Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Our nationally ranked engineering programs offer undergraduate, graduate, and 4+1 degree options that will prepare you for the 21st century.
Academic Programs
Our rigorous programs bring real-world experience to the classroom, building the knowledge you need to succeed.
Undergraduate
Graduate
Find Your Place in Mechanical and Civil Engineering
The Shell Eco-Marathon and NASA Rover competitions allow students to design, build and test vehicles and rovers while while going head-to-head with students from around the world
Senior capstone students in mechanical and civil engineering transform bold concepts into detailed designs, supported every step of the way by dedicated faculty.
Want to lead a team, build amazing projects, or compete on a national scale? The Mechanical and Civil Engineering Department has a track that matches your passion!
At PNW, small class sizes help students connect deeply with mentors while solving real engineering challenges.
Joining professional societies like ASME and ASCE provide some of the best opportunities for students to network with professionals, and in turn earn an internship or job offer.
By participating in STEM on the Road, students can help make science and engineering exciting for the community around them.
Mechanical and civil engineering students work with a wide range of machines and tools to gain practical career skills.
Some of the software programs we learned in class were the same ones we used in my first internship. My classes at PNW gave me a solid foundation and helped me dive right into the projects.
PNW is a phenomenal choice with an outstanding location and great courses. Just be sure to join some clubs to make connections and memories.
Apart from the academics, you have clubs and organizations where you can interact and make friends. You also have professional opportunities to experience office culture and build personal development.
I believe having smaller class sizes at PNW compared to other big engineering universities really has allowed me to gain more hands-on experience (especially in labs) that I would not have been able to have at other schools.
I currently work as a structural engineer for Burns and McDonnell. PNW prepared me for this work by building my technical background and offering the experiential learning opportunities that got me planning, scheduling, budgeting, designing, constructing, with adherence to codes and standards.
PNW prepared me not only for my doctoral studies but also for my future career in the industry. I developed research skills and improved my ability to solve realistic problems that are faced by engineers and managers in the industry.
PNW Named Among 2026 Best Midwest Universities by U.S. News & World Report
PNW’s School of Engineering ranked 46 nationally among engineering schools whose highest awarded degrees are bachelor’s or master’s degrees in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 annual Best Colleges rankings
Resources
Admissions
Apply to one of our nationally ranked programs and prepare for your engineering future.
International Student Services
Here you’ll find opportunities to get involved, make new friends and feel at home while receiving an education that transforms students’ lives.
Faculty and Staff
Our talented professionals can give you a rewarding educational experience.
News
Engineering a Legacy: PNW alumnus Stewart McMillan
PNW alumnus Stewart McMillan (B.S.,’77) has dedicated his life to making a difference. A passion for service, which fueled his career, now inspires McMillan’s support for PNW and its current students.
PNW students turn summer internships into a competitive edge
As the job market grows increasingly competitive, employers are looking for more than classroom knowledge for a candidate to stand out.
Which Degree is Right for Me – Engineering or Engineering Technology?
Engineers and engineering technologists are problem-solvers who help design, build and improve the world around us. From bridges and buildings to apps, machines and energy systems, they help turn ideas into real, working solutions.
Upcoming Mechanical and Civil Engineering Events
Feb 03
Deadline to Submit Spring 2026 Residency ApplicationResidency Applications for Spring 2026 are due by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3. For more information, visit the Residency web page.
Feb 11
Graduate Programs ShowcaseCome explore the 20+ graduate programs that PNW has to offer! Meet with staff, students and alumni to learn why you should continue your education. You can also receive a fee waiver for your application to graduate school!
Feb 16
Preview PNW Spotlight – Engineering and Sciences: From Classroom to CareerWant a closer look at the College of Engineering & Sciences at Purdue University Northwest? Join us to explore how engineering and science programs translate into real-world careers.
Feb 23
Summer 2026 Registration BeginsSummer 2026 registration opens on Monday, February 23, for all PNW students. There is no priority registration for summer sessions.
Accreditation
Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science program in Mechanical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.
Purdue University Northwest’s Bachelor of Science program in Civil Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.