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Degree Programs
The Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering offers baccalaureate degrees in engineering mechanics and mechanical engineering, and master's and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering and theoretical and applied mechanics.
Engineering mechanics is the basis of most of the engineering disciplines, including aerospace engineering, civil engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering. It focuses on the study of forces that act on bodies, and the resulting motion.
Mechanical engineering applies the principles of physics to the analysis, design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. It includes many areas of specialization, including bioengineering, energy systems and thermodynamics and nano- and microelectromechanical systems (NEMS and MEMS).
Master's and doctoral students in theoretical and applied mechanics specialize in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics and materials, dynamics, applied mathematics, and computational science and engineering.
MechSE undergraduates have many opportunities for hands-on learning in 10 laboratories dedicated to instruction in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, design for manufacture, robotics and automation, metrology, concurrent design and manufacturing, motion and control, micro/nanomechanical systems and internal combustion engines.
All students may access and use a wide variety of software in our computer laboratory, including Engineering Equation Solver, Mathematica and Pro/Engineer. All seniors work on real-world design problems in our Senior Design Project Laboratory. Students also have numerous opportunities to become involved with ongoing faculty research projects as undergraduate research assistants.
Our graduate students are mentored by leading engineering and mechanics scholars who publish in such high-impact journals as Science, Nature and Applied Physics Letters. They work with advanced equipment, techniques and methods, and are encouraged to pursue innovative, high-risk projects. Through teaching and research fellowships, they develop skills and knowledge that carry them to leadership positions in higher education, industry and research laboratories.