Mechanical engineers research, design, develop, manufacture, manage, and control engineering systems and their components, from the nanoscale on. The broadest of all engineering disciplines -- and thus the most flexible for career options -- mechanical engineering requires a solid grasp of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and energy. Our graduates have gone on to become CEOs, entrepreneurs, chief engineers, business analysts, astronauts, faculty, physicians, patent lawyers, and professionals in a variety of other areas.
Points of Pride:
- Perennial top 10 mechanical engineering program. Currently ranked #8 by U.S.News and World Report. Graduates are in great demand by industry and graduate programs.
- More than 90 percent student participation in professional work opportunities prior to graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to pursue professional work experience through internship and co-op opportunities.
- Global programs, including GEARE (Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education) for study abroad and international internship opportunities. ME students can participate in this first-ever program that integrates international study with internships and a multinational design team experience. The GEARE Program includes two internships with a global partner company: one in the United States and one overseas. Studies are coordinated with a real-world, multicultural design project that takes place both on the overseas campus and at Purdue. In addition, many semester-long Engineering Term Abroad experiences are available to students. At one of the several international partner universities, students can take junior-level core courses that enable them to have an international experience while staying on track to graduation. Through these global programs, students can see the world, bridge cultural differences, share diverse approaches to design, and learn more about themselves. Currently, more than 30% of ME graduates have international experiences (as compared to about 5% nationally).
- Many minors available, both non-technical (humanities and social sciences) and technical (sciences, electrical and nuclear engineering, etc.). Students also can participate in the Global Engineering Studies Minor Program.
- Other student opportunities: the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certificate Program, the 5-year BSME/MBA Program, the 5-year BSME/MSME Program, or the Honors Program.