Program Overview

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Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree

Overview

The Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at RIT combines cutting-edge technology with hands-on experience to launch your career. With a focus on four dynamic options - aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, and energy and the environment - you'll gain specialized study in a particular area of mechanical engineering.

Why Pursue a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degree at RIT?

• Four Dynamic Options: Choose from aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, or energy and the environment.
• Hands-On Experience: Four required blocks of co-op mean nearly a year of full-time paid work experience in industry.
• Top Employers: Companies hiring our students for co-ops include General Electric, L3Harris, Liberty Pumps, Lockheed Martin, NASA, SpaceX, Tesla, and Toyota, to name a few.
• Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Available: Earn both your bachelor’s and your master’s in less time and with a cost savings, giving you a competitive advantage in your field.
• STEM-OPT Visa Eligible: The STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows full-time, on-campus international students on an F-1 student visa to stay and work in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation.

What is Mechanical Engineering?

Mechanical engineers have played a role in the innovations that define modern life. RIT’s mechanical engineering bachelor's degree provides you with a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. You may also choose to expand your studies with professional electives focusing on aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, energy and the environment, bioengineering, or manufacturing and design.

Mechanical Engineering Courses

The bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering provides a broad academic base complemented by hands-on laboratory activities and cooperative education experience. You will devote your first two years to the study of mathematics, physical sciences, liberal arts, and engineering sciences, while the third and fourth years emphasize engineering science, design, and systems.

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree Options

Students pursuing a mechanical engineering degree may select an option in aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, bioengineering, or energy and environment. These options enable you to gain specialized study in a particular area of mechanical engineering.

• Aerospace Engineering: The aerospace engineering option allows for specialized study in all engineering aspects of air- and space-borne vehicles.
• Automotive Engineering: In the automotive engineering option, you are immersed in modern automotive engineering, including the design of engines and automotive components such as braking, powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, lighting systems, transmission, and fuel economy.
• Bioengineering: In the bioengineering option, you explore the application of engineering fundamentals to the principles of biology, the life sciences, and the physical sciences.
• Energy and Environment: The energy and environment option is focused on the contemporary issues facing the fields of energy and the environment and how you can best develop modern technologies that are kinder to the environment while providing the energy resources we need.

High-Performance Teams and Professional Organizations

Many of mechanical engineering students participate in high-octane performance teams, including the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, the RIT Baja SAE Team, RIT SAE Clean Snowmobile Team, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Engineering vs. Engineering Technology

Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?

While there are subtle differences in the coursework between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.

Furthering Your Career in Mechanical Engineering

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees: Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

• Mechanical Engineering BS/Mechanical Engineering ME: In this combined accelerated mechanical engineering BS/ME, put energy and machines to work–from rockets, robots, and airplanes to automobiles, satellites, and renewable energy systems. In the BS degree, you’ll study math, science, physics, engineering science, and engineering systems. The MS degree augments your undergraduate studies by giving you the opportunity to apply mechanical engineering principles and theories to enhance your skills through formal education, training, and independent inquiry. Your degree will culminate with a project-based paper or a graduate internship experience.
• Mechanical Engineering BS/Mechanical Engineering MS: In this combined accelerated mechanical engineering BS/ME, put energy and machines to work–from rockets, robots, and airplanes to automobiles, satellites, and renewable energy systems. In the BS degree, you’ll study math, science, physics, engineering science, and engineering systems. The MS degree augments your undergraduate studies by giving you the opportunity to apply mechanical engineering principles and theories to enhance your skills through formal education, training, and independent inquiry. Your degree will culminate with a research-based thesis.
• Mechanical Engineering BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: This accelerated, dual degree pathway enables you to earn a BS mechanical engineering and an MS degree in science, technology and public policy. As a result, you will build a foundation in mechanical engineering and develop an expertise in policy analysis and management. This cross-disciplinary approach fosters collaborative problem-solving, critical and analytical thinking, and communication, equipping you to drive progress in policy areas such as energy, manufacturing standards, workplace safety, environmental sustainability, intellectual property protection, and more.

