Mechanical Engineering
What Is Mechanical Engineering?
Visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering
To be a mechanical engineer, you need to be a bit of a know-it-all. Mechanical engineering is one of the largest and broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing the development of all types of mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers are experts in thermodynamics, heat transfer, structures and materials, fluid dynamics and advanced control systems. They use their knowledge to improve many aspects of our lives. In health care, they contribute to new surgical tools, imaging systems and prosthetic devices. In security, they design sensors that detect chemical threats and monitor the structural soundness of buildings and bridges. Mechanical engineers also help design and manufacture the computers, cell phones, microwave ovens, refrigerators, air conditioners and other devices that improve the quality of daily life.
Where Do Mechanical Engineers Work?
Our graduates take diverse career paths, gaining employment in a wide range of industries and in government. Engineers with bachelor’s degrees often work as members of a design team, as technical support or in quality control, while those with advanced degrees often move directly into lead design or research positions.
What our alumni are designing for their employers:
- Full-scale biomedical devices
- Noise-cancellation technology for sound systems
- Parachutes used to drop combat supplies
- Simulation systems for auto manufacturers
- Components for naval vessels, aircraft engines, and wind turbines
Graduate Programs & Research Opportunities
Graduate students and faculty in Mechanical Engineering study and conduct research in a wide range of applied and basic areas in this fundamental engineering discipline, often working in interdisciplinary teams to address important engineering challenges. Graduate students join faculty weekly in a seminar series to network and learn from distinguished visitors. All students are assigned a faculty advisor who mentors them throughout their academic careers, and emerge ready for leadership in industry, government and academia. A few areas of research strength include:
- Acoustics and Vibrations
- Biomechanics and Biological Physics
- Computational Science and Engineering
- Dynamics, Robotics, Systems and Controls
- Thermofluid Sciences, Energy and Sustainability
- Materials
- MEMS and Nanosciences
Where Do Our Alumni Work?
- Con Edison
- General Electric
- Bose
- Raytheon
- Boeing
- Proctor & Gamble
Common alternatives to immediately taking a job in industry:
- Earning an advanced engineering degree
- Pursuing an MBA
- Joining the military
- Attending law or medical school
Why Study at BU?
Our Mechanical Engineering Department is a great size for fostering a real sense of community—and for getting personal attention from our distinguished faculty members. The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, and our graduate students enjoy working in research groups of just three to six people. We offer access to state-of-the-art study and research facilities, and our graduates have a high placement rate in lucrative jobs and competitive graduate programs.
Degrees Offered:
- Mechanical Engineering Minor
- BS/MS and Dual Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- PhD in Mechanical Engineering
- Graduate Certificate in Product Design
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Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Hands-on, active learning in hot engineering subdisciplines, including aerospace engineering, robotics, manufacturing engineering, and materials science.
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BS/MS and Dual Degree Options in Mechanical Engineering (ME)
Mechanical Engineering undergraduates can pursue a dual degree, a double major, or early entry to the Master of Engineering program.
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Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering (ME)
The Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering (ME) is a flexible program for students who desire advanced training in specific areas of mechanical engineering as a prelude to a career in either research or industry.
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Master’s Degree Internship Degree Option: Engineering with Practice
The Engineering Practice designation, when added to an MS or MEng degree, recognizes the power of combining rigorous academic coursework with supervised real-world research or industrial applications.
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PhD in MechE
Our Mechanical Engineering PhD candidates are leaders in research and education in academia and industry - they carry with them a strong network of peers that they built during their graduate studies here.
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Certificate in Product Design
Develop graduate-level expertise in engineering product design, development and production in a program that can be completed on-campus, or online through Distance Learning.
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Minor in Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Undergraduates can complement their degree with a minor in Mechanical Engineering, one of the largest and broadest engineering disciplines, encompassing the development of a broad range of systems from specialized equipment to everyday household items.
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New M.S. | Product Design & Manufacture
The Master of Science (MS) degree in Product Design and Manufacture is designed to train modern engineers to generate compelling new ideas—as well as the passion and leadership skills to translate those ideas into the practical design and mass production of innovative and cost-effective new products.