collageMechanical engineers build the world around us. From the tiniest nanotechnology, through to cars and buildings, to airplanes and space stations, mechanical engineers are responsible for the design and development of most things.
Studying mechanical engineering is a combination of science, maths, and computing. It’s the study of machinery, and how to manufacture and maintain it at all levels. It’s a limitless subject, which plays a role in everything from vehicles to cities, energy to artificial intelligence, military to healthcare, and everything in between.
Mechanical engineering course entry requirements
Mechanical engineering is considered to be one of the most challenging undergraduate degrees on offer, so you won’t be surprised to hear that entry requirements can be steep. Generally, you’ll need to have a qualification in maths and/or physics. But, just as importantly, you’ll need to show good grades in whichever subjects you’re studying.
Other subjects that will support an application for mechanical engineering include further maths, design technology, computing, product design, and the other sciences. When it comes to your skills and extracurricular activities, universities will be looking for practicality, attention to detail, proficiency with technology, computing, and numeracy.What you will need to do
- Apply by 26 January
- Attend an interview
- Show work experience
What you won’t need to do
- Submit a portfolio
- Audition for a place
Popularity of ME at Penn State University Park
During the 2018-2019 academic year, Pennsylvania State University – University Park handed out 351 bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering. Due to this, the school was ranked #8 out of all colleges and universities that offer this degree. This is a decrease of 28% over the previous year when 490 degrees were handed out.
In 2019, 38 students received their master’s degree in ME from Penn State University Park. This makes it the #63 most popular school for ME master’s degree candidates in the country.
In addition, 23 students received their doctoral degrees in ME in 2019, making the school the #15 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.
Can I still apply if I don’t have good grades in maths and physics?
Each university has its own entry requirements. Maths and physics are generally the most important subjects for mechanical engineering, but many students manage to get on a course without having studied them. Showing a strong personal profile can sometimes be just as important as an academic one. Always check with the university you’re applying to.
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Mechanical Engineering Degrees Available at Penn State University Park
Penn State University Park ME Rankings
Penn State University Park was ranked #41 on College Factual’s most recent list of the best schools for ME majors. This puts the bachelor’s program at the school solidly in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the country. It is also ranked #3 in Pennsylvania.
Why study mechanical engineering at university?
Mechanical engineering is the broadest of the engineering subjects, giving you an insight into the others, and giving you the most wide-ranging career options. When you combine this with the fact that mechanical engineers are in demand in almost every sector, play your cards right and you may end up as one of the most employable graduates around.
If you’re looking for a future-proof skill, then remember that mechanical engineers are heavily involved in automation, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. The rapid development of technology also means that studying mechanical engineering is never going to be boring. You’ll be among the first to test emerging techniques and technologies, and much of your study will be practical and hands-on.
Some modules you may study are:
- Structural materials
- Engineering concepts
- Solid mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Thermofluids
- Biomedical and bioengineering
- Electromechanicals
- Systems modelling
Even if you don’t decide to stay in engineering, the transferable skills you master will set you up for careers in a wide range of sectors.
What kind of work experience should I be able to show?
It’s unlikely you’ll have much experience with mechanical engineering at 17 or 18. Universities will be looking for personal or professional experience in something related – working with cars, or in maintenance, or something technical. Universities are looking for commitment to the type of skills an engineer has, not just engineering itself.
Entry requirements
A levels – Entry requirements range from CCC to A*AA, with the universities and colleges most commonly asking for AAB.
Scottish Highers – Entry requirements for Highers (the most common qualification) range from ABBB to AAAAB, with universities or colleges most frequently requiring AABBB. Occasionally, universities ask for Advanced Highers to supplement Highers. If Advanced Highers are requested, universities or colleges typically ask for AA.
Vocational courses – Other Level 3/Level 6 qualifications (e.g. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma, or an SCQF Level 6) may be accepted as an alternative to A levels/Highers by some providers. It’s essential that you check alternative entry requirements with universities or colleges.
What can you do with a mechanical engineering degree?
Most mechanical engineering graduates will remain in engineering, as:
- mechanical engineer
- structural engineer
- aerospace engineer
- civil engineer
But some engineering graduates use their diverse skillset to move into other sectors, as:
- auto electrician
- transport planner
- model maker
- CNC machinist
What’s it like to study mechanical engineering?
Mechanical engineering is challenging, but that’s because it’s also rewarding. Don’t expect to be sitting in lectures and seminars for the entirety of your degree, which will generally last three or four years. During that time, you’ll be involved in lots of practical and demonstration sessions, as well as laboratory and workshop lessons. Engineering graduates are awarded a BEng, rather than the more common BA or BSc.
As the broadest of the engineering subjects, mechanical engineering gives you an overall grounding in the discipline, before allowing you to specialise from your third year onwards. You might decide to branch into aerospace, medical, structural, or robotic, by taking specific modules. To support this, some universities offer placement years which allow you to spend time in industry, with a company that relates to your passion or specialism.
