Mechanical Engineering colleges and programs are sprouting left and right all across the country. Are you passionate about the creative and technical aspects of product design? Are you a problem solver who never shies away from a challenge? Listed below are colleges with the best mechanical engineering degrees.
1. Stanford University
Stanford provides students with both theoretical and practical training in mechanical engineering. This multi-disciplinary program brings together concepts in biomedicine, computational engineering, design, energy, and more. Stanford is unsurprisingly ranked among the top five best universities in the world. Campus is marked by illustrious research projects and facilities. The Hasso Plattner Institute, the Stanford Research Institute, and the BioHub are just some of the research centers at Stanford.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
There are three ways to study mechanical engineering at MIT. The first is a structured program that trains you for a career directly in mechanical engineering. The second allows students to combine the program with another program in a complementary field. The third program is in mechanical and ocean engineering.
3. Brown University
Through Brown’s mechanical engineering program you will take classes on everything from magnetism to vibrations. This is therefore a highly interdisciplinary degree, but it provides a foundation in both mechanical and thermal systems. Brown University is ranked 14th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes, Washington Monthly, the National Science Foundation, Newsweek, and more also include Brown in their rankings for best schools in the U.S.
4. UC Berkeley
At Berkeley you have the unique opportunity to earn a five-year BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering degree. This is a great way to expedite your career. Berkeley also introduces students to societal problems involving transportation, energy, the environment and human health.
5. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s mechanical engineering degree blends development and professional STEM practice with engineering fundamentals. This is a highly creative degree that emphasizes design and hands-on learning. Georgia Tech is ranked among the top 10 best public schools in the nation. It is also designated as one having some of the highest research activities of any university.
6. Cornell University
At Cornell you will learn the design, analysis, testing, and manufacturing concepts of machinery and systems. You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of computer aided design as well as vibrations and control systems. Cornell has graduated (or hired) Marshall Scholars, Rhodes Scholars, Nobel laureates, Truman Scholars, and more.
7. Washington University in St Louis
WashU offers a BS in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science degree that emphasizes the core principles of force, materials, and motion. And at Washington you will work closely with faculty on research in a range of areas, from energy conservation to environmental control, instrumentation, and biomechanics.
8. University of Michigan
At the University of Michigan while you earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering degree you will also have the opportunity to study abroad, collaborate in exciting research projects, and participate in co-ops. The University of Michigan is an extremely active research institution. It is known for its sprawling medical centers and its STEM programs.
9. Stevens Institute of Technology
A Mechanical Engineering degree from Stevens will set you up for a career in diverse areas: biomedical, chemical, nanotechnology, and aerospace industries among them. And at SIT you will have access to advanced research labs and the renowned co-op program. SIT is a well-decorated school with a variety of recognitions and rankings to its name. It is among the top 100 best universities in the nation.
10. Northwestern University
Northwestern students collaborate closely with faculty members on cutting-edge research projects while earning their Mechanical Engineering degree. Northwestern also encourages students to intern with local and national organizations and to participate in one of the University’s engineering clubs, such as the Engineers for a Sustainable World.
11. Duke University
For those who want to earn their BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering simultaneously, Duke University offers a five-year completion program. It is similar to the traditional degree, but expedited and comprised of advanced classes. For those who want to earn only the BS, you may want to consider added specialization.
12. Lehigh University
Lehigh’s BS in Mechanical Engineering degree trains students to work in manufacturing, energy transport, and design of machinery. As a Lehigh student you will take an array of courses in math, physics, and across all the engineering sciences. Prepare yourself for plenty of hands-on work too, because Lehigh requires a lot of lab hours.
13. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
At Rensselaer you will undertake a rigorous curriculum that involves the latest technologies and trends. This BS in Mechanical Engineering degree integrates coursework with lab work and capstone projects. You’ll graduate with a deep understanding of product realization and how to solve global issues through innovative design.
14. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
WPI offers both a traditional BS in Mechanical Engineering degree and one that can be paired with a master’s degree. The latter can be earned in five or fewer years. Whichever route you take, the WPI program provides plenty of course flexibility for students to pursue their own passions and career goals.
15. Rice University
Rice provides two ways to study mechanical engineering, through the traditional BS program or through a BA, which is highly flexible and less technical. The latter is recommended for students who plan on advanced education in law or medicine. The traditional program is for those who want to find work as licensed professional engineers.
16. The University of Texas at Austin
Earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering degree from UT Austin means you will learn how to design mechanical components, systems, and processes. You will also become fluent in lab procedure, learning how to conduct and interpret experiments and present your findings. UT Austin is a Public Ivy and a member of the Association of American Universities. Its faculty have won Nobel Prizes, Turing Awards, National Medals of Science, and much more.
17. Purdue University
Purdue’s mechanical engineering program is a blend of technical training and leadership formation. You will not only hone your design and experimental skills, but you’ll also work on communication, teamwork, and professional responsibility. A member of the Big Ten Conference, Purdue is a flagship university. It has partnered in research with the National Science Foundation, NASA, and several federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, and Agriculture. U.S. News & World Report ranks Purdue 60th among all national universities.
18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
At UIUC when you earn a BS in Mechanical Engineering degree you start by building on a base of math, chemistry, and physics classes. Then you are introduced to engineering fundamentals that cover the gamut, from basic circuits to thermodynamics. UIUC is ranked among the top 50 universities in the world, by U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, Forbes, and much more. And it’s engineering school is among the top 5 best in the world.
19. Boston University
The BS in Mechanical Engineering degree at Boston University allows students to concentrate in one of five areas: aerospace, manufacturing, energy technology, technology innovation, or nanotechnology. Boston University is ranked among the top 50 best universities in the nation, and globally as well. Hundreds of Rhodes Scholars, Nobel laureates, Sloan fellows, and Pulitzer Prize winners have graduated from BU.
20. University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Madison mechanical engineering program is a technical-focused degree that introduces students to everything from biomedical device design to renewable power systems. UW Madison is a top-ranked university and a member of the prestigious Big Ten Academic Alliance. It is ranked 44th among all national universities by U.S. News & World Report in addition to being globally ranked by a number of other sources, including the Times Higher Education.
