Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor 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
Here at PNW – part of the world renowned Purdue system – you have the opportunity to earn baccalaureate and master’s engineering degrees within five years.
In addition to extensive technical training, you’ll learn project management as well as written and oral communication skills essential for the engineering profession.
Our vibrant community is home to several active engineering student organizations and our students compete in national innovation competitions.
Curriculum Overview
This program combines advanced mathematics, engineering principles and hands-on lab experience in all aspects of the discipline, including thermodynamics, mechanics, dynamics, kinematics, heat transfer and machine design.
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
Complete your studies with machine design, any remaining general education core classes and a required experiential learning course.
Sample Courses
- ME46100 – Machine Design
- ME 42900 – Senior Engineering Design I
- ME 43900 – Senior Engineering Design II
- PHIL 32400 – Ethics for the Professions
- PHIL 11100 – Ethics
Highlights
US News and World Report includes the engineering programs at PNW in its top 50 rankings of master’s comprehensive universities nationwide.
Our student-centered Mechanical Engineering program, offered on both PNW campuses, includes hands-on projects and a senior design capstone experience. You’ll study in state-of-the-art labs under faculty who hold PhDs in their areas of instruction.
Outcomes
As a graduate of this ABET-accredited 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
Scholarships
Funding opportunities available to Mechanical Engineering students include:
- Michael Todd Bell Mechanical Engineering Scholarship
- Schwingendorf Engineering Scholarship
- Sydney Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Beyond the Classroom
We know that learning happens everywhere. At PNW, you can take part in engineering challenges and competitions like:
- Formula SAE Car
- NASA Rover Challenger
- Solar Vehicle
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.
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.
I came to PNW because it was close to home, beautiful campus and small class sizes. I stayed at PNW because of the amazing professors and close bonds created with my cohorts.
I chose Purdue University Northwest because it is a nationally-ranked engineering program and because they believed in me.
The education I received at PNW gave me the technical aptitude and critical thinking. I rely on minute-by-minute in a fast paced, sometimes unforgiving, and constantly changing career.
I am very happy to have been a graduate of PNW. I have many experiences, formed lasting friendships, and took the combined advice from of my professors and mentors and used it as a guide for my career, and will continue to do so in the future.
PNW provided all of the courses and extracurricular activities so that I had enough knowledge and experience to make the transition from student to full-time engineer an easy one. In my whole career, I have not felt unprepared for the technical challenges at hand.
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
See how a PNW degree opens doors, from corporate boardrooms to non-profit leadership.