While studying mechanical engineering, you’ll be:
- writing reports and essays
- attending lectures, seminars, and laboratory lessons
- going to design workshops and practical sessions
- completing group and project assignments
- completing design and computer-based assignments
Mechanical engineering requires a lot of study, theory, and practice. For some universities, this means up to 24 hours per week with tutors. For others, it means lots of self-study and, therefore. high levels of motivation. Whichever it is, you’ll be spending your time in many different environments: classrooms, laboratories, and workshops.
Are you considering an accelerated degree? Click here to read more about the possibility of completing your undergraduate course in two years rather than three.
Important Qualities
Creativity. Mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery. A creative mind is essential for this kind of work.
Listening skills. Mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists. They must listen to and analyze different approaches made by other experts to complete the task at hand.
Math skills. Mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems.
Problem-solving skills. Mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products.
Apprenticeships
If you want to combine work and study while earning a salary, you could consider an apprenticeship. Which apprenticeships are available, and how you apply, depends on where you live.
Find out more about apprenticeships across the UK.
There are approximately 90 apprenticeships in the engineering sector available in England, with more in development.
Each apprenticeship sets out occupational standards for specific job roles, designed by employers. The standards outline the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to demonstrate that an apprentice is fully competent in the job role.
Higher apprenticeships (Level 4)
- Aircraft maintenance certifying engineer
- Automation and controls engineering technician
- High speed rail & infrastructure technician
- Propulsion technician
- Rail engineering advanced technician
- Road transport engineering manager
- Vehicle damage assessor
Degree apprenticeships (Levels 5 – 7)
- Air traffic controller
- Aerospace engineer (degree)
- Aerospace software development engineer (degree)
- Control/technical support engineer (degree)
- Electrical/electronic technical support engineer (degree)
- Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree)
- Electronic systems principal engineer
- Manufacturing engineer (degree)
- Manufacturing manager (degree)
- Materials process engineer (degree)
- Process automation engineer (degree)
- Product design and development engineer (non-integrated degree)
- Project manager (degree)
- Rail & rail systems engineer
- Rail & rail systems principal engineer (degree)
- Rail & rail systems senior engineer (degree)
- Systems engineer (degree)
- Through life engineering services specialist
Mechanical Engineering (ME_BS)
Important Dates
Applications and complete credentials for fall semester must be received by July 1, for spring semester by December 1, and for summer session by May 1. Applicants with 3 semesters of college course work will not be considered for spring admission.
Program Transfer Requirements:
Campus Options:
(Start at any campus and Finish: University Park)
Major Requirements:
No transfer admission at University Park. Applicants who have less than one year (2 or less academic semesters) of attempted college coursework may apply for admission to the College of Engineering pre-major status (ENGR) at a campus other than University Park. Direct transfer equivalency to PSU course Math 140 (4 credits of college calculus with analytic geometry) and a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required for consideration.
General Requirements
Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements listed below may apply for admission to the College of Engineering at Penn State University Park.
All College of Engineering majors require the successful completion of a 4 credit college calculus course for transfer consideration.
Applicants who have or will have completed no more than two full time semesters may apply for admission to the College of Engineering pre-major status (ENGR) at a campus other than University Park. Students in this category typically have one year to complete entrance-to-major coursework to qualify for entrance into a College of Engineering major at University Park.
College Graduate requirements:
Applicants who hold a baccalaureate degree in any major typically will not be admitted to a baccalaureate degree program.
Related Programs
Penn State offers a variety options for students interested in Engineering and Engineering related fields.
Explore Engineering related majors
Tuition Advisory
Please be advised that a student’s tuition will increase when the Penn State transcript reflects 59.1 cumulative credits. Credits earned from tests, like AP or IB exams, are considered transfer credits and are included in the cumulative credit total. If the credits you are transferring or have transferred to Penn State place you above 59.1 cumulative credits after the start of the semester, your tuition will increase immediately. You will receive a bill for the additional tuition on the first day of the following month. For more information, visit the Office of the Bursar’s websiteTransfer Eligibility Information
Rankings
| Academic Program | Undergraduate (2022) | Graduate (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering | 17 | 15 |
| Architectural Engineering | Δ | Δ |
| Biological / Agricultural Engineering | 6 | 11 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 27 | 38 |
| Chemical Engineering | 20 | 22 |
| Civil Engineering | 13 | 20 |
| Computer Engineering | 25 | 22 |
| Computer Science | Δ | 291 |
| Electrical Engineering | 20 | 31 |
| Engineering Science and Mechanics | Δ | Δ |
| Environmental Engineering | † | 22 |
| Industrial Engineering | 6 | 11 |
| Materials Engineering | 10 | 11 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 15 | 15 |
| Nuclear Engineering | Δ | 10 |
| Engineering Program Overall Ranking | 21 | 33 |
Δ U.S. News & World Report does not rank this program.
† Penn State does not offer an undergraduate degree in environmental engineering.
1U.S. News & World Report only ranks this program every four years; last ranked in 2014.
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