- Brookings Main Campus
The mechanics of the real world.
As the broadest field of engineering, mechanical engineering plays an important role in nearly every industry, from aerospace and automotive, to energy and manufacturing, to robotics and biotechnology. Mechanical engineers design devices and systems to efficiently employ the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of society. Mechanical engineering is an applied science profession based on mathematics, physics and chemistry. Proficiency in application of the sciences is gained through a combination of study and practice. Mechanical engineers have a remarkable range of career options from which to choose. Work is found in design and development of a wide range of machines and systems, in manufacturing and automation, in energy and power production and in various related fields of research, management or business.
Number of Students
Undergraduate
M.S.
Ph.D.
B.S. Graduates in 2021-2022
(the largest number in the department’s history)
Student/Faculty Ratio
Scholarships Awarded Annually
Scholarships
Awarded
Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Are naturally curious about how things work.
- Enjoy math and science.
- Like to tinker and build things.
- Are a creative problem solver.
- Want broad career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
- Mechanical engineer
- Design engineer
- Test engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Product engineer
Recent Employers
- 3M
- Bobcat
- RFA Engineering
- Boston Scientific
- Collins Aerospace
- Daktronics
Internship Opportunities
- Daktronics
- TSP, Inc.
- Poet Biorefinery
- Honeywell Aerospace
- Link Mfg.
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Minors
Suggested Accelerated Programs
Clubs and Organizations
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
- American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering Honor Society)
- ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Robotics Club
- Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .