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Mechanical Engineering Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Get the skills to understand the practical uses of math, science and engineering. You'll graduate prepared for a rewarding mechanical engineering career.

Machines are at the core of our daily lives, and mechanical engineers are responsible for designing them. Mechanical Engineering students can specialize in four different areas: mechanical design, thermal sciences, manufacturing and materials, and aerospace.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4+ years
Credit hours:
128
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  • What Mechanical Engineers Do?
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Why earn a mechanical engineering degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Gain hands-on experience from the first courses you take in the University of North Dakota's Mechanical Engineering program. You'll take four science courses with labs during your first two years. You'll also build a component or design a system in at least one engineering class every year. All your classes will emphasize teamwork and collaborative problem solving, mandatory skills in today's engineering workplace. 

Customized Mechanical Engineering Degree

Focus on one of four optional concentrations:

  • Mechanical Design
  • Thermal Sciences
  • Manufacturing and Materials
  • Aerospace (133 credit hours required)

Our combined mechanical engineering degree program allows you to earn a master's in mechanical engineering in just one additional year. Choose to study online or on-campus.

UND's Mechanical Engineering Degree

  • Satisfy the eligibility requirement to sit for the NCEES PE examination. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, this program meets the education requirements to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer in all 50 states.

  • Work on wind-tunnel experiments, space hardware design, nanotechnology and other projects.

  • Solve real-world industrial problems in design projects sponsored by 3M, NASA, Arctic Cat and more.

  • Participate in research ranging from robotics to gas turbine engines to unmanned aerial vehicles.

  • Experience hands-on learning from the start when you build a design project and prototype during your first year on campus.

  • Get on-the-job experience as an entry-level engineer in our co-op program. Work for companies such as Honda, Energizer, Xcel Energy and more while still a student —and while being paid.

What can I do with a mechanical engineering degree?

95K

Median annual salary for a mechanical engineer, 2021

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

6K

Number of new mechanical engineering jobs expected by 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

You'll graduate with the skills to pursue a career in:

  • Mechanical design
  • Thermal systems
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials

Careers with a Mechanical Engineering Degree

As one of the most versatile engineering disciplines, you'll find job opportunities in a broad spectrum of industries, including:

  • Aerospace
  • Renewable Energy
  • Manufacturing
  • Consumer Products
  • Defense Industries
  • Medical
  • Petroleum
  • Transportation

Mechanical Engineering Degree Skills

A B.S. in Mechanical Engineering gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Computer-Aided Design
  • AutoCAD
  • SolidWorks (CAD)
  • Creo Elements/Pro (Computer-Aided)
  • Design Software
  • Finite Element Methods

Mechanical Engineering Degree Courses

ME 476. Intermediate Fluid Mechanics. 3 Credits.

Differential forms of conservation of mass, energy, and momentum for viscous fluid flow. Boundary layer theory and its applications. Principles of one-dimensional compressible flow. Prerequisites: ME 306, MATH 266, and admission to the professional Mechanical Engineering program. On demand.

ME 523. Advanced Machine Design. 3 Credits.

Advanced design and analysis of machine components; kinematic synthesis and analysis of mechanisms, force analysis, rotor dynamics, gyrodynamics, stresses in thick cylinders and flywheels, lubrication, statistical considerations, energy methods, curved beams. Prerequisites: ME 322 and ME 323.

ME 439. Introduction to Robotics. 3 Credits.

A systems engineering approach to robotics. Presents an introduction to manipulators, sensors, actuators, and end effectors for automation. Topics covered include kinematics, dynamics, control, programming of manipulators, pattern recognition, and computer vision. Prerequisites: ENGR 200 with a grade of C or better, MATH 166 with a grade of C or better, and admission to the professional Mechanical Engineering program. On demand.

ME 446. Gas Turbines. 3 Credits.

General principles, thermodynamics, and performance of gas turbine engines. Design consideration of engine components. Prerequisites: ME 341 with a grade of C or better and admission to the professional Mechanical Engineering program. On demand.

ME 370. Engineering Disasters and Ethics. 3 Credits.

Engineering disasters will be the basis for teaching an ethics course to engineering students. Starting with the premise that most people know the difference between right and wrong (this is not a course on criminal activity!), the course explores how engineers, in spite of their best intentions, sometimes create disastrous situations. The effect of cumulative adverse detail is difficult to teach except with case studies. Also explored is cost vs. safety trade-offs, the role of lawsuits, and government regulation. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior standing. F.

ME 418. Manufacturing Processes. 3 Credits.

Descriptive and analytical study of manufacturing methods and economics as they pertain to machining, metrology and automation. Prerequisites: ENGR 203 with a grade of C or better, ME 301, and admission to the professional Mechanical Engineering program. S.

mechanical engineering students working on drone

Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degree

UND is regarded as one of the top academic and research institutions in the nation for engineering. Our mechanical engineering degree consistently ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

202 Most Affordable Bachelor's in Engineering Online
2020-15-best-bachelors-engineering-online
2021 best online mechanical engineering bachelors degrees
2021-best-online-colleges-for-roi-engineering

Best Mechanical Engineering Schools

Be in demand. UND mechanical engineering graduates have gone to work at companies including:

  • 3M
  • American Crystal Sugar
  • AMETEK
  • Arctic Cat
  • BAE Systems
  • Blandin Paper
  • Boeing
  • Boise Cascade
  • Cargill
  • Case IH
  • Caterpillar
  • Central Boiler
  • Cirrus Aircraft
  • Comm Dell Industries
  • Daktronics
  • Dakota Gasification Company
  • Doosan Bobcat
  • Dow Chemical
  • Emerson Electric
  • Erskine Manufacturing
  • FCA North America
  • FedEx
  • Field of View
  • Fusion Automation
  • Goodyear Tire & Rubber
  • Harris Corporation
  • Hewlett Packard
  • Honda R&D Americas
  • IBM
  • John Deere
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Lund Boats
  • Marvin Windows
  • Mattracks
  • Minnkota Power
  • NASA
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Oakridge National Labs
  • Ottertail Power
  • PepsiCo
  • Philadelphia Macaroni
  • Polaris Industries
  • Sandia National Labs
  • Steffes
  • TAG
  • Team Industries
  • Tesla
  • UTC Aerospace Systems
  • Xcel Energy

Leaders in Engineering

Colin Sabie is an Army veteran who found inspiration during his military experience to pursue mechanical engineering.

Read Colin's Story

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