Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Get the skills to understand the practical uses of math, science and engineering. You'll graduate prepared for a rewarding mechanical engineering career.

Machines are at the core of our daily lives, and mechanical engineers are responsible for designing them. Mechanical Engineering students can specialize in four different areas: mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing and materials, and aerospace.

Gain hands-on experience from the first courses you take in the Mechanical Engineering degree program. You'll take four science courses with labs during your first two years. You'll also build a component or design a system in at least one engineering class every year. All your classes will emphasize teamwork and collaborative problem solving, mandatory skills in today's engineering workplace. 

Customized Mechanical Engineering Degree
Focus on one of four optional concentrations:

• Mechanical Design
• Thermal Sciences
• Manufacturing and Materials
• Aerospace

Department of Physics - Engineering Dual Degree Curriculum

Each of the dual-degree programs are designed to be completed in 5 years. This timeline assumes that students are placed into Pre-Calculus (MATH 115) or beyond for their first semester. Below is an example 5-year plan to give you an idea of what your schedule might be like.

Example Course Plan for B.A. in Physics + B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?

Mechanical engineers design, develop, build and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.

No two mechanical engineering jobs are exactly the same. They could be working on helping design and develop tiny semiconductor tools or large aircraft engines. Obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering is about learning how to solve complex problems that are not defined to a certain product or device. Mechanical engineers can expect to:

• Solve problems using their expertise of mechanical devices
• Design and redesign devices to improve performance
• Develop and test prototypes of all kinds of products and devices
• Oversee manufacturing processes

Specific job titles can vary, but a Mechanical Engineering degree can result in some of these roles:

• Aerospace Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Materials Engineer
• Mechanical Design Engineering
• Production Engineer
• Quality Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Structural Engineer
• Thermal Systems Engineer

Careers with a Mechanical Engineering Degree

• Aerospace
• Consumer Products
• Defense Industries
• Manufacturing
• Medical
• Petroleum
• Renewable Energy
• Transportation

Mechanical Engineering Degree Skills

• Produce Design and Design Reviews
• 3D CAD Design (CREO Parametric)
• Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing
• Robotics, Controls, and Measurements
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Simulation Software (ANSYS)
• Fluid Flow Simulation (CFD)
• Materials Analysis & Testing
• Manufacturing Processes (Milling, Lathe, CNC, Casting)

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