Mechanical engineers apply hands-on physics to model, analyze, and design mechanical and energy systems such as automobiles, aircraft, ships, heating and cooling systems, prosthetics, robots, household appliances, or industrial equipment and machinery. In this major, you’ll learn to think critically and solve quandaries through multiple, extended hands-on projects.
The BS in Mechanical Engineering degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
- A minimum 131 credits are required for this major, including 45 upper-degree credits.
- All Engineering majors are required to participate in an engineering-related internship with industry or another career entity.
- 11 credits of technical electives are also included in this major.
- You can choose to minor in Appropriate & Sustainable Engineering with only minimal (or possibly no) additional credits.
Entering and completing the major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, so if you change your mind about a major or minor, or want to include an additional program, you are able to do so, as outlined below.
We encourage you to enter your engineering major as soon as you have decided on it, and then select a faculty advisor corresponding to your major to guide you in completing your degree. If you plan to pursue a minor or additional major, you should enter those programs by the start of your junior year and select a faculty advisor for each program.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you identified the Mechanical Engineering major as your first choice on your application for admission to the University, you have gained entry to the major.
- To change to or add a major or minor in this department, follow these instructions.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.