Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Information compiled by the GradSchools.com team - last updated December 2010

Studying in the field

"Mechanical engineering deals with power, its generation and application... Mechanical engineers apply the principles of mechanics and energy to the design of machines and devices." (Howard University). Foremost, those interested in the mechanical engineering field should possess an inherent affinity for mathematics and science. Mechanical engineering skills are requisite in numerous fields and industries, including information technology, automobile, aeronautics, and medicine. Working in multi-disciplinary teams, employing both their professional and ethical knowledge, mechanical engineers realize a deep commitment to society while utilizing technology to develop new products and processes.

Graduate level mechanical engineering programs grant both master and doctoral degrees - Master of Mechanical Engineering (M.M.E.), Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.), Doctor of Engineering (D.Engr.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Key coursework included in mechanical engineering curriculums includes: mathematics, basic mechanics, thermal science, and fluid mechanics. Research projects are an integral part of mechanical engineering curriculums, supplementing students' theoretical and practical skills. Specific research areas that various schools have chosen are: Air Pollution Control, HVAC & Refrigeration, Biomechanics and Imaging Technologies, and Noise Reduction, among others. Enhancing mechanical engineering students' college experiences and offering a sense of community, various mechanical engineering societies currently exist. Some of these societies are:

American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Chicanos and Latinos in Engineering and Science, and Tau Beta Pi. Depending on your area of interest, research multiple programs to determine which program will fit your needs.

Job opportunities in the field

Providing their knowledge and skills to a wide variety of fields and industries, mechanical engineers are suitable for a vast array of occupations. Specific areas of research and development which utilize mechanical engineers' skills and knowledge are: manufacturing processes, energy conservation, noise control and acoustics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, and product safety and reliability. Visit the sites of our sponsoring programs for more specific information and to learn about particular programs and areas of focus.

View Graduate Programs in Mechanical Engineering