Mechanical Engineering, 4+1 Program
Bachelor/Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
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Program Intro
Mechanical engineers design and manufacture everything from small, individual parts and devices like microscale sensors and inkjet printer nozzles to massive, heavy machinery and large systems like rockets and space stations. Mechanical engineers are environmental stewards, looking for ways to build and maintain energy-efficient components, products, machines and systems.
Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
If you’re a hard-working, dedicated engineering student who has decided to pursue graduate study, we offer an option that makes the best use of your time and schedule.
The 4+1 combined option means you will receive both your bachelor’s AND master’s degrees in just five years.
That means you can save a whole year of studying and paying tuition and be that much closer to your next big step: starting your career!
Curriculum Overview
This 4+1 combined Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program enables you to earn both degrees in five years instead of the six that are required to complete them separately.
As a 4+1 student, you’ll broaden your studies at an accelerated pace, improve your career prospects and gain a competitive advantage in a dynamic field.
You can currently complete this degree at PNW’s Hammond campus.
Learn the fundamentals of calculus while exploring the foundational concepts of mechanics.
Sample Courses
- MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I
- MA 16400 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry II
- PHYS 15200 – Mechanics
Expand your study of mechanics and advanced mathematics.
Sample Courses
- MA 26100 – Multivariate Calculus
- MA 26400 – Differential Equations
- CE 27300 – Mechanics of Materials
- ME 27500 – Basic Mechanics II (Dynamics)
Explore kinematics, dynamics and heat transfer.
Sample Courses
- ME 32000 – Kinematics Analysis and Design
- ME 32500 – Dynamics of Physical Systems
- ME 41600 – Heat Transfer
Engage in a hands-on project in a two-semester capstone experience; take nine hours of graduate classes toward your MSE degree.
Sample Courses
- CE 42900 – Senior Engineering Design I
- CE 43900 – Senior Engineering Design II
- ME46100 – Machine Design
In year five, you can choose the non-thesis option (21 credit hours of classes) or to complete a thesis (with nine hours of thesis-focused classes and 12 additional credit hours).
- ME 51600 – Advanced Engineering Project Management
- ME 51500 – Quality Control
- ME 53400 – System Engineering
Highlights
The combined program allows you to use nine credits of graduate level courses (approved by a graduate advisor or the graduate committee of the MCE department) to satisfy both the BS and MS graduation requirements.
This reduces the number of required credits for the combined BSCE+MSE degree to 143, making it possible for you to complete both degrees in five years.
Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you’ll be able to:
- Identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
- Use skills and tools necessary for engineering practice
- Design and conduct experiments; analyze data
- Design systems or processes within realistic constraints
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities
- Understand the impact of engineering in economic, environmental and societal contexts
Beyond the Classroom
We encourage you to get involved with organizations like:
- Society of Women Engineers
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Career Paths
- Many mechanical engineers work in industries that manufacture machinery or automotive parts.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mechanical engineers was $84,190 in May 2016.
Scholarships
Funding opportunities available to Electrical Engineering students include:
- Michael Todd Bell Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
- Schwingendorf Engineering Scholarship
- Sydney Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Employers
Our alumni work with some of the most innovative organizations across the region and around the world, including:
- NASA
- Siemens
- US Steel
Accreditation
Our nationally recognized program has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (EAC).
Licensure
As an ABET-accredited engineering program, PNW’s program for the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the School of Engineering fulfills the educational requirements for PE licensure in Indiana and all states of the US.
Meet the Faculty
NIPSCO Distinguished Professor of Engineering Simulation | Director, the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS)
Professor Zhou, Director of the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS) and Director of the Steel Manufacturing Simulation and Visualization Consortium (SMSVC), is active in teaching, research, and engagement. She oversees an PNW interdisciplinary research center and a nation-wide steel consortium.
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Yun Liu obtained his PhD from Purdue University, West Lafayette, in 2016 and joined Purdue Northwest as an Assistant Professor in 2017.
Take the Next Step
Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW’s flexible programs can meet your needs.
