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Mechanical Engineering
Major
Mechanical engineering degree
Imagine designing the next generation of electric cars working on aircraft that could fly faster than ever. With a mechanical engineering degree you’ll prepare for a career full of designing, installing, building and testing cutting-edge technology and mechanical systems. Mechanical engineers are essential across industries—from designing spacecraft to creating machines for products like cars and smartphones.
What degree do I need to become a mechanical engineer?
Mechanical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree to enter the field. About 181,000 mechanical engineering job openings are expected between 2024 and 2034. This is a growth rate deemed "much faster than average" by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With our mechanical engineering major, you'll graduate with the skills, experience and résumé you need to launch your career in an expanding industry. And, you’ll even find our engineering programs in the Best Undergraduate Engineering Program Rankings report by U.S. News and World Report.
AT A GLANCE
Degree Type
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (B.S.M.E.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
72 Credit Hours
What will I learn with a mechanical engineering degree?
Get both theoretical and practical experience in our ABET accredited mechanical engineering program.
You’ll learn how to conduct experiments, apply your advanced math knowledge and gain the skills needed to take any project from idea to reality. In our mechanical engineering program, you can dive deeper into areas like machine design, advanced materials and thermodynamics.
Outside the classroom, you'll have many opportunities to collaborate with faculty and fellow students on projects you're passionate about.
Past graduates have:
- Supported ecosystem preservation by creating bee “hotels.”
- Built environmental control systems to keep supplies fresh in space.
- Championed alternative energy sources by designing data-capturing systems.
- Created time-saving systems for combat vehicle production.
“All of the senior design groups were thrown into something we hadn't seen before, but our education gave us the toolbox to know where to go to figure things out.”
Abby Olin, Mechanical Engineering, 2026
Our Mechanical Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Information about Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes associated with the Mechanical Engineering Program may be found here.
Mechanical engineering program highlights
As a mechanical engineering major earning their BSME, you'll be a part of:
- Hands-on projects: You’ll complete lab projects using tech from globally-recognized companies, like FANUC, in undergraduate courses like Robotics and Automation.
- Think outside the box: Explore what you can do at CMU, like working with fellow students to 3D print product prototypes or working with faculty on research areas like robotics, biomechanics, smart system automation and much more.
- Build and race: Build race cars with CMU's Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Team and participate in our traditional cardboard boat race for homecoming!
- Stand out: Apply for mechanical engineering scholarships sponsored by industry leaders like the American Mitsuba Corporation and The Christman Company.
Save time and money on your master’s
Earn credits toward your master’s degree while finishing your bachelor’s, saving time AND money while you do it. The mechanical engineering major pairs well with the accelerated master's in engineering and the accelerated Master of Science in Administration.
View all accelerated master's programs
Mechanical engineering salary
Our mechanical engineering graduates work in a number of exciting industries — architecture, aerospace, automotive, medicine, manufacturing and many more. With a CMU mechanical engineering degree, you can pursue designing, testing or systems maintenance across many fields. There are many opportunities, like our own master's degree in engineering, that can take you to the next level of expertise.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 |
Supporting soldiers with a senior capstone
Engineering students joined forces for their senior capstone and designed a component that slashed the time it takes to build transmissions for combat vehicles.
Read about their partnership with Detroit-based SAPA Transmission.
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