Mechanical Engineering

Overview

Mechanical engineers are problem solvers, critical thinkers and designers. They work in teams to design and create complex machines, including robots, engines, machine parts, medical devices and more. Our students gain an expertise that remains with them throughout their engineering career and enables them to make a difference in society.

Mechanical engineering is based on the application of physics and mathematics. It is one of the most diverse disciplines among engineering fields. It is challenging and rewarding. At SIUE, students develop skill sets necessary for a number of engineering jobs, including applications in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, robotics, energy and more.

What can I do with a degree in mechanical engineering?

Earning an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering is only the beginning for our students. Our graduates have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them upon graduation, and they are prepared to contribute to society through professional practice in industry or governmental positions. Some of our students may also choose to pursue careers in related areas such as business, law or medicine.

Recent graduates of our program are employed at Amsted Rail and Lockheed Martin, as well as other reputable businesses. These graduates work as process engineers, design engineers and in many other roles.

Some of our graduates continue their education by pursuing advanced degrees or by gaining advanced training and licensing in their chosen profession. Students with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering may also choose to continue their education in mechanical engineering or other closely related disciplines such as aerospace, civil, biomedical and chemical engineering.

Accreditation

The mechanical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Hands-on Learning

The mechanical engineering curriculum includes a number of laboratory classes where our students apply their knowledge of engineering science in a variety of hands-on experiments. Students also participate in a two-semester senior design course, which allows them to practice teamwork and critical analysis, and to apply their creativity in a design and fabrication project with real-life applications in mind.

At SIUE, students also have the opportunity to participate in mechanical engineering work experience and cooperative education or a study abroad program. Our students also have the option to engage in research with mechanical engineering faculty members through the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program.