Advance Your Career With a Ph.D. in Engineering at UF

Deadline: Dec. 5, 2025

Start Your Ph.D. Application for
University of Florida College of Engineering

The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida offers a welcoming, research-focused environment for Ph.D. students ready to take the next step in their academic journey.

Here’s how to apply:

  1. Choose your program. Explore UF’s Ph.D. offerings to find the right fit for your research interests.
  2. Submit your online application. Complete the UF Office of Admissions application and pay the $30 fee (fee waivers may be available by department).
    • Priority deadline: Dec. 5, 2025 for fall admission
    • Supporting materials due: Jan. 5 (unofficial transcripts accepted until then)
  3. Gather your materials. You’ll need:
    • Transcripts and degree(s) earned before enrollment
    • Statement of Purpose
    • Three Letters of Recommendation
    • Resume or CV
    • Proof of English proficiency (for international applicants, TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5, UF code 5812)

U.S. applicants can request a fee waiver through UF’s online form, while international applicants should contact their department directly.

Programs and Specializations for
a Ph.D. in Engineering

Explore the Ph.D. programs offered through the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, each featuring its own specialized focus areas that allow you to tailor your research, deepen your expertise, and make an impact across emerging fields of engineering.


  • Biomaterials & Regenerative Medicine
  • Biomechanics & Bionics
  • Biomedical Imaging & Applications
  • Modeling & Biomedical Data Science
  • Molecular & Cellular Engineering
  • Neural Engineering

  • Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
  • Biomolecular & Cellular Engineering (incl. Synthetic Biology & Gene Editing)
  • Catalysis & Reaction Engineering
  • Energy & Sustainability
  • Transport, Thermodynamics & Electrochemical Engineering


  • Transportation Engineering
  • Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Geosystems Engineering
  • Materials & Pavements
  • New Infrastructure Planning and Management
  • Structural Engineering
  • Sustainable Construction Engineering

  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Human-Centered Computing

  • AI, Machine Learning & Data-Driven Systems
  • Computer Engineering
  • Cyber-Physical Systems & Internet of Things
  • Electromagnetics, Photonics & Quantum Systems
  • Electronics & Embedded Systems
  • Nanoelectronics, Devices & Materials
  • Power Electronics & Energy Systems
  • Security, Hardware Assurance & Resilient Systems
  • Signal Processing, Communications & Controls


  • Air Resources
  • Ecological Systems
  • Sustainable Systems
  • Environmental Nanotechnology
  • Water Systems
  • Human and Environmental Health
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Data Analytics
  • Health Systems Engineering
  • Human Systems Engineering
  • Operations Research
  • Smart Production & Logistics Systems

  • Biomaterials
  • Ceramics
  • Composites
  • Computational Materials Science
  • Electronic Materials
  • Metals
  • Nanomaterials
  • Polymers
  • Materials for Sustainable Energy

  • Autonomous Systems & Robotics
  • Energy & Thermal Sciences
  • Mechanics & Materials
  • Space Systems
  • Systems Design & Optimization

  • Radiochemistry
  • Nuclear Security
  • Radiation Detection
  • Nuclear Safeguard

Why UF Engineering Is Your No. 1 Ph.D. Choice

Join a Prestigious, Impactful Institution

UF is a proud member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) — an elite group representing less than 2% of universities nationwide, recognized for driving economic growth, national security, and global well-being since 1900.

World-Class Faculty With Real-World Expertise

Our faculty aren’t just professors. They’re industry leaders who actively advise government agencies like the Department of Defense and Veteran Affairs, as well as top private sector companies. As a Gator engineer, you’ll learn directly from these experts and collaborate in a culture built on mentorship and real-world innovation.

High-Impact Education Focused on Your Success

You will join a tight-knit, talented cohort of engineers. This fosters meaningful connections, rich collaboration, and a learning environment that challenges and supports you every step of the way.

Cutting-Edge Resources & Lifelong Growth

At UF Engineering, you’ll have access to HiPerGator, one of the fastest university supercomputers in the world, plus the latest AI tools and hands-on research opportunities tailored to your interests. Beyond graduation, the Engineering for Life pathway keeps you connected to continued learning, career development, and a global network of innovators — so you stay ahead in an ever-changing world.

Career Outcomes & Opportunities
for Ph.D. Engineering Graduates

Academic and Research

Join UF’s community of over 300 expert faculty and contribute to groundbreaking studies, interdisciplinary teaching, and high-impact research supported by more than $1.26 billion in annual research funding.

Industry and Innovation

Collaborate with global partners through UF’s innovative research centers and apply your expertise to developing new technologies in fields such as AI, sustainability, and materials science.

Government and National Labs

Lead large-scale research initiatives and technological solutions that address society’s most important challenges, supported by UF’s strong reputation as a top-tier public research institution and “New Ivy” (Forbes, 2024).

Are YOU the Ideal Candidate for
UF’s Engineering Ph.D.?

The ideal candidate for the University of Florida’s Engineering Ph.D. program is a highly motivated scholar with a strong foundation in engineering or a closely related field who demonstrates both academic excellence and research potential.

We seek applicants who are:

  • Research-Driven Innovators: Motivated scholars with strong academic backgrounds in engineering or related fields who are passionate about advancing knowledge through interdisciplinary research.
  • Collaborative Leaders: Individuals eager to work alongside world-class faculty and industry partners to develop innovative, real-world solutions.
  • Global Thinkers: Students prepared to contribute to a top-tier research community and make a lasting impact in academia, industry, or government.

It all comes down to this: If you’re passionate about discovery, driven by purpose and ready to engineer change, you BELONG here!

Greg Kiker

Department Chair
Department of Agriculture & Biological Engineering

Cherie Stabler

Professor, J. Crayton Pruitt Family Chair and Department Chair
J. Clayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering

Richard Dickinson

Interim Chair & Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering

Patrick Traynor

John and Mary Lou Dasburg Preeminent Chair in Engineering and Professor, Interim Department Chair.
Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering

Mark Tehranipoor

Sachio Semmoto Endowed Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer
Intel Charles E. Young Endowed Chair Professor

Interim Chair
Engineering School or Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment 

Idalis Villanueva Alarcón

Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Engineering Education

Iris Rivero

Paul and Heidi Brown Preeminent Chair and Department Chair
Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering

Michael Tonks

Interim Chair
Materials Science and Engineering

Interim Chair
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

Apply Today

Ready to take the next step in your engineering journey?

Contact us today to apply and learn more about our Ph.D. programs, research opportunities, and how you can shape the future of engineering.