Mechanical Engineering

Why major in Mechanical Engineering?

The mechanical engineering profession centers on creating technologies and solutions to various problems in energy, transportation, health care, space exploration, climate change, and more! The fingerprints of mechanical engineers are virtually on every product, device, and service we rely on every day. This is one of the most flexible STEM degrees and allows for a rewarding and important career. In addition to working at major companies, Mechanical Engineering graduates also have the chance to pursue graduate degrees in the field.

What Will You Learn?

At SRU, Mechanical Engineering majors are trained in problem-solving skills, mathematics, creative design, leadership skills, and communication skills (both verbal and written.) A capstone design course in the senior year integrates all aspects of learning in team-based design projects. Our small class sizes provide a truly hands-on experience for Mechanical Engineering students. There are a variety of courses to choose from including Machine Design, Mechatronics, Manufacturing Processes, and Sustainable Energy.

The Mechanical Engineering program at SRU has three focused areas of mechanical engineering-mechanical design, manufacturing, and mechatronics. The curriculum provides students with fundamental knowledge in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, and thermal sciences. The program also provides students with high-quality training through project-based learning, hands-on assignments, experiments, design projects, and internships. The balanced approach between theory and firsthand participation prepares students to succeed as practicing engineers in the dynamic workforce.

Careers In Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are versatile and work in many industries with an abundance of job opportunities. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the jobs for civil engineers will increase by 9% in the next 10 years, indicating strong continued demand for mechanical engineering students. The 2017 median salary for mechanical engineers was $85,880 and the median entry-level salary was $64,685.

The demand for mechanical engineers in Western PA is strong due to the large industrial base and the growing number of high-tech companies in the Pittsburgh area. Mechanical engineers are typically employed in private sectors including manufacturing, the automotive industry, the power and energy industry, HVAC, medical and electronic sectors, and design and consulting firms. Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields.

Program Educational Objectives

Within three to five years of graduation, alumni of the Mechanical Engineering program at Slippery Rock University are expected to:

• Excel in the practice of mechanical engineering in the service of private industries, governmental organizations, or public entities.
• Further develop technical knowledge, critical thinking, teamwork, lifelong learning, and leadership.
• Actively demonstrate professional, ethical, and social responsibility in their engineering careers.
• Effectively communicate complex engineering concepts and solutions to diverse stakeholders

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes (SOs) of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering includes:

1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Total Enrollment and Graduation Data

Earn your Mechanical Engineering degree at Slippery Rock!

Slippery Rock University's Mechanical Engineering major helps students become the next generation of designers, builders, and manufacturers of modern machines and systems. Interested in learning more about the program? Request more information today!