4+1 Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Combined Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Overview
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.
Purdue University Northwest’s combined BSME and MSME mechanical engineering degree program is designed to provide outstanding undergraduate students to broaden their studies and improve their career prospects with a competitive advantage by completing both the bachelor’s and master’s programs at an accelerated pace.
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!
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Curriculum
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.
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
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program 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.
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program 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
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program 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.
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Employers
Our alumni work with some of the most innovative organizations across the region and around the world, including:
- NASA
- Siemens
- US Steel
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a degree in mechanical engineering may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Michael Todd Bell Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
- Schwingendorf Engineering Scholarship
- Sydney Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program 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.
Mechanical Engineering 4+1 Degree Program 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
Bruce W. Berdanier, Ph.D., PE, PS
Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences
I am currently the Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences at Purdue University Northwest.
Veera Gnaneswar Gude, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, F.ASCE, F.EWRI
NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment | Director, PNW Water Institute
Veera Gnaneswar Gude is NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment and Director of Purdue University Northwest Water Institute (PWI). He is a professional engineer and a board-certified environmental engineer.
Associate 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.
Subbarao Venkata Majety, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Director of Design Studio
Subbarao Venkata Majety is an assistant professor and director of Design Studio, School of Engineering at Purdue University Northwest.
Chair of Mathematics and Statistics | Interim Chair of Mechanical and Civil Engineering
Nicoleta Tarfulea is a Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.
Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Wubeshet Woldemariam is an assistant professor of civil engineering in the mechanical and civil engineering department. His research and teaching focus on transportation and infrastructure planning.
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.
Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University Northwest’s mechanical engineering combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees allow you to broaden your studies and improve your career prospects with a competitive advantage by completing both programs at an accelerated pace.
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.
