Undergraduate Majors and Tracks

You’ve got options! We have a variety of academic options to propel you forward to a variety of engineering and science careers.

Undergraduate Majors

As one of this nation’s premier universities, Johns Hopkins provides outstanding students with an exceptional education through instruction by world-class faculty and access to cutting-edge research.

Personal one-on-one advising allows our students to develop close relationships with our faculty. Our students join other outstanding, motivated, and professionally oriented colleagues with whom they study and work.

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Johns Hopkins offers two majors:

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

This program is ideal for students seeking careers in industry as well as further study in graduate school.

This major emphasizes professional preparation as a mechanical engineer with a substantial core of required engineering courses and a variety of technical and engineering elective courses, as well as the opportunity to participate in a number of engineering extracurricular clubs.

Graduates of this degree will usually…

• …launch careers in mechanical engineering, entrepreneurship, robotics, engineering management, finance, research and development, academia, and design.
• …pursue a graduate degree in mechanical engineering or related science and engineering fields.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering Mechanics

With more technical and engineering elective options while retaining the most fundamental of the required core engineering courses and engineering extracurricular club options, this program is particularly suited for students interested in exploring other disciplines with the possibility of earning a minor or double-major.

It offers greater flexibility for students who wish to target specific disciplines while learning a base of Mechanical Engineering skills.

Graduates of this degree will usually…

• …attend professional school or graduate study in various science and engineering fields.
• …launch careers in engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, research and development, and design.

Both majors have a strong emphasis on the fundamental principles of mechanical engineering, which will serve students well throughout their careers. Each curriculum exposes students to hands-on experience through laboratory work and design projects.

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Undergraduate Tracks

Students do not have to declare a track but simply just take courses that will qualify.

The “tracks” referred to in the Engineering 101 booklet for freshmen refer to both the aerospace and biomechanics tracks as well as a variety of other specialized areas that do not have a formalized recognition process.

Upon completion of the Aerospace or Biomechanics track, the department will send a letter of congratulations of this achievement.

The department recently received clarification from the Whiting School of Engineering that with Maryland Higher Education Commission requirements, we can no longer list track achievements in transcript notes. We are happy to provide a letter describing the track and how a student achieved it to another institution, potential employer, or other entity.

Aerospace

A student may specialize in Aerospace Engineering once a solid background in the fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering has been developed through the core Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Mechanics courses. This Track develops and requires knowledge and background in several fields including advanced dynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, aerospace materials and structures, signal processing, control systems, astrophysics and space systems.

Requirements

Students pursuing the Aerospace Engineering Track are required to take at least five eligible courses, which count toward the requirements of the Mechanical Engineering electives and the Technical Electives in the general Mechanical Engineering program. A sixth course though not required is highly recommended.

Eligible Courses

These courses count toward the track, listed in anticipated order of their next offerings. It is the department’s goal to offer enough courses in any rolling two-year period to allow students to achieve the track. Note, course offering semesters may vary due to instructor sabbaticals, curriculum changes, and unusual or unforeseen circumstances.

SPRING 2021 (confirmed) and SPRING 2023 (anticipated)

• EN.530.425 Mechanics of Flight
• EN.530.427 or EN.530.627 Intermediate Fluids
• EN.530.438 or EN.530.638 Aerospace Materials
• EN.530.470 Space Vehicle Dynamics and Control

FALL 2021 (confirmed) and FALL 2023 (anticipated)

• EN.530.418 or EN.530.619 Aerospace Structures (formerly Aerospace Structures and Materials)
• EN.530.424 or EN.530.624 Dynamics of Robots and Spacecraft
• EN.530.483 or EN.530.683 Applied Computational Modeling in Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer
• AS.171.321 Introduction to Space Science and Technology

SPRING 2022 and SPRING 2024 (anticipated)

• EN.530.432 Jet and Rocket Propulsion
• EN.530.427 or EN.530.627 Intermediate Fluid Mechanics

FALL 2022 and FALL 2024 (anticipated)

• EN.530.424 or EN.530.624 Dynamics of Robots and Spacecraft
• EN.530.483 or EN.530.683 Applied Computational Modeling in Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer
• AS.171.321 Introduction to Space Science and Technology
• AS.270.318 Remote Sensing of the Environment

Aerospace Faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department

• Kevin Hemker
• Joseph Katz
• Charles Meneveau
• Rajat Mittal

Biomechanics

A student may specialize in Biomechanics once a solid background in the fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering has been developed through the basic Mechanical Engineering courses. The essence of mechanics is the interplay between forces and motion. In biology, mechanics is important at the macroscopic, cellular, and subcellular levels.

At the macroscopic length scale biomechanics of both soft and hard tissues plays an important role in computer-integrated surgical systems and technologies, e.g., medical robotics. At the cellular level, issues such as cell motility and chemotaxis can be modeled as mechanical phenomena. At the subcellular level, conformational transitions in biological macromolecules can be modeled using molecular dynamics simulation, which is nothing more than computational Newtonian mechanics; statistical mechanics, or using coarse-grained techniques that rely on principles from the mechanics of materials.

