Most schools can teach you basic engineering theory but BU offered me actual experience.
Graduate school wasn't originally in Jeff Norell's plans. But thanks to the hands-on experience he gained as a BU undergrad–and to his BU faculty advisor who urged Norell to consider graduate studies–today he's a master's student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), writing his thesis and working with a research team that's creating the next generation of atomic magnetometers (ultra-sensitive instruments for measuring magnetic fields).
Norell conducted research with two different faculty members during his time at BU, performing fluid dynamics simulations with Associate Professor Ray Nagem and designing a vacuum chamber for advanced materials research with Associate Professor Michael Gevelber. He was also co-president of the BU Baja Team—a small team of engineering students who designed and built an off-road vehicle to race in a nation-wide competition.
"Most schools can teach you basic engineering theory," says Norell, "but BU offered me actual experience applying that theory—and that was huge."
Mechanical Engineering
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What Is 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.
What Does BU Offer?
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a Range of Options for Concentrations and Minors
- Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Doctor or Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Visit the Department of Mechanical Engineering website for more information.
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