Skip to main content

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Contact Us
  • Give Today

Call to Action Menu

  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now
Enter the terms you wish to search for.
Search type:
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals
Penn State Harrisburg mark Home
Penn State Harrisburg mark Home
Penn State Harrisburg
Search

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Contact Us
  • Give Today

Call to Action Menu

  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now

Main navigation

  • This is Penn State
  • Academics
    • Associate in Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences
    • Associate in Science in Business Administration
    • Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
    • Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
    • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
    • Bachelor of Arts in Communications
    • Bachelor of Humanities in English
    • Bachelor of Science in Biology
    • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration
    • Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
    • Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences
    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
      • Assessment
      • Courses
      • Curriculum
      • Program Requirements for Admission
    • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Bachelor of Science in Project and Supply Chain Management
    • Bachelor of Science in Public Policy
    • Bachelor of Science in Science
    • Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis
    • Bachelor of Science in Structural Design and Construction Engineering Technology
    • Certificate Program in Homeland Security
    • Certificate Program in Long Term Care
    • Certificate Program in Non-Profit Administration
    • Certificate Program in Public Budgeting and Financial Management
    • Certificate Program in Public Sector Human Resource Management
    • Doctor of Philosophy in American Studies
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
    • Graduate Certificate in Accounting
    • Graduate Certificate in Folklore and Ethnography
    • Graduate Certificate in Heritage and Museum Practice
    • Graduate Certificate in Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Integrated B.A./M.A. Degree in American Studies
    • Integrated B.S. in Civil Engineering/M.Eng. in Environmental Engineering
    • Integrated B.S./M.S. Degree in Computer Science
    • Integrated B.S./M.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering
    • Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration
    • Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Arts in American Studies
    • Master of Arts in Communications
    • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
    • Master of Business Administration
    • Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
    • Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations
    • Master of Health Administration
    • Master of Professional Accounting
    • Master of Engineering Management
    • Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
    • Master of Public Administration
    • Master of Science in Computer Science
    • Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
    • Master of Science in Information Systems
    • Minor in American Studies
    • Minor in Business Administration
    • Minor in Communications
    • Minor in Computer Science
    • Minor in Criminal Justice
    • Minor in Homeland Security
    • Minor in Human Resources Management
    • Minor in Information Sciences and Technology / Accounting
    • Minor in Information Sciences and Technology / Finance
    • Minor in Information Sciences and Technology
    • Minor in International Business Administration
    • Minor in Mechatronics
    • Minor in Mechatronics Technology
    • Minor in Political Science
    • Minor in Women's Studies
    • Minor in Writing
    • Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences / Master of Business Administration
    • Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences / Master of Science in Information Systems
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Student Life
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals

Main navigation

  • This is Penn State
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
  • Research
  • Athletics
  • Student Life
  1. Home
  2. Academics

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

The goal of the Mechanical Engineering program is to provide students with the necessary training and education for them to become technical leaders for various industrial, commercial, consulting, and governmental organizations. Mechanical engineers apply the principles of force, motion, energy, and thermal fluids to design tools and processes needed for the human, material, and economic benefit of society. As such, the program is firmly based on the understanding and application of scientific and engineering principles. Technical communication in oral and written form is also emphasized.

Graduates are expected to demonstrate understanding of their social, cultural, and ethical responsibilities to a global society. Graduates learn and then demonstrate proper use of engineering materials and methods that are safe, environmentally considerate, aesthetically pleasing, and fiscally responsible. Potential work-related duties include development and construction of machines and mechanisms; development, instrumentation, and control of manufacturing processes and procedures; design of mechanical systems for heating and cooling; development of energy management procedures; and renewable energy alternatives.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineering is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering disciplines. Mechanical engineers research and create designs, develop tools and processes, and conduct tests for engines, machines, and other mechanical devices from Mega-scale to nano-scale. Engineers in this discipline apply the principles of the thermal and fluid sciences to power systems that include electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines. They also apply those principles to heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Mechanical engineers apply engineering mechanics principles to machine design, vibration, and strength of materials. Engineers in this field combine mechanics and scientific principles to biomedical product and diagnostic procedure development. Mechanical engineers apply automatic control and instrumentation technologies to robotic, material handling, and computer-numerical control systems. They provide engineering leadership to product and process design and manufacturing of various consumer and industrial items tools that other engineers need for their work. Mechanical engineers are becoming more involved in the incorporation of environmentally considerate principles and practices including green design, alternative energy development, and pollution prevention. Approximately 20 percent of Mechanical Engineering graduates work in non-engineering jobs such as management, administration, marketing, and sales.