In addition, much of structural biology can be viewed from the perspective of Kinematics, e.g., finding spatial relationships in data from the Protein Data Bank.

Each student who pursues the Biomechanics track will, in consultation with his or her academic advisor, choose the set of Technical and Mechanical Engineering course electives that best matches the student’s interests.

Requirements and Eligible Courses

Students pursuing the Biomechanics Track are required to take a certain number of courses:

• Mechanical Engineering majors are required to take at least four eligible courses. Two among the four should be chosen from the biomechanics-oriented courses, indicated by an asterisk (*).
• Engineering Mechanics majors, in consultation with his or her academic advisor will choose a set of six elective bio-oriented courses that best matches the student’s interests.

The courses are listed in anticipated order of their next offerings. It is the department’s goal to offer enough courses in any rolling two-year period to allow students to achieve the track. Note, course offering semesters may vary due to instructor sabbaticals, curriculum changes, and unusual or unforeseen circumstances.

SPRING 2021 (confirmed) and SPRING 2023 (anticipated)

• EN.530.410 Biomechanics of the Cell*
• EN.530.441 Intro to Biophotonics*
• EN.530.469 or EN.530.669 Locomotion Mechanics: Recent Advances*
• EN.580.422 and EN.580.424 Systems Bioengineering II with lab (6 credits total, counts as two courses, Prerequisite: EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells, EN.580.222 Biomedical Systems and Controls, and AS.110.302 Differential Equations)
• EN.580.452 Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• EN.580.457 Intro to Rehabilitation Engineering: Design Lab (Biomedical Engineering)

FALL 2021 (confirmed) and FALL 2023 (anticipated)

• EN.520.495 Microfabrication Laboratory
• EN.530.443 or EN.530.643 Fundamentals, Design Principles and Applications of Microfluidic Systems
• EN.530.445 Introduction to Biomechanics*
• EN.530.448 Biosolid Mechanics*
• EN.530.468 or EN.530.668 Locomotion Mechanics: Fundamentals
• EN.530.474 Effective and Economic Design for Biomedical Instrumentation
• EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells (Recommended Course Background: AS.030.101 Introductory Chemistry and AS.030.104 Introductory Chemistry Lab. Note: EN.580.221 will not count as a technical elective of either the B.S. Mechanical Engineering or the B.S. Engineering Mechanics degrees, as it is a sophomore-level course.)
• EN.580.421 and EN.580.423 Systems Bioengineering I with lab (6 credits total, counts as two courses. Recommended Course Background: EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells, EN.580.222 Biomedical Systems and Controls, and 110.302 Differential Equations)
• (Fall 2021 only) EN.580.451 Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory

EN.580.456 Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering (prerequisites EN.580.421 and EN.580.422 Systems Bioengineering I/II – which both have recommended pre-requisites and co-requisites)

SPRING 2022 and SPRING 2024 (anticipated)

• EN.530.410 Biomechanics of the Cell*
• EN.530.426 Biofluid Mechanics*
• EN.530.441 Introduction to Biophotonics*
• EN.530.469 or EN.530.669 Locomotion Mechanics: Recent Advances*
• EN.530.672 Biosensing and BioMEMS*
• EN.580.422 and EN.580.424 Systems Bioengineering II with lab (6 credits total, counts as two courses, Prerequisite: EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells, EN.580.222 Biomedical Systems and Controls, and AS.110.302 Differential Equations)
• EN.580.452 Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• EN.580.457 Intro to Rehabilitation Engineering: Design Lab (Biomedical Engineering)

FALL 2021 (confirmed) and FALL 2023 (anticipated)

• EN.520.495 Microfabrication Laboratory
• EN.530.443 or EN.530.643 Fundamentals, Design Principles and Applications of Microfluidic Systems
• EN.530.445 Introduction to Biomechanics*
• EN.530.448 Biosolid Mechanics*
• EN.530.468 or EN.530.668 Locomotion Mechanics: Fundamentals
• EN.530.474 Effective and Economic Design for Biomedical Instrumentation
• EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells (Recommended Course Background: AS.030.101 Introductory Chemistry and AS.030.104 Introductory Chemistry Lab. Note: EN.580.221 will not count as a technical elective of either the B.S. Mechanical Engineering or the B.S. Engineering Mechanics degrees, as it is a sophomore-level course.)
• EN.580.421 and EN.580.423 Systems Bioengineering I with lab (6 credits total, counts as two courses. Recommended Course Background: EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells, EN.580.222 Biomedical Systems and Controls, and 110.302 Differential Equations)
• (Fall 2021 only) EN.580.451 Cellular and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• EN.580.456 Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering (prerequisites EN.580.421 and EN.580.422 Systems Bioengineering I/II – which both have recommended pre-requisites and co-requisites)