Careers and Cooperative Education

Typical Job Titles

• Mechanical Engineer
• Product Development Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• Controls Engineer
• Applications Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Project Manager
• Systems Engineer

Industries

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Defense
• Manufacturing
• Oil and Gas
• Research
• Transportation and Logistics
• Utilities and Renewable Energy

Curriculum

Mechanical Engineering, BS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
  • MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
  • MECE-102: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory
  • MECE-103: Statics
  • MECE-104: Engineering Design Tools
  • MECE-117: Introduction to Programming for Engineers
  • YOPS-010: RIT 365: RIT Connections
  • General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
  • General Education – Artistic Perspective
  • General Education – Ethical Perspective
  • General Education – Elective
• Second Year
  • EGEN-099: Engineering Co-op Preparation
  • MATH-219: Multivariable Calculus (General Education)
  • MATH-231: Differential Equations (General Education)
  • MECE-110: Thermodynamics I
  • MECE-203: Strength of Materials I
  • MECE-204: Strength of Materials I Laboratory
  • MECE-205: Dynamics
  • MECE-210: Fluid Mechanics I
  • MECE-211: Engineering Measurements Lab (WI-PR)
  • General Education – Global Perspective
  • General Education – Social Perspective
  • General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
  • General Education – Immersion 1
• Third Year
  • EEEE-281: Circuits I
  • MATH-326: Boundary Value Problems (General Education)
  • MECE-305: Materials Science with Applications
  • MECE-306: Materials Science with Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-320: System Dynamics
  • MECE-499: Co-op (fall and summer)
  • PHYS-212: University Physics II (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • General Education – Immersion 1
• Fourth Year
  • MATH-241: Linear Algebra (General Education)
  • MECE-301: Engineering Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-310: Heat Transfer I
  • MECE-348: Contemporary Issues
  • MECE-499: Co-op (summer)
  • MECE-707: Engineering Analysis
  • MECE-795: Graduate Seminar (fall and spring)
  • STAT-205: Applied Statistics (General Education)
  • ME Extended Core Elective
  • ME Approved Science Elective (General Education)
  • Open Elective
  • Graduate Electives
• Fifth Year
  • MECE-497: Multidisciplinary Senior Design I
  • MECE-498: Multidisciplinary Senior Design II (WI-PR)
  • MECE-709: Advanced Engineering Mathematics
  • MECE-790: Thesis
  • General Education – Immersion 2, 3
  • Graduate Electives
  • Open Elective

Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees

Mechanical Engineering, BS/MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
  • MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
  • MECE-102: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory
  • MECE-103: Statics
  • MECE-104: Engineering Design Tools
  • MECE-117: Introduction to Programming for Engineers
  • YOPS-010: RIT 365: RIT Connections
  • General Education – First-Year Writing (WI)
  • General Education – Elective
  • General Education – Artistic Perspective
  • General Education – Ethical Perspective
• Second Year
  • EGEN-099: Engineering Co-op Preparation
  • MATH-219: Multivariable Calculus (General Education)
  • MATH-231: Differential Equations (General Education)
  • MECE-110: Thermodynamics I
  • MECE-203: Strength of Materials I
  • MECE-204: Strength of Materials I Laboratory
  • MECE-205: Dynamics
  • MECE-210: Fluid Mechanics I
  • MECE-211: Engineering Measurements Lab (WI-PR)
  • General Education – Global Perspective
  • General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
  • General Education – Social Perspective
  • General Education – Immersion 1
• Third Year
  • EEEE-281: Circuits I
  • MATH-326: Boundary Value Problems (General Education)
  • MECE-305: Materials Science with Applications
  • MECE-306: Materials Science with Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-320: System Dynamics
  • MECE-499: Co-op (fall and summer)
  • PHYS-212: University Physics II (General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • General Education – Immersion 1
• Fourth Year
  • MATH-241: Linear Algebra (General Education)
  • MECE-301: Engineering Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-310: Heat Transfer I
  • MECE-348: Contemporary Issues
  • MECE-499: Co-op (summer)
  • MECE-707: Engineering Analysis
  • MECE-730: Design Project Leadership
  • MECE-795: Graduate Seminar (fall and spring)
  • STAT-205: Applied Statistics (General Education)
  • ME Approved Science Elective (General Education)
  • ME Extended Core Elective
  • Open Elective
  • Graduate Electives
• Fifth Year
  • MECE-497: Multidisciplinary Sr. Design I
  • MECE-498: Multidisciplinary Sr. Design II (WI-PR)
  • MECE-709: Advanced Engineering Mathematics
  • General Education – Immersion 2, 3
  • Open Elective
  • Graduate Electives

