Mechanical Engineering is the most diverse engineering degree program offered by the college. The problem-solving versatility of mechanical engineers means you’ll enjoy tremendous career flexibility. With a foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics and a mastery of mechanical and fluid/thermal systems, you can find a future in research, manufacturing, health care, energy, systems design, the military, and more. A mechanical engineering degree is also an advantage for some careers in business, law, or technical sales!

Why Penn State Behrend?

At Behrend, you won’t just learn in state-of-the-art facilities—you’ll also get hands-on experience conducting research with our award-winning faculty in a School of Engineering regularly ranked among the nation’s top 50 undergraduate engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report. Small class sizes and a faculty open-door policy mean that when you need help, you’ll get it.

You’ll also extend your learning beyond the lecture hall, with opportunities to apply engineering concepts to personalized projects, help solve a real-world industry problem, and be recruited by companies around the world.

Mechanical Engineering at Penn State Behrend
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What Will I Study in Mechanical Engineering?

You’ll learn how to use scientific and engineering methods to design, build, and test useful products that are safe, reliable, and cost-effective. Your studies will cover fundamentals in mathematics, mechanics, and thermodynamics, then progress to course work in machine design, fluids and heat transfer, biomechanics, and system dynamics. You’ll learn to apply scientific principles, engineering analysis, and engineering design to solve problems.

To see the full Mechanical Engineering curriculum, visit the Undergraduate Bulletin.

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Who Hires Mechanical Engineering Majors?

Our Mechanical Engineering graduates are in demand. Consider this: Nearly 120 companies come to campus each year specifically to recruit our Mechanical Engineering students. Recent graduates have found employment with companies including Amazon, Boeing, Ford, John Deere, NASA, SpaceX, Volvo, and Westinghouse.

Typical entry-level positions include design, test, sales, structural, manufacturing, application, R&D, or applied mechanics engineers.

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More to Love

With careful planning, you can boost your degree and complete a minor or certificate within your four years of study. Popular options among Mechanical Engineering students are minors in Technical Sales, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Mathematics, or Physics.

Ready to learn more about Behrend’s B.S. in Mechanical Engineering? Contact our Admissions team or the School of Engineering.

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.