MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mechanical engineering is the study of the principles of engineering and mechanical power and how these principles can be used to solve problems.  Applications appear in such industries as the automobile, electric power, heating and cooling, and industrial equipment fields and involve the design, building, testing, and operation of equipment.

Students interested in mechanical engineering should be analytical, mechanical, and practical as well as demonstrate success in mathematics, science, and computers.  In addition to a normal college preparatory program, helpful high school courses include pre-calculus, calculus, biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

Most mechanical engineering programs require supplementary general education (English, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, humanities, etc.).  Typical mechanical engineering courses include engineering mechanics I, II, fluid mechanics, waves and modern physics, energy and thermodynamics, machine design, and energy conversion.

Job placement requirements vary depending on the area of specialization.  However, trends are moving toward forcing mechanical engineers to obtain ongoing training to keep pace with changing technology.

