What You Need to Know About Becoming a Mechanical Engineering Major

A mechanical engineering major studies movement, from the movement of particles to that of large machinery and the human body. By examining, creating and testing devices and other systems, students can learn to solve complex technological problems. Mechanical engineering is a broad area of study, and students can use their skills in a variety of fields, including energy, defense and security, robotics, health care, space exploration, and transportation.

What Is a Mechanical Engineering Major?

Mechanical engineering majors learn about motion and energy, and they study fluid, solid and thermal mechanics. They spend time in labs, where they develop problem-solving skills and evaluate and design products. These products can range from prosthetics to machine parts and car engines. After having gained both general and specialized knowledge, graduates in this field can work as entry-level mechanical engineers or pursue further education.

Mechanical engineering major vs. civil engineering major: What’s the difference?

The study of mechanical engineering differs from civil engineering, as it deals with the design and manufacturing of mechanical systems like those in machines and robots. Civil engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of structures like buildings, roads and tunnels. Civil engineers are involved in infrastructure projects for the creation of ports, waterways, highways, underground drainage systems and ecological restoration, for example.

While mechanical and civil engineering majors both develop their analytical skills and mathematics and physics knowledge, mechanical engineering coursework emphasizes computer-aided design software and critical thinking skills, while civil engineering coursework emphasizes project management and problem-solving skills as well as geology.

Common Coursework Mechanical Engineering Majors Can Expect

Coursework for mechanical engineering majors begins with foundational classes in math, physics and chemistry. Students also take mechanical engineering courses covering topics such as thermodynamics, fluid and solid mechanics, environmental science, and mechatronics. Advanced coursework may involve learning about systems and controls, energy science and technology, propulsion, design and manufacturing, heat transfer, and computational simulation.

Programs may vary, but mechanical engineering majors may be able to choose a concentration, such as automation and robotics, manufacturing, mechanics of materials, nuclear engineering, automotive engineering, or micro and nanoengineering.

Students may need to complete a senior thesis or capstone project, and many programs encourage majors to participate in research. For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree, some schools offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

How to Know if This Major Is the Right Fit for You

Mechanical engineering majors must be analytical and logical thinkers as well as resourceful and imaginative. They should enjoy working with data and using creativity and innovation to solve problems. These students should be leaders who can collaborate with others and communicate well. Mechanical engineers also need to be sensitive to the ethical, environmental, global, economic and societal impacts of their work.

What Can I Do With a Mechanical Engineering Major?

Mechanical engineering graduates have a range of potential career paths. These opportunities may be in the automotive, aerospace, computer and consumer product industries. Other possible industries include power production, robotics and automation, agriculture, mining, energy, and construction.

Graduates may choose to go into bioengineering, biomechanics, product design or manufacturing, or they can work with hydraulics, machine tools or instrumentation. Those interested in mechanical engineering jobs in nanotechnology – studying and developing microscopic materials and devices – can pair their foundational science knowledge with their design and fabrication capabilities. They can also work in consulting or management.

To be employed in different engineering sectors including industrial, nuclear, sales, aerospace, and biomedical and bioengineering, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Engineering graduates with a broad mechanical background are qualified to enter many of these fields straight out of their undergraduate studies, but they may need formal training in a specific area, like industrial engineering, once landing the job.

Most entry-level engineers do not need to be licensed, but those in leadership positions can acquire a Professional Engineering (PE) license from the National Society for Professional Engineers. A credential as a professional engineer gives you the ability to sign off on projects, oversee other engineers, submit plans and drawings to a public authority, and work directly with clients. Some employers, like government agencies, may require applicants to be licensed professional engineers. States may also require those who teach engineering to hold a PE license.

Those who want to advance in the profession into supervisory or management roles, earn a higher salary and see a more positive job outlook can seek a master’s degree related to mechanical engineering or another subject, such as business, law, finance or medicine. Engineers who want to focus on aspects of creating a product, such as cost reduction or quality improvement, may find it beneficial to gain additional knowledge in business administration. Some professionals may earn graduate degrees to stay on top of emerging technologies, broaden their knowledge and enhance their project management skills. Mechanical engineers who want to teach should earn a Ph.D.

Data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What Mechanical Engineering Majors Say

"My advice to potential Mechanical Engineering majors is to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of this discipline. Mechanical Engineering encompasses multiple aspects, from physics, to materials science, to computer-aided design, in-turn offering a diverse range of opportunities for exploration and specialization. You will find mechanical graduates in a multitude of fields which complements the utility of the degree and the freedom to apply your knowledge in any way you see fit. The most sought-after and important skill is the ability to analyze, conceive, and finally develop solutions. Therefore, cultivating strong problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation will be essential for success. I highly encourage any inquisitive or aspiring students to embark on a journey of exploration and inquiry of their environment, starting from understanding the intricacies of architectural structures to unraveling the complexities of engines."

– Michael Blackmon, senior at Lamar University, class of 2024

"As a senior physics and mechanical engineering student at the University of Wisconsin Stout I was able to learn core concepts about the principles of engineering, but I was also able to apply those skills in many of the in-depth and hands on lab classes that allowed me to understand how these concepts apply to the real world. Those courses, in partnership with my internship experience gave me the real-world experience I needed to be successful. My advice to anyone thinking about mechanical engineering, or any engineering really, would be to make sure you not only understand the core concepts of engineering but also apply them in any way possible whether it’s through lab courses, internships and co-ops or even just messing around with everyday items. Having that real world understanding and experience is what will get you ahead in this field more than anything else."

– Conrad Klem, senior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, class of 2024

"A mechanical engineering degree offers insights into the world we live in, from the thermodynamic principles involved in the refrigerator you take for granted to the fluid dynamics that have allowed humans to fly for the past century. The best part of the degree, however, is not learning the concepts but applying them. My favorite classes during my studies have been the project-based courses where I am designing 3D models, building them, and problem-solving until they work. There is nothing better than the feeling of accomplishment when the prototype you have put so much effort into is successful. Engineering is involved in everything, and I’m grateful to have worked internships that span from designing jet engines to building a sustainable denim-dyeing machine. Engineers truly have the opportunity to change the world in every facet of life. Mechanical engineering is for curious people. If you’re constantly wondering how the things around you are made and how they work, then it might be for you. A mechanical engineering degree definitely requires a lot of dedication and effort, but it is also rewarding and exciting."

– Rachel Gardiner, senior at Boston University, class of 2024

"Mechanical Engineering is all about learning what makes the universe work and how you can make it work for you. With an understanding of the workings of the world around us, we can do truly incredible things. I’ve loved my experience as a mechanical engineering student because I have the opportunity to learn about the groundbreaking discoveries that people before me have made and I can take those ideas to make the world a better place. I would advise anyone looking to study mechanical engineering to be ready to fail, learn, and try again. Engineering is a tough field to study, and you can’t expect to get it all right on the first try. The engineering process is all about learning to fail and learning from those failures in order to succeed, so be comfortable with messing up and trying again!"

– Stefan James, sophomore at Baylor University, class of 2026

Schools Offering a Mechanical Engineering Major

Check out some schools below that offer engineering majors and find the full list of schools here that you can filter and sort.