Job Titles

Most graduates of baccalaureate Mechanical Engineering programs work for industrial businesses and corporations. Others secure positions with educational, governmental and nonprofit organizations and agencies. Some common job titles for entry-level graduates include: Acoustics Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Management Consultant, Design Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Engineer, Materials Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Power Engineer, Production Engineer, Reliability and Testing Engineer, Robotics Engineer, and Tool Engineer.

Job Outlook

Mechanical Engineering graduates should experience good employment potential. Opportunities are expected to grow to keep pace with the demand for technical products. Many of the job openings will result from employment growth and the need to replace retiring workers. According to the 2006 employment projections of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for Mechanical Engineers will grow at a rate of over 4 percent, or nearly 10,000 additional jobs through 2016.

Accreditation and Licensure

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

ME CA graduates who wish to continue their professional development will be prepared to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam (to be certified as an Engineer-in-Training), which is a prerequisite for taking the Professional Engineering exam. The current Pennsylvania licensing code requires applicants for the FE exam to be enrolled in a 4-year ABET-accredited B.S. program. The student can take the FE exam after completion of two years of the approved program. However, the state board does not grant certification of Engineer-in-Training until the individual graduates.

Student Organizations

All ME CA students are encouraged to join the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the premier worldwide professional organization of Mechanical Engineers and Technologists. This opportunity provides links to both students and professionals in the career of mechanical engineering. ME CA students are active in the ASME students club and the ASME Susquehanna chapter.

Selection of Major in Engineering or Engineering Technology

Excellent guidance for students, parents, friends, and others regarding the similarities and differences between engineering and engineering technology is provided at TryEngineering.org.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

  • Curriculum
  • Courses Overview
  • Program Requirements for Admission
  • Educational Objectives and Assessment
  • Enrollment and Graduation Statistics

See Also

  • Suggested Academic Plan
  • Brochure (PDF)
  • Request Information

Program Contacts

Administrative Support Assistant
Kelly M. Bell
[email protected]

Program Chair
Issam Abu-Mahfouz, Ph.D., P.E.

Associate Program Chair
Amit Banerjee, Ph.D.

W239, Olmsted

Apply now
Online Application
Talk with a Student
Connect
Transfer to Penn State Harrisburg

Mechanical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering Technology Programs

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering & Mechanical Engineering Technology Overview
Minor in Materials Science and Engineering
Minor in Mechatronics
Minor in Mechatronics Technology

ACCREDITATION

ABET Logo

Penn State Harrisburg

777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057
717-948-6000
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State campuses with Penn State Harrisburg highlighted

Secondary Menu

  • Hotline
  • Contact Us
  • Give Today

Call to Action Menu

  • Visit Us
  • Apply Now
A comprehensive college in southcentral Pennsylvania offering more than 75 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Information for:

Information Menu

  • Future Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni & Supporters
  • Current Students
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Workforce Professionals

Footer Menu

  • +This is Penn State
    • Administration
    • Vision, Mission and Values
    • Board of Advisors
    • Outreach and Economic Development Services
  • +Academics
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • Graduate Degrees
    • Academic Calendar
  • +Admission
    • Office of Admissions
    • Housing Options
    • Veterans
  • +Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Office of Student Aid
    • Bursar's Office
  • +Research
    • Office of Research and Outreach
    • Harrisburg LaunchBox
  • +Student Life
    • Office of Student Life
    • Student Affairs
    • Student Initiated Fee
  • +Community Safety & Health
    • University Police and Public Safety
    • PSUAlert
    • Weather Policy

Connect with Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • flickr
  • youtube
  • instagram
Penn State University
Penn State University

Footer Info Menu

  • Employment
  • Map
  • Hotlines
  • Calendar
  • Directory
  • Search
777 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057 | 717-948-6000

Footer Legal Menu

  • Privacy
  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Accessibility
  • Copyright
The Pennsylvania State University © 2021