Available Fall 2027
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Major
The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in Mechanical Engineering provides students with a rigorous foundation in the analysis, design, testing, and development of mechanical and thermal systems. The program integrates engineering science, laboratory experimentation, computational analysis, and hands-on design experiences to prepare graduates for professional engineering practice, graduate study, and emerging technology fields.
Students develop core competencies in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, dynamics, controls, and engineering design while gaining experience with modern engineering tools including computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEA), data acquisition systems, and computational modeling software. A three-course Mechanical Engineering Studio sequence emphasizes experimentation, instrumentation, technical communication, data analysis, and validation of engineering models through integrated laboratory and project-based experiences.
What You'll Learn
You'll build core competencies in mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, manufacturing, dynamics, and controls, while learning to work fluently with industry-standard tools like CAD, finite element analysis, and data acquisition systems. Coursework moves from foundational engineering science into a three-course Mechanical Engineering Studio sequence, where you'll apply what you've learned through hands-on experimentation, instrumentation, and technical communication, culminating in a two-semester capstone design experience built around real-world engineering constraints.
Career Outlook
Mechanical engineering underpins critical sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, and sustainability, and graduates leave prepared to step directly into that range of industries. The curriculum is designed to satisfy ABET accreditation requirements and prepare students for the FE exam and eventual PE licensure, opening paths into mechanical system design, energy and thermal systems, manufacturing and automation, materials and product development, engineering consulting, or graduate and professional study.
Meet Our Faculty
Mechanical Engineering coursework is taught by faculty with deep experience in engineering practice and instruction, bringing hands-on expertise in design, systems thinking, and real-world applications directly into the classroom and studio sequence. Students work closely with a dedicated departmental advisor to build an individualized course plan that fits their interests within the program's requirements.
Curriculum Requirements
The major requires a foundation in math and science — Calculus I–III, Differential Equations, Chemistry I with lab, and General Physics I & II with labs — alongside core mechanical engineering coursework spanning statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, mechanics of materials, fluid mechanics, circuits, machine design, manufacturing processes, and heat transfer, plus a three-course Mechanical Engineering Studio sequence and a two-semester capstone design experience. Students round out the program with four engineering electives, at least two chosen from either the Thermal Systems or Mechanical Systems tracks, allowing further specialization in areas like advanced fluid mechanics, vibrations, advanced manufacturing, or materials selection.
Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree must earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in the Newcomb-Tulane College core curriculum, 120 credit hours in their degree and a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.000.
Research
Students have the opportunity to pursue advanced study through technical elective pathways in areas like thermal and fluid systems, advanced manufacturing and materials, dynamics and vibration, energy systems, controls and instrumentation, and computational engineering and simulation. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting coursework and project work to research areas relevant to aerospace, robotics, energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable technologies.
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FAQs
Mechanical engineering is the discipline focused on analyzing, designing, testing, and developing mechanical and thermal systems, drawing on mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and controls. It underpins critical sectors including energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, robotics, and sustainability.
Students who are interested in obtaining transfer credits should first obtain the transfer credit request form from their academic advisor. They should then attach a detailed course description and/or a syllabus to the form for departmental approval. Syllabi are preferred for most courses, and they are required for introductory physics courses (e.g. algebra-based or calculus-based Physics I and II).
The forms should be returned to April Sanchez in the Physics & Engineering Physics office in 2001 Percival Stern Hall. The office is open from 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, excluding all university holidays. Once forms are approved and signed by Dr. Jiang Wei, students will be contacted to retrieve their forms and return them to Academic Advising.
All forms must be submitted and receive approval prior to taking courses at another institution.
Special note for online coursework: A lecture course that was delivered online may be considered for transfer credit, but any laboratory component must be in-person to receive credit. For this purpose, a student may take the 1-credit lab section separately to complete the requirements for a laboratory science course that was taken elsewhere online.
1. The student fills out the Major/Minor declaration form (linked below) and contacts the appropriate faculty advisor to arrange a meeting:
- Physics major or minor: Prof. Wayne Reed
- Engineering Physics major (without a minor/certificate or if undecided about optional minor/certificate): Prof. Anoop Rajappan
- Engineering Physics major with Electrical Engineering minor or certificate: Prof. Ryan Gelfand
- Engineering Physics major with Mechanical Engineering minor or certificate: Prof. Matt Barrios
- Engineering Physics major with Materials Engineering minor or certificate: Prof. Doug Chrisey
- Engineering Physics major with Computational Engineering certificate: Prof. Jianwei Sun
Notes for filling out the form: The degree pursued is BS for a Physics major or BSE for the Engineering Physics major. Students declaring a certificate should enter "ENGP + ___ Certificate" in the "primary major" field.
2. After meeting the student, the faculty advisor signs the form and forwards to Prof. Jerry Shakov, Associate Chair, for his signature.
3. Prof. Shakov forwards the form to the student's NTC advisor or returns to the student (in those cases where additional signatures from another department are needed).