Field of Study

The evolution of our technology into the 21st century has reinforced the importance of the broad technical and professional training of both the mechanical and the aerospace engineer. Each may make his or her professional contribution in many diverse industries, ranging from the automobile and aerospace industries to the manufacture of computers, biomedical devices, and the automation and control of systems. Regardless of the particular product involved, mechanical engineers rely upon knowledge of matter and energy conversions, motions, and forces obtained from computer simulations and experimental investigations of processes and systems. Mechanical engineers are able to design mechanisms, machines, and structures to serve a specific purpose, such as the manufacture of high-tech materials, including ceramics, composites and biomaterials, and high-tech equipment, including spacecraft, robots, and human implants. They also are trained to determine, both experimentally and theoretically, the heat, energy, and mechanical stress that occurs within engineering devices. Examples include internal combustion engines, electronic equipment, robots, solar energy systems, artificial organs, rocket engines, steam and gas turbines, and nuclear reactors. The curriculum in mechanical and aerospace engineering provides these skills and prepares students for graduate study and research.