning Outcomes:

The Interdisciplinary Engineering PhD programs’ student learning outcomes are:

  • The ability to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts.
  • Ability to formulate a research plan.
  • Ability to communicate orally a research plan.
  • Ability to conduct independent research.
  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems
  • An ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives
  • An ability to produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs with consideration of economic factors, and, where relevant, factors related to public policy, safety, and the environment

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real world engineering challenges including professional experience with a co-op or internship. The Cooperative Education Program, also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a Co-op Program for Graduate Students. Through this program students gain industry experience in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial start-ups, while helping to finance their education.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.

Admissions & Aid

Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.

Student News

Should We Adapt to Climate Conditions or Work to Mitigate Climate Change

In order to protect the safety and security of people around the globe from extreme weather events, CEE Professor Auroop R. Ganguly and interdisciplinary engineering student Puja Das, PhD’27, say both adaptation to changing climate conditions and mitigation of the causes of climate change are necessary.

How AI is Making Weather Forecasts More Accurate

Interdisciplinary engineering alumni Kate Duffy, PhD’21, and Thomas Vandal, PhD’18, both worked as NASA scientists before creating the new start-up, Zeus AI, which uses AI and machine learning to analyze data from satellites to improve weather forecasting.

Insect Population Decline to Effect Pollination

Interdisciplinary engineering student Kate Duffy, PhD’21, has been studying the effect of climate change on insect populations and their important role in our ecosystem.

Evan Kodra

Alum Evan Kodra Is Driven to Make a Difference

His own entrepreneurial success inspires him to support future change-makers Evan Kodra, who earned his PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering in 2014, is determined to create positive change in the world. One aspect of that commitment is his role in co-founding risQ, a start-up company that factors the impacts of climate change and social equity into […]