Mechanical Engineering, BS degree/Science, Technology and Public Policy, MS degree, typical course sequence

• First Year
  • MATH-181: Calculus I (General Education – Mathematical Perspective A)
  • MATH-182: Calculus II (General Education – Mathematical Perspective B)
  • MECE-102: Engineering Mechanics Laboratory
  • MECE-103: Statics
  • MECE-104: Engineering Design Tools
  • MECE-117: Introduction to Programming for Engineers
  • YOPS-010: RIT 365: RIT Connections
  • General Education – First Year Writing (WI)
  • General Education – Ethical Perspective
  • General Education – Artistic Perspective
  • General Education – Elective
• Second Year
  • EEEE-281: Circuits I
  • EGEN-099: Engineering Co-op Preparation
  • MATH-219: Multivariable Calculus (General Education)
  • MATH-231: Differential Equations (General Education)
  • MECE-110: Thermodynamics I
  • MECE-203: Strength of Materials I
  • MECE-204: Strength of Materials I Laboratory
  • MECE-205: Dynamics
  • MECE-210: Fluid Mechanics I
  • MECE-211: Engineering Measurements Lab (WI-PR)
  • MECE-499: Co-op (summer)
  • General Education – Global Perspective
  • General Education – Social Perspective
  • General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective
• Third Year
  • MECE-305: Materials Science with Applications
  • MECE-306: Materials Science and Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-320: System Dynamics
  • MATH-326: Boundary Value Problems (General Education)
  • MECE-499: Co-op (fall, summer)
  • PHYS-212: University Physics II (General Education - Natural Science Inquiry Perspective)
  • General Education - Immersion 1
• Fourth Year
  • MATH-241: Linear Algebra (General Education)
  • MECE-301: Engineering Applications Laboratory
  • MECE-310: Heat Transfer I
  • MECE-348: Contemporary Issues
  • MECE-499: Co-op (summer)
  • PUBL-701: Graduate Policy Analysis
  • PUBL-702: Graduate Decision Analysis
  • STAT-205: Applied Statistics (General Education)
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PUBL-610: Technological Innovation and Public Policy
    • STSO-710: Graduate Science and Technology Policy Seminar
  • ME Extended Core Elective
  • ME Approved Science Elective (General Education)
  • General Education - Immersion 2
  • Open Elective
• Fifth Year
  • MECE-497: Multidisciplinary Sr. Design I
  • MECE-498: Multidisciplinary Sr. Design II
  • PUBL-700: Readings in Public Policy
  • PUBL-703: Evaluation and Research Design
  • Open Elective
  • Applied Elective/Public Policy Electives
  • Open Elective/Public Policy Elective
  • General Education - Immersion 3
  • Choose one of the following:
    • PUBL-785: Capstone Experience
    • PUBL-790: Public Policy Thesis
    • PUBL-798: Comprehensive Exam plus two (2) Graduate Electives

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is STEM designated when studying on campus and full time.

First-Year Admission

First-year applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic background that includes:

• 4 years of English
• 3 years of social studies and/or history
• 4 years of math is required and must include algebra, geometry, algebra 2/trigonometry, and pre-calculus. Calculus is preferred.
• 2-3 years of science. Chemistry and physics are required.

Transfer Admission

Transfer applicants should meet these minimum degree-specific requirements:

• A minimum of pre-calculus is required. Calculus is preferred.
• Chemistry or physics is required.

Accreditation

The BS in mechanical engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Faculty

• Risa Robinson: Gleason Professor
• Margaret Bailey: Professor
• Erin Cresswell: Visiting Lecturer

Research

The faculty and students in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering are engaging in numerous areas of research, which takes place across all of our engineering disciplines and often involves other colleges at RIT, local health care institutions, and major industry partners. Explore the college's key research initiatives to learn more about our research in:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems
• Biomedical and Healthcare Engineering
• Cyber-physical Systems
• Data Analysis, Modeling and Simulations
• Energy and the Environment
• Micro/Nanoscale Systems, Devices, and Materials

Facilities

• Machine Shop
• Gleason Gear Lab
• Knorr-Bremse Mechatronics Laboratory