Department of Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers one of the most versatile engineering degrees to prepare students for careers in energy, biomedical devices, environmental engineering, transportation, design, controls and sensors, thermal sciences, and nanomanufacturing.
Tradition of excellence
The Department of Mechanical Engineering's history dates back more than a century. Alumni and former faculty include the inventor of the retractable seat belt and black box recorder, a pioneer in heat and mass transfer, a former state highway commissioner, founders and presidents of major companies, and countless entrepreneurs. Eight of the department's faculty are members of the National Academy of Engineering.
World-class academic programs
Undergraduate students study engineering science and applied engineering based on courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Hands-on learning is an essential component. The Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (BME) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
The M.S. and Ph.D. degree programs emphasize individual thesis and study projects closely supervised by a faculty member. Graduate instruction includes opportunities to gain research experience through partnerships with government and industry.
The department also offers an integrated degree program, which allow students to complete both a bachelor's and master's degree in 5 years.
Cutting-edge research
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a world leader in thermal science and engineering research, which also includes programs in plasma technology and particle technology. The department has gained prominence for its work in renewable energies, biofuels, and biomedical engineering. Faculty also lead University research centers and labs including the Medical Devices Center, Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, Intelligent Transportation Systems Institute, Solar Energy Lab, BioCoR, and the Particle Technology Lab.
Business and industry connections
Our department has ties to major corporations that include Boston Scientific, Medtronic, IBM, 3M, Honeywell, Eaton, Seagate, and more. Our researchers also receive funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and the National Institutes of Health.
National rankings
- The mechanical engineering graduate program ranked 8th in the most recent National Research Council ranking
- The graduate program was ranked among the nation's top 15 mechanical engineering programs by U.S. News and World Report.