FALL 2022 and FALL 2024 (anticipated)

• EN.520.495 Microfabrication Laboratory
• EN.530.436 or EN.530.636 Bioinspired Science and Technology
• EN.530.443 or EN.530.643 Fundamentals, Design Principles and Applications of Microfluidic Systems
• EN.530.446 Experimental Biomechanics*
• EN.530.468 or EN.530.668 Locomotion Mechanics: Fundamentals
• EN.530.473 Molecular Spectroscopy and Imaging
• EN.530.474 or EN.530.674 Effective and Economic Design for Biomedical Instrumentation
• EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells (Recommended Course Background: AS.030.101 Introductory Chemistry and AS.030.105 Introductory Chemistry Lab. Note: EN.580.221 will not count as a technical elective of either the B.S. Mechanical Engineering or the B.S. Engineering Mechanics degrees, as it is a sophomore-level course.)
• EN.580.421 and EN.580.423 Systems Bioengineering I with lab (6 credits total, counts as two courses. Prerequisite: EN.580.221 Molecules and Cells, EN.580.222 Biomedical Systems and Controls, and AS.110.302 Differential Equations)
• EN.580.451 Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory
• EN.580.456 Introduction to Rehabilitation Engineering (prerequisites EN.580.421 and EN.580.422 Systems Bioengineering I/II – which both have recommended pre-requisites and co-requisites)

Details about these courses are available in the University’s Arts and Sciences and Engnieering Course Catalog. For additional information about the track, contact Professor Jeff Wang.

Biomechanics Faculty in Mechanical Engineering

• Ishan Barman
• Stephen Belkoff
• Yun Chen
• Gregory Chirikjian
• Andrew Douglas, Vice Dean, Whiting School of Engineering
• Claire Hur
• Chen Li
• Rajat Mittal
• Vicky Nguyen
• K.T. Ramesh
• Sean Sun
• Tza-Huei (Jeff) Wang

Earn a Minor along with our degree!

With careful planning you can earn minors in a variety of specialties in both engineering and the arts and sciences. Visit the university’s Majors and Minors page to learn more.

Space Systems Engineering

Gain the technical disciplines encountered throughout the space systems development life cycle through the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals Space Systems Engineering degree. Explore topics including mission formulation, concept development, design, integration, test, and mission and space systems operations while you study part-time and learn in your own home

PROGRAM TYPE:Master’s DegreeMODE OF STUDY:Hybrid, OnlineProgram Actions

• APPLY
• REQUEST INFO
• VIEW INFO SESSION

Space Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Program

As a student in the online space systems operations degree program, you’ll learn from top subject-matter experts and practitioners from across the space community, including the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. Delve deeper into the aerospace industry and study under professors and mentors who are involved with the New Horizons Pluto mission or the new Dragonfly mission.

You will study the formal systems engineering method, first as applied to entire space missions, and then with ever-increasing technical rigor, as applied to flight and ground systems and subsystems. The program provides in-depth opportunities to dissect and analyze case studies of current topics drawn from relevant real-world programs like the use of AI and practical space systems operations. 

Additionally, unique to our program, students learn to design spacecraft, including thermal control, power, communication systems, and more. You will be prepared to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in applying the fundamental principles of systems engineering to the analysis and definition of space systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge and technical proficiency to analyze and create a concept for a space mission and an integrated design of the spacecraft that executes that mission.
• Through the use of test equipment In a laboratory environment, apply critical systems thinking skills to the demonstration and application of a hands on integration and test experience of the major subsystems of a benchtop spacecraft, to include the execution of and subsequent data analysis of a student developed and implemented test plan.
• Select technical elective courses to tailor your degree and gain the knowledge that works best for you.

Program Contacts

• Patrick BinningProgram Chair Space Systems EngineeringSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGEmail:patrick.binning@jhu.edu
• Will DevereuxProgram Manager Space Systems EngineeringSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERINGEmail:will.devereux@jhu.edu
• Anne ZylinskiProgram CoordinatorEmail:azylins1@jhu.edu

“I appreciated that I could take my entire program online. I never felt like I was somehow receiving lower quality than if I had been in the classroom. ”

Courtney McManus ’17Space Systems Engineering

Programs

We offer one program for our Space Systems Engineering degree—a Master of Science in Space Systems Engineering.MASTER’S DEGREE ADMISSIONS AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Space Systems Courses

Get details about course requirements, prerequisites, focus areas, and electives offered within the program. All courses are taught by subject-matter experts who are executing the technologies and techniques they teach. For exact dates, times, locations, fees, and instructors, please refer to the course schedule published each term.VIEW REQUIRED COURSES AND OPTIONSVIEW SPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING COURSESVIEW THE SSE STUDENT HANDBOOK

Tuition and Fees

Did you know that 78 percent of our enrolled students’ tuition is covered by employer contribution programs? Find out more about the cost of tuition for prerequisite and program courses and the Dean’s Fellowship.