At the heart of any technical society, mechanical engineers are responsible for the creation of almost every conceivable type of machine or energy system used for transportation, recreation, and the production of goods. Automated manufacturing systems, nuclear power plants, robots, solar energy systems, jet engines, high-speed trains, artificial hearts, and lightweight skis are just some examples of creative products developed by mechanical engineers.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, and a Ph.D. Degree in Mechanical and Systems Engineering. Graduates go on to work in many fields, including design, project management, research, technical consulting, sales, engineering, test engineering, development, administration, and engineering education.  Mechanical engineering undergraduate students are eligible to participate in a 4-1 option that makes it possible to earn a mechanical engineering bachelor's degree and a biomedical engineering master's degree in five years.